Chaparral Vortex 203 VRX Review

With its long history of building well-made, capable family boats that neatly blended stern drive performance with above-average creature comforts, Chaparral raised a lot of eyebrows when the company first announced it was entering the jet boat market.

“We like to say we’re not building a jet boat, we’re building a Chaparral with jet power,” said Jim Lane, Chaparral president. “We looked at what was available in this market and asked, great, but how do we make this a Chaparral?”

The short answer is, they upped the ante on every level, starting with the power. Chaparral contracted BRP to supply its supercharged, 250 hp Rotax engine and put it in an all-new sport hull design. The result – the jet-powered Vortex 203 VRX – is an appealing runabout that neatly merges the spirited performance BRP is known for with the upscale creature comforts that define the Chaparral nameplate.

The wide beam of the Vortex 203 VRX allows a particularly spacious bow, with both rear-facing and forward-facing seating options and plenty of storage space in the seat bases.

With its distinctive folding arch tower with ski mirror and eye-catching graphics, the Vortex 203 VRX boasts a long list of standard features including a premium stereo, in-floor ski storage, a full wraparound walk-thru windshield, bow seating with a full wrap-around backrest, bow anchor locker, snap-in carpet, and a color-coordinated Bimini top.

The standard cockpit seating is a U-shaped lounge that with the port seat and the Captain’s helm, provides unmatched versatility.

The standard cockpit seating is a U-shaped lounge, which includes Chaparral’s innovative Oasis port-side multi-function seat that transforms from a forward-facing companion seat to a large flat sun pad, or a rear-facing observer seat with the passenger console as a backrest. A large storage locker located in the passenger console keeps bulky items securely stowed, yet conveniently close at hand.

A convenient glove box provides secure storage for personal items, while protecting the stereo control head from the elements.

The driver enjoys a stylish bucket seat with flip-up bolster on a swiveling, sliding base while a hand-stitched vinyl finish on the dash speaks to this boat’s upscale appointments. The helm console also boasts abundant storage space in its base.

The integrated swim platform features a non-slip top, a stainless three-step telescoping boarding ladder, a ski tow ring, pop-up cleats and a thoughtful grab rail.

One advantage of a jet drive is that the compact engine really opens up the stern, and this is evident in the Vortex’s aft-facing transom seats, which offer generous storage beneath and a spacious, non-skid walk-through between.

Built with water sports firmly in mind, the Vortex 203 VRX includes a neatly integrated swim platform with a non-slip top. It neatly conceals a stainless three-step telescoping boarding ladder to starboard, while pop-up cleats thoughtfully eliminate any chance of stubbed toes.

The Vortex 203 VRX fits a lot of boat into its 20-foot, three-inch performance hull. With that supercharged, 250 hp Rotax pushing it to speeds in the mid-40 mph range, this is one pocket rocket that’s sure to please.

Chaparral Vortex 203 VRX Specifications

• Length: 20′ 3″
• Beam: 8′
• Draft: 13″
• Dry weight: 2,500 lbs
• Fuel Capacity: 35 gal.
• Base Power: 250 hp Rotax 1.5L Single Supercharged Jet
• Complete Specs