The newest member of Chaparral's Xtreme team of wakeboard-ready runabouts comes ready to ride with an out-of-the- box package that guarantees you won't fly under the radar on your home waters.
Unique Factor
Where do we start? How about the optional electronically operated hinges on the fold-down wakeboard tower? Like the standard tower, it's extremely tall to help create more leverage for bigger air and, stylistically, matches well with the artfully sculpted windshield. Ever see standard ballast tanks on a sterndrive? Neither have we. Although only 11 gallons each, these forward tanks help shape and increase the size of the launch ramp for those going “scareborne.” Xtreme styling is another attribute that grabs you, with 3-D logos splatted on the side and a Cingular-esque X emblazoned on the stern sunpad. This versatile 'pad has a flip-up section on the starboard side to allow entry into the cockpit and also props up to form a chaise lounge for sunning in between sets.
Performance
The engineers at Chaparral have determined that the 5.0L V-8 is the perfect engine for the 204 Xtreme and have made it the only platform available. Our test boat is equipped with the 260 hp MerCruiser MPI, but if wake surfing is in the picture, you can choose the catalyst option that comes with a fairly steep $3kplus upcharge, but vastly reduces carbon monoxide and other nasties. The same choices are available for the 270 hp Volvo Penta duo of 5.0L sterndrives. We can't criticize the folks at Chaparral on their choice of power; the X204 performs excellently. The twin-prop Bravo 3 outdrive helped us get on plane in 3.5 seconds without excessive bowrise. Time to 30 mph was a quick 7.3 seconds and despite our large, shade-giving Bimini top on the sport arch, we reached a 52 mph top speed.
The X204 was a little louder than most sterndrive boats in this class, measuring 65 dBA at idle, 88 dBA at 28 mph and 95 dBA at wide-open throttle. It's possible that some sound could be leaking through the six stainless steel air vents on the sides, despite the engine being surrounded by dams on either side in the motor's compartment.
Handling
This is the smallest member of the Xtreme line at 20 feet, 6 inches long and it weighs 3,550 pounds, which is a pleasing amount of heft for a boat that has an 8-foot, 4-inch beam. The Extended V-Plane Wide Tech Hull is reinforced with Kevlar for strength and sports a just-right 18 degrees of deadrise, which helped create a respectable wake at 20 mph and should give it a smooth ride in chop (our test lake was flatter than an Iowa parking lot).
Dillon Donnelly
Dillon Donnelly
Sitting behind the unusual, but ergonomically correct sport wheel that has a truncated bottom, we were able to crank the 204 Xtreme in turns all the way to its stops without protest. At higher cruising speeds it runs very level and doesn't like, or need, a lot of trim. You know when you've over-cooked it by the sound of ventilation.
Those who like to hang out on the hook should use a bridle for the anchor line to create an even pull, since the two bow cleats are on each tine of the pickle-fork bow and are spread wider than a lying fisherman's arms.
Best Uses
The 204 Xtreme is one of the most versatile sportboats afloat, with the ability to do most anything a boat of its size can handle. As a ski boat, it excels with features such as the centerline ski locker that flips open toward the bow and stays open thanks to the hydraulic dams. At slower speeds from 16–22 mph, the wake is large enough for all but the pickiest wakeboard pro, and it's flat enough at 30 mph for slalomers. Although this Chaparral doesn't have the swim platform lounge seat like its bigger bros, the sunpad allows skiers to boot up while sitting with feet planted on the nonskid sculpted swim platform. There's a stout boarding ladder, but the only thing to hoist yourself up with is a rung at the top of the ladder, which is OK for lithe young'uns, but a little less friendly for AARPers.
One thing is certain: You will never be dehydrated on this boat with a 25-quart carry-on Igloo cooler under the tilt-up stern sunpad that resides in a form-fitting receiver. And there's another cooler in the bow area under the walkup to the bow boarding ladder. There's plenty of storage here, but the seat bottoms must be fully removed for access since they are sans hinges. Bowrider seats are comfortable and offer chaise lounge seating when facing forward. With an L-lounge in the cockpit, there's plenty of seating for its rating of 10 people.
Preferred Setup
You get a remarkably well-equipped off-the-rack boat that has a base MSRP of $48,867 with the 270 hp 5.0L Volvo Penta GXi, with features such as tilt steering, a pair of captain's buckets with flip-up bolsters, a Sirius-ready Clarion CD, an MP3 stereo, a wakeboard tower with racks and dual forward ballast tanks to name a few.
To take the Xtreme to its extreme, you'll need add-ons such as the optional, electronically hinging tower and the stereo upgrade that includes a subwoofer and twin tower speakers. Upscale touches are available as a Premium Package and include eight pop-up logo cleats, a stainless steel scuff plate and recessed docking lights. Serious skiers will definitely choose the PerfectPass cruise control system that takes the monkey off the driver's back when it comes to keeping a steady pull, especially at barely on-plane wakeboard speeds.