Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004
2004
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VS
Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006
2006
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Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 425 hp for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and 425 hp for the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 carries 87 gallons versus 80 gallons in the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model255 SSi Sportboat
Model276 Signature Cruiser
Model Year2004
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Deadrise22.5℃
Deadrise18℃
Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)
Weight - Detail7,450 lbs. (3,379 kg)
Weight - kg2512.9
Weight - kg3379.26
Weight - lbs.5540
Weight - lbs.7450
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Radar Arch: 9 ft. 9 in. (2.97 m) Without Radar Arch: 7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.97
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches117
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail29.25 in. (74 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.74
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches29.25
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.81
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches32
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters8.8
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches10.5
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 10.5 in. (8.8 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters8.81
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches346.5
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail87 gal. (329 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters329.33
Fuel tank capacity - Gal80
Fuel tank capacity - Gal87
Engine max425 hp (317 kw)
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass
HeadEnclosed fiberglass head with shower, mirror and stainless steel hand rail
Headroom4 ft. 5 in.
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity4
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum peopleYacht certified
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
Body / Hull
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006?
For trailering, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 5 540 lbs dry weight versus 7 450 lbs for the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006. 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.
How many passengers can the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 carry?
The Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 has an official capacity rating of 8 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006?
The Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 has the bigger tank at 87 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 7-gallon difference translates to roughly 21–35 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral 276 Signature Cruiser 2006 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.