Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004
2004
View full specs →
VS
Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Premiere 400 2010
2010
View full specs →

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 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 435 hp for the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010. 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 carries 8 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010. 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 Premiere 400 2010 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
ModelPremiere 4
Model Year2004
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam13 ft. 4 in. (4.06 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters4.06
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches16
Deadrise22.5℃
Deadrise18℃
Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)
Weight - Detail23,700 lbs. (10,750 kg)
Weight - kg2512.9
Weight - kg10750.13
Weight - lbs.554
Weight - lbs.237
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]42 ft. (13 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - Detail13 ft. 6 in. (4.11 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters4.11
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches162
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail45 in. (114 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters1.14
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches45
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet42
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail300 gal. (1,136 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Engine max425 hp (317 kw)
Engine maxTwin 435 hp (320 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass
Headnot available
Headroom4 ft. 5 in
Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 l)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity6
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity77 gal. (291 l)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail42 gal. (159 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters158.99
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal42
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010?
For trailering, the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 has the edge at 237 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 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 Premiere 400 2010 is rated to a maximum of 435 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 425 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 16" for the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010. 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010?
The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010. That 5-gallon difference translates to roughly 15–25 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral Premiere 400 2010 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.