Chaparral Vortex 243 VRX

Chaparral says the new 243 VRX jet is one of the finest sport boats the company has introduced in its 50-year history.

Chaparral says the new 243 VRX jet is one of the finest sport boats the company has introduced in its 50-year history.

It only takes one look to see why. Its sweeping design and integral rear swim platform with rear-facing seating promise fun in the sun, while the boat’s inviting, open layout and plush upholstery entice one to step aboard. Take a seat, push the throttle down and feel the power as twin 200- or 250-hp Rotax 4-TEC ECT engine options put a smile on your face. This boat is made for enjoying the water, with an emphasis on family fun.

“The addition of the Aerial Surf Platform option on the VRX model creates the ultimate wake for wake surfing,” says Chaparral marketing director Martin Rusin. “Coupling Chaparral design and quality with a reliable and proven jet technology in the Rotax powerplant makes a great combination for boaters on the Great Lakes.”

The 243 VRX has a lot of interior space and makes the most of it, with seating for 12 and a mountain of storage space to keep everything tidy. Wraparound lounge seats in the cockpit are broken only by a transom pass-through, allowing easy access to the stern, while the copilot gets an adjustable back cushion that can be set as forward- or rear-facing. There’s even an enclosed head compartment for additional comfort on extended cruises. Overhead, a standard black or white folding arch tower and Bimini top add the perfect high performance accent.

There’s additional seating in the bow with far more space than one might expect from a boat this size. An anchor compartment keeps the hook under control and houses a convenient ladder that makes re-entry from the beach super easy. The forward bow cushion can also be removed to create a huge non-skid step during high traffic boarding, making it safer and easier to hop aboard.

With twin jet power and 500 ponies waiting in the engine room, this boat can move. The helm seat is comfortable, the wheel is perfect and the dash panel keeps all the important information easily visible. Select the optional 7-inch Medallion color touch-screen panel for the ultimate in convenience — it even includes an integral GPS.