Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral Boats 235 SSi 2002 vs Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral Boats 235 SSi 2002 vs Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 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 270 hp, the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral Boats 235 SSi 2002's 220-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 Boats 235 SSi 2002 carries 6 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
The Chaparral Boats 235 SSi 2002 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Boats 235 SSi 2002 at 23,0 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.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail23.00 ft
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length - Feet23
Length - Feet29
Length overall - Meters7.01
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches276
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Beamnot available
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches114
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Arch: 7 ft 1 in. (2.16 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Deadrisenot available
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - Detail9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg)
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - kg4127.69
Weight - lbs.not available
Weight - lbs.91
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters8.84
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Engine makeVolvo Peta
Engine makenot available
Horsepower220 hp
Horsepowernot available
Drive typeinboard
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines2
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 4.3 GXi MPi SX drive 225 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Engine maxnot available
Engine maxTwin 270 hp (201 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity1
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Boat typePower
Boat typenot available
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity6
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
General Boat Info
Makenot available
MakeChaparral
Modelnot available
ModelSignature 280 Cruiser
Model Yearnot available
Model Year2008
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee