Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the edge at 69 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 tops out at 380 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 71-gallon difference translates to roughly 213–355 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013

Chaparral

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 270 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 has a 45-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 270 2013's 380-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 8 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 with its 380-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model255 SSi Sportboat

ModelSignature 27

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise20℃

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

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

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - kg3129.78

Weight - lbs.554

Weight - lbs.69

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

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

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.77

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches109

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches33

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet27

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail79 gal. (299 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters299.05

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal79

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max380 hp (283 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in

Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity4

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity22 gal. (83 l)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the edge at 69 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 tops out at 380 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.

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

Both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 71-gallon difference translates to roughly 213–355 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral Signature 270 2013 full specs