Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. 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 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 320 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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 1 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 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Chaparral 204 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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 51 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. That 43-gallon difference translates to roughly 129–215 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004's 320-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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 carries 51 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 1 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model204 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2004

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 4.5 in. (2.55 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.57

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches100.5

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 3.5 in. (1.3 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Meters1.32

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches51.5

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail18.12 in. (46.03 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches18.12

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail36.5 in. (92.71 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches36.5

Draft [max] - Inches24

Weight - Detail3,400 lbs. (1,542 kg)

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

Weight - kg1542.21

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.34

Weight - lbs.53

Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 3.5 in. (6.49 m)

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

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6.5 in. (5.95 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters5.97

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches234.5

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches36

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard190 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail51 gal. (193 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters193.06

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal51

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max320 hp (239 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

Maximum people1

Maximum peoplenot available

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 34 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. 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 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 320 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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 1 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 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 101" for the Chaparral 204 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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 51 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. That 43-gallon difference translates to roughly 129–215 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 204 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2007 full specs