Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 4 950 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 287 2011. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004. 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 25-gallon difference translates to roughly 75–125 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 287 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 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 SSX 287 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 287 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011: Which Modified-V Boat Fits Your Needs?

Both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 are modified-V designs, so the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 425 hp for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and 430 hp for the Chaparral SSX 287 2011. 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 SSX 287 2011 carries 105 gallons versus 80 gallons in the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 287 2011 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

ModelSSX 287

Model Year2004

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches108

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Radar Arch: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m) Without Radar Arch: 6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise22°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches20

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

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - lbs.4950

Weight - lbs.6800

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 m)

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

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.37

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches290

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28.83

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 300 hp Volvo: 280 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max430 hp (321 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 capacity14 gal. (53 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal20

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Headroomnot available

Headroom5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the edge at 4 950 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 287 2011. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004. 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004. That 25-gallon difference translates to roughly 75–125 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSX 287 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 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 SSX 287 2011 full specs