Chaparral Infinity Power Step Review

Chaparral has always been an industry leader and has been the number one selling boat in the USA for nearly 10 years now.  They currently offer boats ranging from 19’ – 34’ and many of these models lead the industry in sales for that segment.  Chaparral offers several different series/trim levels of boats, but the ultra-luxurious SSX models stand out from the pack.  These boats range from 24’ – 34’ and pack some of the best designs and most innovative features found in the industry into these models.  These boats have all the “bells and whistles” and really do check all the boxes for the buyer in this segment.  Going into 2019 however, there was one feature a few other manufacturers offered that Chaparral had not yet introduced.  This feature is a fold-down step on the rear swim platform.  All of that changed in 2019 with the introduction of the game-changing Infinity Power Step.

The Competition

As mentioned above, a few other manufacturers were offering fold-down steps on their boats prior to 2019.  Most of these boats incorporated a version of a platform that could be flipped over and folded down into the water off the rear platform of the boat.  These platforms were responsible for a significant number of boat sales as people really loved this idea.  This fold-down step would allow the boater to sit in the water and climb up and down for boarding purposes.  Chaparral recognized the popularity of this feature, but also noticed some downsides to the current designs that could be improved upon.

One of the challenges with operating the existing steps is that they were all manually operated.  You would have to get down on your knees to pull the pin to release the step and drop it down on the water.  This wasn’t as big of an issue as retracting it though.  To fold it back up, one would have to essentially lay down on your belly to reach the step down in the water and pull it up while bringing yourself up to a kneeling position and lock it to be able to drive the boat again (it can’t be left in the water during operation).  This might not be too difficult for younger boaters, but for older folks or people with physical restrictions, this could be quite challenging.

Another issue with the current steps is they don’t reach into the water very far.  Depending on the make and model, some of these steps only sat a few inches into the water.  This is fine to use as a seat, but certainly not too beneficial for boarding the boat.  This would require you to do a variation of a pullup movement to pull yourself onto the step to use it to get back into the boat.

Enter the Infinity Power Step

In 2019, Chaparral shocked the boating world with the introduction of the Infinity Power Step.  The patented Infinity Power Step was unlike anything in the entire industry and fixed all the problems with the existing steps.  Let’s take a look at the design.

The Infinity Power Step is, as the name suggests, a power step rather than manually operated.  It is controlled by a switch near the rear swim platform.  The user presses one button to power up the step.  This actually kills all power to the engine at the same time for safety purposes.  Once the power is switched to the step, pressing the second button will lower the steps down into the water while also lowering the outdrive to keep that away from anyone that might be getting into the water, also for safety purposes.  To retract the steps, you press the button a second time which will fold the steps back up into the swim platform.  No more getting down on your belly for this step.  Check out the video below to see the Infinity Power Step in action!

The obvious design difference on Chaparral’s Infinity Power Step compared to the competition is the fact that there are two full steps verses one on competitors designs.  This sits much lower into the water for boarding purposes.  It is comparable to the stairs for walking up out of a pool.  You just swim up to the bottom step and naturally step up and walk up out of the water.  For lounging purposes, it positions the user much lower into the water rather than just a few inches.  It is also not open on the backside of each level but rather has padded backrests which makes this seat much more comfortable.  You can sit on the top step and place your feet on the second step, or sit on the bottom step and let your feet dangle in the water.  The end user experience on the Infinity Power Step compared to competitors designs presents a night and day difference.

The Infinity Power Step is powered by two motors (one on each side) which are synchronized to operate at with the exact same timing and speed to keep things running smoothly.  Each face of the step is covered with SeaDek flooring which is a soft, foam-like material that is comfortable to step or sit on and is not slick.

Which Models is the Infinity Power Step offered on?

As of writing of this article, Chaparral offers the Infinity Power Step on 4 models (and their variations).  These models are all the newest generation of SSX models which include the 247 SSX, 267 SSX, 287 SSX & 307 SSX.  It is also offered on the corresponding Surf models of each boat.

Chaparral Infinity Power Step Summary

We think you will agree that Chaparral’s Infinity Power Step is a superior design in just about every way possible.  It is easy to operate, and it is much more functional for the end user.  We can say here at Yachts to Sea that this feature alone has sold many boats whose buyers might have considered another brand before this was available just to get some form of a step.  This feature is an absolute game changer and if you are in the market for a luxury bowrider in this size range, we think you will love the new Chaparral SSX models with the Infinity Power Step.

If you would like to take a look at our Current Chaparral Inventory, click here.