Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 has the edge at 554 lbs dry weight versus 4 185 lbs for the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 375 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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 13 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007?

The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007. That 64-gallon difference translates to roughly 192–320 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 are modified vee designs with composite construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004's 375-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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 carries 72 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 13 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model230 SSi Sportboat

Model255 SSi Sportboat

Model Year2004

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 10 in. (1.47 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Radar Arch: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 m) Without Radar Arch: 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.47

Bridge clearance - Meters2.44

Bridge clearance - Inches58

Bridge clearance - Inches96

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail4,185 lbs. (1,898 kg)

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

Weight - kg1898.28

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - lbs.4185

Weight - lbs.554

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 11 in. (7.59 m)

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

Length overall - Detail22 ft. 10 in. (6.96 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.96

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches274

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail72 gal. (273 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal72

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Head1

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Maximum people13

Maximum peoplenot available

Headroomnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity2

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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 has the edge at 554 lbs dry weight versus 4 185 lbs for the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 375 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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 13 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007?

The Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007. That 64-gallon difference translates to roughly 192–320 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 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 230 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2007 full specs