Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 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 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 carry?

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 has the bigger tank at 71 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 189–315 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007

2007

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 at 26,0 ft versus Chaparral SSX 256 2009 at 26,0 ft. At 54 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 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007'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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 carries 71 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 is rated for up to 1 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model240 Signature Cruiser

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2007

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Meters1.93

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches76

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise20℃

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] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,449 kg)

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

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.54

Weight - lbs.53

Length - Meters7.95

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feet26

Length - Inches1

Length - Inches5

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L 270 hp DP

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail71 gal. (269 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters268.76

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal71

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Operational Info

Head1

Headnot available

Headroom5 ft. 11 in. (1.8 m)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity4

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum capacity1,874 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people1

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (38 l)

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal1

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 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 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 carry?

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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.

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

Both the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 has the bigger tank at 71 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 189–315 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2007 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2009 full specs