Campion Chase 530 OB Review

For more than 40 years Kelowna, British Columbia-based Campion Marine has ranked as Canada’s largest manufacturer of fiberglass boats. With a comprehensive lineup spanning 37 models and 48 variations, Campion has developed a substantial following of happy customers – not just across Canada, but in more than 30 countries all around the world.

But from its full lineup of cruisers, runabouts and fishing boats, it is the high performance Chase series that consistently ranks among Campion’s best-sellers. Available in both outboard and stern-drive models, the playful Chase series offers many of the luxurious amenities of Campion’s top-end Allante line, but in a sportier package with the emphasis on snappy handling and spirited acceleration. Perhaps no model better exemplifies this balance of luxury and performance like the Chase 530 OB.

Designed to seat seven and accommodate outboards to 150 horsepower, the Chase 530 OB packs a lot of boat into its 17-foot, 10-inch frame. Built on the company’s proven Apex hull design, the Chase is built by hand using three-dimensional woven fibreglass that’s reinforced with Kevlar, a composite stringer grid and floor, and a fully composite transom. This tank-like construction accomplishes two very desirable things – replacing wood with composites eliminates any chance of rot, while simultaneously providing greater hull rigidity for improved handling. And the hull graphics are embedded right into the gelcoat, so that most minor scratches and dock rash can be easily buffed out.

The main cockpit features a flowing, wrap-around U-shaped lounge that neatly integrates a pair of stereo speakers in the transom backrest.

The main cockpit features a flowing, wrap-around U-shaped lounge that neatly integrates a pair of stereo speakers in the transom backrest. Two more speakers rest in the sidewalls just ahead of the seats, along with stainless steel grab rails for extra security. With four integrated beverage holders, this is a versatile arrangement that allows a variety of seating options – especially if you add the available rear lounge filler cushion. Large storage lockers concealed in the seat bases keep safety gear, picnic baskets and other essentials safely stowed but close at hand.

Campion’s attention to detail is evident in the passenger console, with abundant convenient storage, exemplary upholstery work and thoughtful touches like a stainless steel grab handle.

The driver and companion ride on ergonomic bucket seats with slider suspension bases and integral flip-up bolsters. As part of an ongoing commitment to use the most environmentally-friendly materials possible in its boat construction, the seats in all Campion boats use soy-based foam cushions, which offer just the right balance between comfort and support. The neat and precise stitching in the upholstery attests to Campion’s quality construction and overall attention to detail.

A large in-floor ski locker located along the cockpit centerline accommodates bulky gear like water skis and wakeboards with ease. Additional storage in the gunnel sidewalls accommodated smaller items like sunscreen and insect repellant.

The elegant elm is cleanly designed, with gauges positioned where they’re easily viewed regardless of how the helm seat is positioned.

Befitting a performance boat, the helm console features full instrumentation and a comfortable, padded chrome-on-black sport steering wheel. A knee-level beverage holder for the driver, and carpeted foot rest, are thoughtful touches. There’s a similar beverage holder for the passenger against the port gunnel, plus a stainless steel grab rail on the console. A large glove box atop the passenger console keeps personal items like cell phones secure.

There’s a surprising amount of space in the bow, with room for two adults to stretch out. Or pop in the available filler cushion and turn this space into a large sun pad.

In spite of its aggressively raked bow, the bow seating is surprisingly spacious. Wrap-around coaming and thoughtfully-positioned stainless steel grab rails make this a great spot to stretch out and enjoy the ride. Or pop in the available bow filler cushion to convert the space into a large continuous sunpad.

With its Apex hull and 150 ponies n the transom, Campion’s Chase 530 OB accelerates like a rocket and achieves top speeds in excess of 50 mph.

While designed to deliver a thrilling ride, the Chase 530 OB doesn’t give up anything in the way of family-friendly versatility. Out back, an integrated swim platform with a three-step retractable boarding ladder, a convenient stainless steel grab rail and a stainless steel ski pylon speak to its playful side. Retractable cleats – also stainless steel – are also family-friendly, retracting into the hull when not in use to avoid accidentally stubbing wayward toes or fingers. They also help maintain the boat’s smooth, flowing lines.

Thanks to its Apex hull design, the Chase 530 OB doesn’t need maximum power to deliver exhilarating performance. But many buyers will choose the 150 regardless, to simply take fullest advantage of everything this boat has to offer. Our review boat was rigged with Mercury’s all-new 150 horsepower four-stroke, which is built on a new lightweight, inline four-cylinder block. Weighing a svelte 455 pounds, the new Merc is among the lightest and most compact 150 four-strokes on the market. But don’t let its trim dimensions fool you – this muscular monster churns out enough low-end grunt to blast the Chase 530 out of the hole instantaneously and up to 20 mph in just over five seconds. Keep the throttle down and you’ll soon see the speedometer reach 50 mph.

A retracting three-step boarding ladder and stainless courtesy handle are appreciates by swimmers and skiers alike.

It doesn’t take long behind the wheel to appreciate why Campion Marine’s brilliant Chase 530 OB has made such a splash. If your idea of boating includes feeling the need for speed, this is one runabout that’s guaranteed to please.

Campion Chase 530 OB

Length: 19’ 8”
Beam: 7’ 8”
Dry weight: 1,672 lbs.
Fuel capacity: 87L
Passenger capacity: 7
Maximum power: 150 hp
For more information:
www.campionboats.com