Robalo R227 Dual Console Review

Meridian 341 Review

Fairline Squadron 55 Review

As we found out

in our review, the

Robalo R227 Dual

Console offers

excellent

performance in an

attractive package

and at a reasonable

price for a sport fishing boat. Read More

In our review of

the Meridian 341

we found out this

smaller size model

and a handful of

refinements make

this "baby"

Meridian the best

all-round family flybridge cruiser. If you're moving up to a flybridge yacht, you owe yourself a sea trial with the new revolutionary Total Command System.

In our review of

the new Fairline

Squadron 55, we

found out that this

yacht is worth it's

asking price

because it’s an

investment that will

pay you back for years to come. Read More to find out why

Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser

The 310 Signature sports a unique and striking look and excellent

use of cabin space.

For the past few model years, Chaparral’s engineers have been developing their WideTech line of speedboats, capitalizing on forward space provided by proud chines married to a tri-point look at the bow. Already strong in the express cruiser lineup, Chaparral needed to fill just one gap in its lineup to complete its catalog of sporty and luxurious cruisers. Enter the 310 Signature, with that remarkable WideTech look.

On test day, we had models on board for photography and our wind-swept open water was overcast with choppy waters. These were not the conditions for forcing 35 knots photo runs, yet we did them, and everyone enjoyed with a comfortable though athletic ride while it smiled for the camera. That revealed more than a chart of GPS numbers and fuel flow statistics could. The 310 is built to cruise comfortably, capably and with the guts to handle crummy waters.

For operating convenience, the helm is

equipped with smoothly operating

digital throttle and shift and is complete

with digital instruments that give fuel-

flow information to help manage the

boat’s efficient cruise speed. Getting it

cranked up is easy too, because

Chaparral put the battery switches and

distribution panel in the same place —

conveniently located as you enter the

cabin — meaning you don’t have to

climb into the bilge or open a storage

locker to “wake up the boat.”

Convenience of ownership was further

addressed by offering good access to

the engines — you could easily reach around to the spark plugs and oil filters of both. Sea strainers are comfortably reachable, even for the sound shield enclosed genset. Accessing the engine compartment itself is eased by way of a power lift, a necessity on cruising boats that enjoy the benefits of lounge components and hatches molded into a single unit to optimize cockpit utility and maintenance access.

Live-aboard convenience is nicely seasoned with luxury, both in the cockpit and the cabin below. Aft cockpit seating is ample. Like us, you’ll be impressed by the “power slide” aft lounge that lies flat as a sunning station at the touch of an electric switch. Chaparral offer a stanchionmount Grill arrangement and dedicated storage at the transom — convenient at dinnertime and less obtrusive when cruising, not cooking. The cabin entrance is via a molded sliding door with sliding screen. Steps to the cabin sole are easy to navigate due to their size and the placement of rails. The steps, of fine hardwood, add still another touch of elegance to the cabin. Complementary wood tones are found throughout in the high-gloss dinette table and galley cabinetry. The cabin sole is covered in teak and holly, it is natural-looking, warm and inviting.

There is an aft cabin, as in most cruisers

this size, but its first function is to enjoy

DVDs on the 20-inch flat-panel TV while

reclining in the conversation-pit seats.

A privacy curtain closes off the room for

sleeping after the flick.

Natural lighting below is bright from the

screened deck hatch and four large port

lights. Gaining the foredeck is easy thanks

to molded-in steps from the cockpit and a

sturdy stainless-steel handrail. I stepped

up with one hand to the rail and the other

swinging back the hard-top hatch, which

stays in place on gas struts. Footing is

solid and secure, and walkways to the

cleats are wider than in many cruisers,

something experienced and nonexperienced crews alike will appreciate.

In the market of 31-foot cruisers, the 310 Signature sports a unique and striking look and excellent use of cabin space, and it offers a quality boating experience for the buck and a lifetime warranty backed by a solid company here in Singapore.

For shopping leads, the Chaparral’s base price of S$250,000 (excl. freight & GST) includes twin 260 hp MerCruiser MPI and Duoprop drives and the hardtop is standard. Genset, aircon, full galley set-up, the stunning electric sunning pad aft and GPS are all inclusive in this incredible price. Give a call to SGBoating and ask about their special promotion going on for this particular boat - Tel: 9119 1872

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More Editorial Reviews

Robalo R260 Centre-Console

Stepping aboard a

Robalo is like

meeting an old

friend. It’s a

respected and

admired name in

fibreglass fishing

boats, originating

in 1968. The company has passed through multiple owners since its founding. Since 2001, when Chaparral purchased Robalo and moved production to Georgia, the styling and standard features list has continue to evolve with dramatic leaps forward.