Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008?

The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 comes in at 24,5 feet, making it roughly 4,5 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 280 Cruiser 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 91 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008. 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 2013 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 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 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013. 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 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has the bigger tank at 64 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008. 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 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 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 280 Cruiser 2008

Chaparral

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 against a modified vee Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 measures 29,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 at 24,5 feet (2013). At 44 lbs and 91 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 320 hp, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008'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 246 SSi WT 2013 carries 64 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 246 SSi WT 2013 is rated for up to 14 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 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 280 Cruiser

Model Year2013

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches114

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 - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Arch: 7 ft 1 in. (2.16 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Meters2.79

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Bridge clearance - Inches11

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 - Detail9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg)

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg4127.69

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.91

Length - Feet24.5

Length - Feet29

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

Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 0 in. (8.84 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.84

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail64 gal. (242 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Gal64

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine maxTwin 270 hp (201 kW)

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

Operational Info

Maximum people14 / 2,006 lbs

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Headnot available

Head1

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)

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

Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008?

The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 comes in at 24,5 feet, making it roughly 4,5 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 280 Cruiser 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 91 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008. 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 2013 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 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 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013. 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 2013 or the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008?

The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 has the bigger tank at 64 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008. 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 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral Signature 280 Cruiser 2008 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 280 Cruiser 2008 full specs