Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the edge at 5 977 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 276 2007. 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 SSX 276 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 tops out at 375 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 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 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 276 2007 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 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 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 82 gallons on the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004. That 23-gallon difference translates to roughly 69–115 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 and Chaparral SSX 276 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 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 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 276 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 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 525 hp, the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has a 150-hp advantage over the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004's 375-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 SSX 276 2007 carries 105 gallons versus 82 gallons in the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model260 Signature Cruiser

ModelSSX 276

Model Year2004

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 l)

Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches108

Bridge clearance - Detail9 ft. 1 in. (2.76 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Meters2.77

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Inches109

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise22℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (84 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.43

Draft [max] - Meters0.51

Draft [max] - Inches17

Draft [max] - Inches20

Weight - Detail5,977 lbs. (2,711 kg)

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

Weight - kg2711.12

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - lbs.5977

Weight - lbs.6800

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 7 in. (8.41 m)

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

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters88.9

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches35

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.79

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches10

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail82 gal. (310 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters310.4

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal82

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max525 hp (391 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Shower

Headnot available

Headroom6 ft. 3 in. (1.91 m)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity4

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum capacity3,000 lbs.

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people14

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters94.64

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal25

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the edge at 5 977 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 276 2007. 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 SSX 276 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 tops out at 375 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 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 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 276 2007 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 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 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 82 gallons on the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004. That 23-gallon difference translates to roughly 69–115 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 and Chaparral SSX 276 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 and the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 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 260 Signature Cruiser 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 276 2007 full specs