Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 451 lbs for the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005'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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 carries 72 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model235 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2005

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Bridge clearance - Inches93

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 - Detail4,510 lbs. (2,046 kg)

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

Weight - kg2045.7

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.451

Weight - lbs.53

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 typeDeep Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

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

Headroom4 ft. 4 in. (1.32 m)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity2

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum people12

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

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

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 451 lbs for the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 235 SSi Sportboat 2005 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2009 full specs