Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 is the longer of the two at 28,8 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 has the edge at 4 750 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 287 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 tops out at 375 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 246 Bow Rider 2008 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 has an official capacity rating of 13 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 SSX 287 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 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.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank - the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 72 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral SSX 287 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 and the Chaparral SSX 287 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 SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008

2008

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 287 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 is a deep-V design and the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 is a modified-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 SSX 287 2011 measures 28,8 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 at 24,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 tips the scales at 6 800 lbs - 2 050 lbs less than the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 at 4 750 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 430 hp, the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008's 375-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 SSX 287 2011 carries 105 gallons versus 72 gallons in the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 is rated for up to 13 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 287 2011 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 at 28,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 at 24,0 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

ModelSSi 246 Bow Rider

ModelSSX 287

Model Year2008

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches108

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower 8 ft. 10 in. (2.69 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Radar Arch: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m) Without Radar Arch: 6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.69

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Inches106

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise22°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [drive up] inches20

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail4,750 lbs. (2,155 kg)

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)

Weight - kg2154.56

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - lbs.4750

Weight - lbs.6800

Length - Meters7.59

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet24

Length - Feet28.83

Length - Inches11

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 11 in. (7.59 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Max no of engines1

Max no of enginesnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi MPi SX drive 270 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail72 gal. (273 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal72

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine max430 hp (321 kW)

Operational Info

Head1

Headnot available

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)

Maximum capacity1,755 lbs. (796.1 kg)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people13

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (23.95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Headroomnot available

Headroom5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)

Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral SSX 287 2011 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 is the longer of the two at 28,8 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 4,8 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 has the edge at 4 750 lbs dry weight versus 6 800 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 287 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 287 2011 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 tops out at 375 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 Bow Rider 2008 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 has an official capacity rating of 13 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 SSX 287 2011 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 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 SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral SSX 287 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 287 2011 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 72 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008. That 33-gallon difference translates to roughly 99–165 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral SSX 287 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 and the Chaparral SSX 287 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 SSi 246 Bow Rider 2008 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 287 2011 full specs