Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2013 vs Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2013 is a deep-V design and the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 has a 100-hp advantage over the Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2013's 220-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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 carries 143 gallons versus 25 gallons in the Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2013. 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 18 Ski & Fish 2013 with its 220-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model18 Ski & Fish
Model280 SSi Sportboat
Model Year2013
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)
Beam9 ft. 3 in. (2.82 m)
Beam - Meters2.29
Beam - Meters2.82
Beam - Inches90
Beam - Inches111
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 6 in. (1.37 m) 7 ft. 4 in. (2.23 m) with arch tower
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 1 in. (2.46 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 10 in. (1.78 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.24
Bridge clearance - Meters2.46
Bridge clearance - Inches88
Bridge clearance - Inches97
Deadrise18°
Deadrise22℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in. (33 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.33
Draft [drive up] meters0.53
Draft [drive up] inches13
Draft [drive up] inches21
Draft [max] - Detail31 in. (79 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.79
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches31
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail2,420 lbs. (1,098 kg)
Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)
Weight - kg1097.69
Weight - kg3084.43
Weight - lbs.2420
Weight - lbs.6800
Length - Feet18.33
Length - Feetnot available
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 4 in. (5.59 m)
Length overall - Detail27 ft. 6 in. (8.31 m)
Length overall - Meters5.59
Length overall - Meters8.38
Length overall - Inches220
Length overall - Inches330
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine makeMercury
Engine makenot available
Engine model3.0L MPI (Catalyst) Alpha
Engine modelnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail143 gal. (541 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64
Fuel tank capacity - Liters541.31
Fuel tank capacity - Gal25
Fuel tank capacity - Gal143
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Drive typenot available
Horsepower135 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine max220 hp (164 kW)
Engine maxTwin 320 hp (Twin 239 kw)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standard375 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,160 lbs.
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people8
Maximum peopleYacht Certified
Headnot available
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail9.5 gal. (36 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal9.5