Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 85 lbs for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 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 246 SSi WT 2012 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 tops out at 270 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 246 SSi WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 has an official capacity rating of 14 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004?

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 65 gallons on the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 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 246 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004

Chaparral

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 are modified vee designs with fiberglass 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 320 hp, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004's 270-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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 carries 115 gallons versus 65 gallons in the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model246 SSi WT

Model290 Signature Cruiser

Model Year2012

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam10 ft. (3.05 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.05

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches12

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 10 ft. (3.05 m) Without Arch: 7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.21

Bridge clearance - Meters3.05

Bridge clearance - Inches87

Bridge clearance - Inches12

Deadrise21°

Deadrise18℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inches25

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)

Weight - Detail8,500 lbs. (3,856 kg)

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg3855.53

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.85

Length - Feet24.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 6 in. (7.47 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 8 in. (9.35 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail65 gal. (246 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail115 gal. (435 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters246.05

Fuel tank capacity - Liters435.32

Fuel tank capacity - Gal65

Fuel tank capacity - Gal115

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine maxTwin 270 hp (Twin 201 kw)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardTwin 190 hp

Operational Info

Water capacityOptional: 10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Maximum people14 or 2,006 lbs

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Shower

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters94.64

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal25

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 85 lbs for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 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 246 SSi WT 2012 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 tops out at 270 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 246 SSi WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 has an official capacity rating of 14 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004?

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 65 gallons on the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 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 246 SSi WT 2012 full specs ← Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 full specs