Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005
2005
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VS
Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997
1997
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Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 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 2005 has a 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997's 350-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 with its 350-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
Makenot available
Model255 SSi Sportboat
Modelnot available
Model Year2005
Model Yearnot available
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inchesnot available
Deadrise22.5℃
Deadrisenot available
Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)
Weight - Detailnot available
Weight - kg2512.9
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.554
Weight - lbs.not available
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail31.00 ft
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet31
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters9.45
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches372
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Engine max425 hp (317 kw)
Engine maxnot available
Engine makenot available
Engine makeMercruiser
Horsepowernot available
Horsepower350 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeinboard
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass
Headnot available
Headroom4 ft. 5 in
Headroomnot available
Boat typenot available
Boat typePower

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 — Common Questions

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 tops out at 350 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 Boats Signature 310 1997 carry?
The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 has an official capacity rating of 9 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.
Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 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.