Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006
2006
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VS
Chaparral SSi 255  Cuddy Cabin 2008 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008
2008
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Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 measures 33,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 at 26,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 tips the scales at 11 395 lbs - 5 855 lbs more than the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 at 5 540 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006'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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 carries 147 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 is rated for up to 10 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 at 33,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 at 26,0 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
MakeChaparral
Model310 Signature Cruiser
ModelSSi 255 Cuddy Cabin
Model Year2006
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 7.5 in. (3.24 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters3.25
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches127.5
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Radar Arch: 11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m) Without Radar Arch: 7 ft. 8.5 in. (2.35 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 m) Without Arch: 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.4
Bridge clearance - Meters2.44
Bridge clearance - Inches134
Bridge clearance - Inches96
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 - Detail11,395 lbs. (5,169 kg)
Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)
Weight - kg5168.68
Weight - kg2512.9
Weight - lbs.11395
Weight - lbs.5540
Length - Meters10.17
Length - Meters8.05
Length - Feet33
Length - Feet26
Length - Inches4.5
Length - Inches5
Length overall - Detail33 ft. 4.5 in. (10.17 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters10.19
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches400.5
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)
Body / Hull
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail147 gal. (556 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters556.46
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal147
Fuel tank capacity - Gal80
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxTwin 320 hp (Twin 239 kW)
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Max no of enginesnot available
Max no of engines1
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP drive 300 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed fiberglass with shower
Head1
Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Sleeping capacity5
Sleeping capacity2
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (23.95 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 or the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008?
The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 is the longer of the two at 33,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 7,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 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 11 395 lbs for the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006. 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 carry?
The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 has an official capacity rating of 10 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 measures 128" 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 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 or the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008?
The Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 has the bigger tank at 147 gallons, versus 80 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008. That 67-gallon difference translates to roughly 201–335 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral SSi 255 Cuddy Cabin 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes - both the Chaparral 310 Signature Cruiser 2006 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.