Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 comes in at 24,5 feet, making it roughly 2,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 69 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 270 2013. 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 Signature 270 2013 is rated to a maximum of 380 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 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 passengers can the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 64 gallons on the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013. That 15-gallon difference translates to roughly 45–75 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013

Chaparral

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013

2013

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 270 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 — A Close Look at Two Deep Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 are deep 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 at 24,5 ft versus Chaparral Signature 270 2013 at 27,0 ft. At 44 lbs and 69 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 380 hp, the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has a 60-hp advantage over the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013's 320-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 Signature 270 2013 carries 79 gallons versus 64 gallons in the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 at 27,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 at 24,5 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.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model246 SSi WT

ModelSignature 27

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m) With Arch Tower: 7 ft. 11 in. (2.41 m) With Arch Tower Folded: 6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 7 in. (2.01 m) With Arch: 9 ft. 1 in. (2.77 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Meters2.77

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Bridge clearance - Inches109

Deadrise21°

Deadrise20℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inches17

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 - Detail6,900 lbs. (3,130 kg)

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg3129.78

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.69

Length - Feet24.5

Length - Feet27

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

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. (8.23 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail64 gal. (242 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail79 gal. (299 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters299.05

Fuel tank capacity - Gal64

Fuel tank capacity - Gal79

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typeI/O

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max380 hp (283 kW)

Operational Info

Maximum people14 / 2,006 lbs

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity4

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity22 gal. (83 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

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

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 is the longer of the two at 27,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 comes in at 24,5 feet, making it roughly 2,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 69 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 270 2013. 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 Signature 270 2013 is rated to a maximum of 380 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 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 passengers can the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 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.

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

Both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 64 gallons on the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013. That 15-gallon difference translates to roughly 45–75 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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 2013 full specs ← Chaparral Signature 270 2013 full specs