Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 vs Chaparral SSi 255 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 or the Chaparral SSi 255 2009?

The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 is the longer of the two at 31,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 255 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSi 255 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 tops out at 350 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 Boats Signature 310 1997 carry?

The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 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: Are the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 and Chaparral SSi 255 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 and the Chaparral SSi 255 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 Boats Signature 310 1997 vs Chaparral SSi 255 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997

1997

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 255 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 vs Chaparral SSi 255 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 vs Chaparral SSi 255 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSi 255 2009 has a 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997's 350-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 is rated for up to 9 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSi 255 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 at 31,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral SSi 255 2009 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.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail31.00 ft

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length - Feet31

Length - Feet26

Length overall - Meters9.45

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches372

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Beamnot available

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Metersnot available

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inchesnot available

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 0 in. (2.44 m) Without Arch: 6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.44

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches96

Deadrisenot available

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (94 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - lbs.not available

Weight - lbs.554

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

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

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine makeMercruiser

Engine makenot available

Horsepower350 hp

Horsepowernot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeinboard

Drive typeI/O

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine maxnot available

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Operational Info

Boat typePower

Boat typenot available

Headroomnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity2

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

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

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

General Boat Info

Makenot available

MakeChaparral

Modelnot available

ModelSSi 255

Model Yearnot available

Model Year2009

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 vs Chaparral SSi 255 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 or the Chaparral SSi 255 2009?

The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 is the longer of the two at 31,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 255 2009 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 5,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSi 255 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 tops out at 350 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 Boats Signature 310 1997 carry?

The Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 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.

Are the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 and Chaparral SSi 255 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral Boats Signature 310 1997 and the Chaparral SSi 255 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 Boats Signature 310 1997 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 255 2009 full specs