270 slx or Chaparral 276ssx

[paulswagelock]

Debating replacing my cruiser with a large sport boat, open bow.

I like the slx 270 and Chaps 276. I have been on the 276 many times and it rides like a big boat, which is what I want. The 270 is the same length and width, but 700 pounds lighter. I assume this is a difference in freeboard plus other things.

Question- does the 270 sit fairly high out of the water and ride big, or sit low slung in the water and sportier?

 

[Shortcut]

I Think you mean the Chaparral 277

 

[highslice]

Friend of mine had a 276. It rides fine, but no better than our 270. It is 6" longer, but other than that I couldn't find a reason it weighed 700 pounds more. However, performance wise it acts like it weighs 700 pounds more. The 270 SLX is much quicker out of the hole, and handles like a sports car. The 276 handles like a heavy mini van. The 276 has a starboard walk through as opposed to the center walk through on the 270. Both fine boats.

 

[spfortjohn]

The Chaparral is a true self bailing boat. If you are keeping in a slip that will make a difference. That is the one thing I did not like about my 260 Sundeck. Water in the bilge all the time. Other then that I think they are both fine boats.

 

[paulswagelock]

Good analogy on the performance and handling. I want a big, dry ride, but not minivan characteristics. Sounds like the 270 can deliver what I want.

Most info I find shows they run about 50 mph with a clean bottom, and holeshot is very strong, is this correct?

Do the covers leak by that your bilge was always wet? Never had that problem with my other boats.