Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 3 100 lbs dry weight versus 11 395 lbs for the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004. 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 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 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 measures 128" wide, compared to 96" for the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. 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 2013 or the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004?

The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the bigger tank at 147 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. That 118-gallon difference translates to roughly 354–590 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 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 2013 vs Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004

Chaparral

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 is a deep-V design and the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013'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 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 carries 147 gallons versus 29 gallons in the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model196 SSi WT

Model310 Signature Cruiser

Model Year2013

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beam10 ft. 7.5 in. (3.24 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Meters3.25

Beam - Inches96

Beam - Inches127.5

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

Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Meters3.4

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Bridge clearance - Inches134

Deadrise18°

Deadrise17℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] inches13

Draft [drive up] inches25

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

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches32

Draft [max] - Inches33

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

Weight - Detail11,395 lbs. (5,169 kg)

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - kg5168.68

Weight - lbs.3100

Weight - lbs.11395

Length - Feet19.5

Length - Feetnot available

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

Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 4.5 in. (10.17 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal. (110 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail147 gal. (556 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Liters556.46

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Fuel tank capacity - Gal147

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Engine maxTwin 320 hp (Twin 239 kw)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardTwin 190 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people9 / 1,260 lbs.

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Shower

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity5

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 3 100 lbs dry weight versus 11 395 lbs for the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004. 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 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 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 measures 128" wide, compared to 96" for the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. 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 2013 or the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004?

The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the bigger tank at 147 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. That 118-gallon difference translates to roughly 354–590 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 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 2013 full specs ← Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2004 full specs