Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 vs Chaparral SSi 186 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 or the Chaparral SSi 186 2011?

The Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 is the longer of the two at 42,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 22,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 is rated to a maximum of 435 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 tops out at 225 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 SSi 186 2011 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 SSi 186 2011 measures 96" wide, compared to 16" for the Chaparral Premiere 400 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 Premiere 400 2009 or the Chaparral SSi 186 2011?

The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 and Chaparral SSi 186 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 and the Chaparral SSi 186 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 Premiere 400 2009 vs Chaparral SSi 186 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral Premiere 400 2009

2009

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 186 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 vs Chaparral SSi 186 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 against a modified vee Chaparral SSi 186 2011 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 435 hp, the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 has a 210-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 186 2011's 225-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 SSi 186 2011 carries 25 gallons versus 3 gallons in the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 at 42,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 at 19,5 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

ModelPremiere 4

ModelSSi 186

Model Year2009

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam13 ft. 4 in. (4.06 m)

Beam8 ft. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters4.06

Beam - Meters2.44

Beam - Inches16

Beam - Inches96

Bridge clearance - Detail13 ft. 6 in. (4.11 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 7 in. (1.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters4.11

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches162

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise18°

Draft [max] - Detail45 in. (114 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters1.14

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inches45

Draft [max] - Inches32

Weight - DetailTBD

Weight - Detail2,850 lbs. (1,293 kg)

Length - Meters13

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet42

Length - Feet19.5

Length [over all with swim platform]42 ft. 0 in. (13 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in. (33 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches13

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg1292.74

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.285

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail19 ft. 6 in. (5.94 m)

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters5.94

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches234

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail300 gal. (1,136 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62

Fuel tank capacity - Liters94.64

Fuel tank capacity - Gal3

Fuel tank capacity - Gal25

Fuel typeDiesel

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Drive typeI/O

Engine maxTwin 435 hp (twin 320 kW)

Engine maxnot available

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower225 hp (168 kW)

Operational Info

Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 l)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity6

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water heater capacity77 gal. (291 l)

Water heater capacitynot available

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Maximum people9 or 1,260 lbs

Holding tank capacity - Detail42 gal. (159 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters158.99

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal42

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 vs Chaparral SSi 186 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 or the Chaparral SSi 186 2011?

The Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 is the longer of the two at 42,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 comes in at 19,5 feet, making it roughly 22,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 is rated to a maximum of 435 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 tops out at 225 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 SSi 186 2011 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 SSi 186 2011 measures 96" wide, compared to 16" for the Chaparral Premiere 400 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 Premiere 400 2009 or the Chaparral SSi 186 2011?

The Chaparral SSi 186 2011 has the bigger tank at 25 gallons, versus 3 gallons on the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 and Chaparral SSi 186 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 and the Chaparral SSi 186 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 Premiere 400 2009 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 186 2011 full specs