When Canadian Boating Magazine puts a boat through its paces, the industry pays attention, and their recent Power Review of the Chaparral 26 Surf confirms exactly why this model has become one of the most talked-about boats on Okanagan Lake. In the review, author Mathew Channer explores a question many boaters ask: can one boat really excel as both a premium surf machine and a luxury day bowrider?
After extensive on-water testing with the Dockside Marine team in Kelowna, the answer was a resounding yes. From first impressions on the showroom floor to three hours of real world testing in mixed conditions, the Chaparral 26 Surf impressed with its spacious layout, refined finishes, and serious surf technology. Highlights included the massive swim platform with Infinity Power Step, a thoughtfully designed cockpit and bow for social cruising, a surprisingly spacious enclosed head, and premium touches like Snap-in SeaDek flooring, JL Audio, ambient lighting, and stainless hardware throughout. On the performance side, the Malibu Surf Gates, 1,080 lbs of ballast, forward-facing prop, and EFX Surf Tower delivered effortless, customizable surf wakes without sacrificing ride comfort, thanks to Chaparral’s deep 22-degree deadrise hull. Even in 15-knot winds and nearly two feet of chop, the boat remained smooth, controlled, and confidence-inspiring, reaching speeds of 42 mph when unloaded.
As Channer concludes, the Chaparral 26 Surf isn’t a compromise, it’s a true hybrid done right, combining luxury, innovation, and performance in one exceptional package. At Dockside Marine, we’re proud to see this model earn national recognition and even prouder to offer Okanagan boaters a boat that genuinely does it all.
