Chaparral Signature 290  2010 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Signature 290 2010
2010
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VS
Chaparral SSi 246 2011 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSi 246 2011
2011
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Chaparral Signature 290 2010 vs Chaparral SSi 246 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral Signature 290 2010 against a modified vee Chaparral SSi 246 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral Signature 290 2010 measures 29,0 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 4,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral SSi 246 2011 at 24,5 feet (2011). At 91 lbs and 44 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 320 hp, the Chaparral SSi 246 2011 has a 95-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 290 2010'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 246 2011 carries 65 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 290 2010 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral SSi 246 2011 at 24,5 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
MakeChaparral
ModelSignature 29
ModelSSi 246
Model Year201
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)Without Arch: 7 ft. 1 in. (2.16 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Meters2.21
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Bridge clearance - Inches87
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise21°
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - Detail9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg
Weight - kg4127.69
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.91
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet24.5
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 6 in. (7.47 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail65 gal. (246 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters246.05
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal65
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxTwin 225 hp (168 kW)
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity6
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Chaparral Signature 290 2010 vs Chaparral SSi 246 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 or the Chaparral SSi 246 2011?
The Chaparral Signature 290 2010 is the longer of the two at 29,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 246 2011 comes in at 24,5 feet, making it roughly 4,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 or the Chaparral SSi 246 2011?
For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 246 2011 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 91 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. 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 246 2011 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 2010 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 246 2011 carry?
The Chaparral SSi 246 2011 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 Signature 290 2010 measures 114" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 246 2011. 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 Signature 290 2010 or the Chaparral SSi 246 2011?
The Chaparral SSi 246 2011 has the bigger tank at 65 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. That 64-gallon difference translates to roughly 192–320 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 and Chaparral SSi 246 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 and the Chaparral SSi 246 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.