Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 has the edge at 134 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 Signature 350 2012 is rated to a maximum of 800 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.

Q: How many passengers can the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 Signature 350 2012 measures 135" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2012?

The Chaparral Signature 350 2012 has the bigger tank at 17 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Signature 350 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 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 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2012

Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 350 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 against a deep vee Chaparral Signature 350 2012 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 800 hp, the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 has a 375-hp advantage over the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005's 425-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 350 2012 carries 17 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 and its 800-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model256 SSi Sportboat

ModelSignature 35

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam11 ft. 3 in. (3.43 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.43

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches135

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

Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Meters3.4

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Bridge clearance - Inches134

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise20℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches25

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches33

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

Weight - Detail13,400 lbs. (6,078 kg)

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - kg6078.13

Weight - lbs.495

Weight - lbs.134

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

Length [over all with swim platform]35 ft. (10.67 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 - Feetnot available

Length - Feet35

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 standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail170 gal. (644 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters643.52

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal17

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max800 hp (597 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)

Water capacity45 gal. (170 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Gal28

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 has the edge at 134 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 Signature 350 2012 is rated to a maximum of 800 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.

How many passengers can the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 Signature 350 2012 measures 135" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2012?

The Chaparral Signature 350 2012 has the bigger tank at 17 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005. That 9-gallon difference translates to roughly 27–45 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Signature 350 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 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 2005 full specs ← Chaparral Signature 350 2012 full specs