Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2011?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,5 feet overall. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 31 lbs for the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. 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 196 SSi WT 2013 is rated to a maximum of 270 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 196 2011 tops out at 225 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 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral SSi 196 2011 share an 8 ft. (2.44 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2011?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2011 has the bigger tank at 32 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral SSi 196 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 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 SSi 196 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 196 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 against a modified vee Chaparral SSi 196 2011 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 at 19,5 ft versus Chaparral SSi 196 2011 at 19,5 ft. At 31 lbs and 31 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 270 hp, the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 has a 45-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 196 2011's 225-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 29 gal and 32 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and its 270-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 with its 225-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model196 SSi WT

ModelSSi 196

Model Year2013

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches96

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

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise18°

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] inches13

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inches32

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

Weight - kg1406.14

Weight - lbs.31

Length - Feet19.5

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail29 gal. (110 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail32 gal. (121 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters109.78

Fuel tank capacity - Liters121.13

Fuel tank capacity - Gal29

Fuel tank capacity - Gal32

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Engine max225 hp (168 kW)

Operational Info

Maximum people9 / 1,260 lbs

Maximum people9 or 1,260 lbs

Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSi 196 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2011?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2011 is the longer of the two at 19,5 feet overall. The Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 has the edge at 31 lbs dry weight versus 31 lbs for the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. 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 196 SSi WT 2013 is rated to a maximum of 270 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 196 2011 tops out at 225 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 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral SSi 196 2011 share an 8 ft. (2.44 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSi 196 2011?

The Chaparral SSi 196 2011 has the bigger tank at 32 gallons, versus 29 gallons on the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013. 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 196 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral SSi 196 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 196 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSi 196 2011 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 SSi 196 2011 full specs