Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 has the edge at 5 275 lbs dry weight versus 8 500 lbs for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 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 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 tops out at 270 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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 measures 120" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. That 35-gallon difference translates to roughly 105–175 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 256 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 is a modified-V design and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 256 2009 has a 155-hp advantage over the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004's 270-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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 carries 115 gallons versus 80 gallons in the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model290 Signature Cruiser

ModelSSi 256

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam10 ft. (3.05 m)

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters3.05

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches120

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 10 ft. (3.05 m) Without Arch: 7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters3.05

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches120

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise22.5℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.64

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches25

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail8,500 lbs. (3,856 kg)

Weight - Detail5,275 lbs. (2,393 kg)

Weight - kg3855.53

Weight - kg2392.7

Weight - lbs.8500

Weight - lbs.5275

Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 8 in. (9.35 m)

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

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 standardTwin 190 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi 300 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail115 gal. (435 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters435.32

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal115

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Engine maxTwin 270 hp (Twin 201 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Shower

Headnot available

Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity6

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters94.64

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal25

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 has the edge at 5 275 lbs dry weight versus 8 500 lbs for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 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 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 tops out at 270 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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 measures 120" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. That 35-gallon difference translates to roughly 105–175 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 290 Signature Cruiser 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 256 2009 full specs