Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 98 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 327 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSX 327 2011 is rated to a maximum of 860 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 260 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 260 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. 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 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. That 64-gallon difference translates to roughly 192–320 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 327 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 327 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 327 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 are modified vee designs with composite construction — 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?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 860 hp, the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 has a 435-hp advantage over the Chaparral 260 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 carries 79 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 and its 860-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model260 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSX 327

Model Year2005

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam10 ft. (3.05 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.05

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches12

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Hardtop: 9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.73

Bridge clearance - Meters3

Bridge clearance - Inches68

Bridge clearance - Inches118

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise22°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inches23

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

Draft [max] - Detail38.5 in. (98 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches38.5

Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)

Weight - Detail9,800 lbs. (4,445 kg)

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - kg4445.2

Weight - lbs.52

Weight - lbs.98

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 9 in. (8.46 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]32 ft. 6 in. (9.91 m)

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 6 in. (7.77 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.77

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches306

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet32.42

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 - Detail79 gal. (299 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail150 gal. (568 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters299.05

Fuel tank capacity - Liters567.81

Fuel tank capacity - Gal79

Fuel tank capacity - Gal15

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max860 hp (641 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Detail15 gal (57 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters56.78

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal15

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacityYacht certified

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 98 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 327 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSX 327 2011 is rated to a maximum of 860 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 260 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 260 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. 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 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. That 64-gallon difference translates to roughly 192–320 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 327 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 327 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 327 2011 full specs