Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2012 vs Chaparral Boats SSX 276 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2012 vs Chaparral Boats SSX 276 2010 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 430 hp, the Chaparral Boats SSX 276 2010 has a 295-hp advantage over the Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2012's 135-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral Boats SSX 276 2010 carries 105 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Bottom line: The Chaparral Boats SSX 276 2010 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2012 at 18,3 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
Makenot available
Model18 Ski & Fish
Modelnot available
Model Year2012
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches9
Beam - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.22 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 6 in. (1.37 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.21
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches87
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Deadrise18°
Deadrisenot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in. (33 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.33
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches13
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Weight - Detail2,420 lbs. (1,098 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg1097.69
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.242
Weight - lbs.not available
Length - Feet18.33
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in. (5.59 m)
Length overall - Detail29.00 ft
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters8.84
Length overall - Inches22
Length overall - Inches348
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makemercruiser
Engine model3.0L MPI (Catalyst) Alpha
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeinboard
Horsepower135 hp
Horsepower430 hp
Engine max135 hp (101 kW)
Engine maxnot available
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,060 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peoplenot available
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity14
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower