Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 2 100 lbs dry weight versus 5 300 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 measures 102" 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 21 gallons on the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 59-gallon difference translates to roughly 177–295 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 256 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.

Boat Comparison

Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 is a modified-V design and the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is a deep-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 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has a 170-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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 carries 80 gallons versus 21 gallons in the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 and its 425-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

Model180 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam7 ft. 2 in. (2.18 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.18

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches86

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 4 in. (1.32 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.32

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches52

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail7 in. (43 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.18

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches7

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail2,100 lbs. (953 kg)

Weight - Detail5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg)

Weight - kg952.54

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.2100

Weight - lbs.5300

Length [over all with swim platform]18 ft. 3 in. (5.56 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard135 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail21 gal. (79 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters79.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal21

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Engine max255 hp (168 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people8

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 2 100 lbs dry weight versus 5 300 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 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 SSX 256 2009 measures 102" 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 SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 21 gallons on the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 59-gallon difference translates to roughly 177–295 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 256 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.

← Chaparral 180 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2009 full specs