Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 is the longer of the two at 33,5 feet overall. The Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 comes in at 28,8 feet, making it roughly 4,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 has the edge at 68 lbs dry weight versus 129 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 330 2013. 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 330 2013 is rated to a maximum of 640 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 tops out at 430 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 measures 126" wide, compared to 108" for the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012. 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 287 SSX 2012 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 has the bigger tank at 164 gallons, versus 105 gallons on the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012. That 59-gallon difference translates to roughly 177–295 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 and Chaparral Signature 330 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 and the Chaparral Signature 330 2013 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 287 SSX 2012 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2013

Chaparral

Chaparral 287 SSX 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 330 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 against a deep vee Chaparral Signature 330 2013 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 measures 33,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 at 28,8 feet (2012). At 68 lbs and 129 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 640 hp, the Chaparral Signature 330 2013 has a 210-hp advantage over the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012's 430-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 330 2013 carries 164 gallons versus 105 gallons in the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 at 33,5 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 at 28,8 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model287 SSX

ModelSignature 33

Model Year2012

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m)

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Meters3.2

Beam - Inches108

Beam - Inches126

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Hardtop: 10 ft. 8 in. (3.25 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Meters3.25

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Bridge clearance - Inches128

Deadrise22°

Deadrise18℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inches26

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

Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (104 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters1.04

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches41

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

Weight - Detail12,900 lbs. (5,851 kg)

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - kg5851.34

Weight - lbs.68

Weight - lbs.129

Length - Feet28.83

Length - Feet33.5

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

Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 6 in. (10.21 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail164 gal. (621 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Liters620.81

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Fuel tank capacity - Gal164

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Engine max430 hp (321 kW)

Engine max640 hp (477 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Holding tank capacity - Gal28

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 8 in. (2.04 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacityStandard: 6 Optional: 4

Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 is the longer of the two at 33,5 feet overall. The Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 comes in at 28,8 feet, making it roughly 4,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 has the edge at 68 lbs dry weight versus 129 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 330 2013. 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 330 2013 is rated to a maximum of 640 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 tops out at 430 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 measures 126" wide, compared to 108" for the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012. 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 287 SSX 2012 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 330 2013 has the bigger tank at 164 gallons, versus 105 gallons on the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012. That 59-gallon difference translates to roughly 177–295 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 and Chaparral Signature 330 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 287 SSX 2012 and the Chaparral Signature 330 2013 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 287 SSX 2012 full specs ← Chaparral Signature 330 2013 full specs