Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 has the edge at 47 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 tops out at 320 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is certified for 14. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 244 Xtreme 2011 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005

Chaparral

Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011

2011

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Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 against a modified vee Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 14 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model244 Xtreme

Model256 SSi Sportboat

Model Year2011

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower Upright: 9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m) With Wakeboard Tower Folded: 7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m) With Arch Tower Upright: 9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.62 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters3

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Inches118

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Deadrise20°

Deadrise22.5℃

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches17

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 - Detail4,700 lbs. (2,132 kg)

Weight - Detail4,950 lbs. (2,245 kg)

Weight - kg2131.88

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - lbs.47

Weight - lbs.495

Length - Feet24.33

Length - Feetnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)

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

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in. (7.36 m)

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters7.37

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches29

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury: 300 hp Volvo: 280 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)

Maximum people14 or 2,100 lbs

Maximum people14

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.70 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 has the edge at 47 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 tops out at 320 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is certified for 14. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 244 Xtreme 2011 and the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 244 Xtreme 2011 full specs ← Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 full specs