Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 495 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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: How many passengers can the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 256 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 against a deep vee Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 425 hp for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and 425 hp for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 8 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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

Model256 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSi 256

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.62 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise22.5℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail4,950 lbs. (2,245 kg)

Weight - Detail5,275 lbs. (2,393 kg)

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - kg2392.7

Weight - lbs.495

Weight - lbs.5275

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

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in. (7.36 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.37

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches29

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 300 hp Volvo: 280 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi 300 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.70 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 495 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 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.

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

Both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 8 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 256 2009 full specs