Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSi 275 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSi 275 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 275 2009 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 8,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSi 275 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 73 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 275 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 SSi 275 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 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 passengers can the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 SSi 275 2009 measures 108" wide, compared to 96" for the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012. 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 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSi 275 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 275 2009 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 32 gallons on the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012. That 73-gallon difference translates to roughly 219–365 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral SSi 275 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSi 275 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 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSi 275 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 275 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSi 275 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 against a deep vee Chaparral SSi 275 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral SSi 275 2009 measures 28,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 8,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 at 19,5 feet (2012). At 31 lbs and 73 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSi 275 2009 has a 155-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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral SSi 275 2009 carries 105 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSi 275 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral SSi 275 2009 at 28,0 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

Model196 SSi WT

ModelSSi 275

Model Year2012

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches108

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 11 in. (2.72 m) Without Arch: 6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Meters2.72

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Bridge clearance - Inches107

Deadrise18°

Deadrise22℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in. (33 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches13

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail7,300 lbs. (3,311 kg)

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - kg3311.22

Weight - lbs.31

Weight - lbs.73

Length - Feet19.5

Length - Feet28

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.79

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal. (121 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal32

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 8.1L Gi DP 375 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 or 1,260 lbs

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Headroomnot available

Headroom5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity2

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 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 196 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSi 275 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSi 275 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 275 2009 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 8,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSi 275 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 73 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 275 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 SSi 275 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 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 passengers can the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 SSi 275 2009 measures 108" wide, compared to 96" for the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012. 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 196 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSi 275 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 275 2009 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 32 gallons on the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012. That 73-gallon difference translates to roughly 219–365 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral SSi 275 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSi 275 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 196 SSi WT 2012 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 275 2009 full specs