Would have tried in a Chap thread but there isn't one
Have a 2023 Chap 280 OSX and need to get behind the helm so I can install a 1st Mate man overboard system

I like the Chap but sure miss Formula quality and ease of acess

Unable to figure out how the top comes off. Figuring it has got to come off because all panels have nuts on the back side holding panels in place. Removed breaker panel to gain more access and head panel and still nothing shows how to remove. The top panel does move when pushed and pulled but have not yet figured it out

I would try and maybe take one of the cup holders out and stick your phone in there set to video recording and move it around to try and get an idea of how its all put together. Unless there's a kick plate at the bottom somewhere or one of those panels is held in with some sort of X-mas tree, Id be guessing they assembled the whole dash s a complete unit and bolted it on from behind somehow.
I give design engineers all the credit int he world for stuffing 10lbs of crap into a 3lb bag....but these guys never have to actually work on these things and have no clue whats involved to take things apart to get to the smallest stupid things!

Give Chapparal a call...they should be able to help.

I'm thinking you can remove a few of the interior pieces in the bow area in front of the helm. There is likely to be a large cutout to access behind the helm. Or from underneath the dash?

We see that in the construction industry all the time.

Might be a silly suggestion but is there anyway to take the seat back out on the other side of the helm to access it that way? Not sure of the configuration of your boat but I've seen that before.

The bulkhead is also the head wall. Only about 2 inch spacing between bottom of dash and bulkhead so no way to reach behind it.

Called Chap and they say to remove the Vessel View bezel, the remove 4 retaining screws holding VV. Once VV is removed I'll have access to bolts holding top.

Sure miss Formula design, compared to Chap that is

Doesn't sound too bad. Nice helm BTW.