Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 has the edge at 35 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 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 215 SSi 2011 carry?

The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 has an official capacity rating of 10 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 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 99" for the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011. 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 215 SSi 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 and the Chaparral SSX 256 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 215 SSi 2011 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 215 SSi 2011

2011

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 against a deep vee Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2009 measures 26,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 at 22,0 feet (2011). At 35 lbs and 53 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 SSX 256 2009 has a 155-hp advantage over the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011'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 215 SSi 2011 carries 56 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 is rated for up to 10 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 at 22,0 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

Model215 SSi

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2011

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 3 in. (2.51 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.51

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches99

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.73

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches68

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise21°

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches23

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail3,500 lbs. (1,588 kg)

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

Weight - kg1587.57

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.35

Weight - lbs.53

Length - Feet22

Length - Feet26

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. (6.71 m)

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

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail56 gal. (212 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters211.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal56

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

Operational Info

Headroom4 ft. 4 in. (1.32 m)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity2

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water capacity3 gal. (11 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum people10 or 1,430 lbs

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 has the edge at 35 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 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 215 SSi 2011 carry?

The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 has an official capacity rating of 10 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 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 99" for the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011. 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 215 SSi 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 has the bigger tank at 56 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 215 SSi 2011 and the Chaparral SSX 256 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 215 SSi 2011 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2009 full specs