Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004
2004
View full specs →
VS
Chaparral Signature 350  2009 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Signature 350 2009
2009
View full specs →

Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2009 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 are modified vee designs with composite construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 has a 120-hp advantage over the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004's 255-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 21 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 with its 255-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model180 SSi Sportboat
ModelSignature 35
Model Year2004
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam7 ft. 2 in. (2.18 m)
Beam11 ft. 10 in. (3.61 m)
Beam - Meters2.18
Beam - Meters3.61
Beam - Inches86
Beam - Inches142
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 4 in. (1.32 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.32
Bridge clearance - Meters3.4
Bridge clearance - Inches52
Bridge clearance - Inches134
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail7 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.18
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] inches7
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail2,100 lbs. (953 kg)
Weight - Detail16,500 lbs. (7,484 kg)
Weight - kg952.54
Weight - kg7484.27
Weight - lbs.21
Weight - lbs.165
Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 3 in. (5.56 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]37 ft. 0 in. (11.28 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters11.28
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet37
Body / Hull
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standard135 hp
Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 5.7L GXi DP 320 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail240 gal. (908 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49
Fuel tank capacity - Liters908.5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal21
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Engine max255 hp (168 kw)
Engine maxTwin 375 hp (280 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Operational Info
Maximum people8
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity6
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity40 gal. (151 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal28

Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2009?
For trailering, the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 21 lbs dry weight versus 165 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 350 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Chaparral Signature 350 2009 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 255 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many passengers can the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?
The Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 8 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Chaparral Signature 350 2009 measures 142" wide, compared to 86" for the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2009?
The Chaparral Signature 350 2009 has the bigger tank at 24 gallons, versus 21 gallons on the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 350 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 are built by Chaparral. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.