Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 has the edge at 5 540 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004. 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 SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 320 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 8 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 measures 111" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008. 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008?

The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 143 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 189–315 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008

Chaparral

Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 is a modified-V design and the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 425 hp, the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004's 320-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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 carries 143 gallons versus 80 gallons in the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model280 SSi Sportboat

ModelSSi 255 Cuddy Cabin

Model Year2004

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 3 in. (2.82 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.82

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches111

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 1 in. (2.46 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 10 in. (1.78 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 m) Without Arch: 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.46

Bridge clearance - Meters2.44

Bridge clearance - Inches97

Bridge clearance - Inches96

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (53 cm)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches36

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

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - lbs.6800

Weight - lbs.5540

Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. 6 in. (8.99 m)

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

Length overall - Detail27 ft. 6 in. (8.31 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters8.38

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches330

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 standard375 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP drive 300 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail143 gal. (541 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters541.31

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal143

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Engine maxTwin 320 hp (Twin 239 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Max no of enginesnot available

Max no of engines1

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Head1

Water capacity30 gal. (114 l)

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail9.5 gal. (36 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (23.95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal9.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Headroomnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity2

Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 has the edge at 5 540 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004. 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 SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 tops out at 320 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 8 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 measures 111" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008. 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008?

The Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 143 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 189–315 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 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 280 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 full specs