Chaparral Signature 290  2013 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Signature 290 2013
2013
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VS
Chaparral SSX 327 2011 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSX 327 2011
2011
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Chaparral Signature 290 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral Signature 290 2013 against a modified vee Chaparral SSX 327 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 SSX 327 2011 measures 32,4 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Signature 290 2013 at 29,0 feet (2013). At 91 lbs and 98 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 860 hp, the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 has a 410-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 290 2013's 450-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 290 2013 carries 87 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 327 2011 at 32,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Signature 290 2013 at 29,0 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
ModelSignature 29
ModelSSX 327
Model Year2013
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Beam10 ft. (3.05 m)
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inches12
Bridge clearance - Detail7 ft. 1 in. (2.16 m) With Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Hardtop: 9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Meters3
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Bridge clearance - Inches118
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise22°
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail38.5 in. (98 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches38.5
Weight - Detail9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg)
Weight - Detail9,800 lbs. (4,445 kg)
Weight - kg4127.69
Weight - kg4445.2
Weight - lbs.91
Weight - lbs.98
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet32.42
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]32 ft. 6 in. (9.91 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail87 gal. (329 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail150 gal. (568 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters329.33
Fuel tank capacity - Liters567.81
Fuel tank capacity - Gal87
Fuel tank capacity - Gal15
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Engine max450 hp (336 kW)
Engine max860 hp (641 kW)
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity6
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum peoplenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail15 gal (57 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Liters56.78
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Gal15
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacityYacht certified

Chaparral Signature 290 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Signature 290 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?
The Chaparral SSX 327 2011 is the longer of the two at 32,4 feet overall. The Chaparral Signature 290 2013 comes in at 29,0 feet, making it roughly 3,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral Signature 290 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?
For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 290 2013 has the edge at 91 lbs dry weight versus 98 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. 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 SSX 327 2011 is rated to a maximum of 860 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 2013 tops out at 450 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 290 2013 measures 114" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral SSX 327 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 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 327 2011?
The Chaparral Signature 290 2013 has the bigger tank at 87 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. That 72-gallon difference translates to roughly 216–360 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral Signature 290 2013 and Chaparral SSX 327 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral Signature 290 2013 and the Chaparral SSX 327 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.