Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022?

The Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 is the longer of the two at 30,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 10,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 is rated to a maximum of 380 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 tops out at 270 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 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 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022

Chaparral

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012

2012

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022

2022

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 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 380 hp, the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 has a 110-hp advantage over the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012's 270-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 9 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 30 Surf 2022 at 30,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 at 19,5 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

Model196 SSi WT

Modelnot available

Model Year2012

Model Yearnot available

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beamnot available

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 7 in. (1.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches93

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] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail3,100 lbs. (1,406 kg)

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.31

Weight - lbs.not available

Length - Feet19.5

Length - Feet30

Length [over all with swim platform]19 ft. 6 in. (5.94 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail30.00 ft

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters9.14

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches360

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal. (121 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal32

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeinboard

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Engine maxnot available

Engine makenot available

Engine makeVolvo

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower380 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 or 1,260 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022?

The Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 is the longer of the two at 30,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 10,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 is rated to a maximum of 380 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 tops out at 270 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 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 196 SSi WT 2012 full specs ← Chaparral Boats 30 Surf 2022 full specs