Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsDiscover the 280 SignaturebyChaparral—a versatilemotor yachtbuilt on a provenfiberglass constructionplatform. Presented by Shestakov Yacht Sales, broker Andrey Shestakov will guide you from selection to closing with expert market insight.
Selecting a 280 Signature
If you value a balanced package of dimensions, performance, and simplicity, the 280 Signaturestands out. At 28 ft (8.7 m) LOA with an 8 ft (2.59 m) beam, a single Mercruiser inboard, and a draft of 2.756 ft (0.84 m), it offers approachable handling and straightforward ownership. As a compactmotor yachtwith dependablefiberglass constructionbuild, it cruises confidently at 24 kn (27.62 mph) and reaches 34 kn (39.13 mph), while providing overnight accommodation for two and a practical head.
Features of the Model
- Single-engine efficiency: one Mercruiser inboard running on Gas/Petrol for simple operation and maintenance.
- Confident running surface: monohull configuration designed by the Chaparral Design Team for predictable handling.
- Construction: fiberglass constructionhull with a Fiberglass deck for durability and low upkeep.
- Performance: 24-kn cruise and up to 34 kn top end for flexible day cruising or quick transits.
- Liveaboard essentials: accommodation for 2 and 1 head, with tankage scaled for weekend escapes (73.44 gal fuel; 13.21 gal water).
- Design pedigree: hull and interior by Chaparral Design Team, reflecting the experience of Chaparral.
Technical Specifications
- Builder: Chaparral
- Model: 280 Signature
- Type: motor yacht
- Hull: fiberglass construction; Configuration: Monohull; Deck: Fiberglass
- LOA: 28 ft (8.7 m)
- Beam: 8 ft (2.59 m)
- Draft (min/max): 2.756 ft (0.84 m)
- Speeds: Cruise 24 kn (27.62 mph); Max 34 kn (39.13 mph)
- Gross Tonnage: 1 GT
- Engines: 1 x Mercruiser; Type: Inboard; Fuel: Gas/Petrol
- Designers: Hull — Chaparral Design Team; Interior — Chaparral Design Team
- Accommodation: Sleeps 2; Accommodation count: 2; Heads: 1
- Capacities: Fuel 73.44 gal; Fresh water 13.21 gal
Pricing and Ordering
Current pricing and availability for the 280 Signaturevary with market conditions. Contact Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales for quotations, listings, and scheduling of viewings. Our team can coordinate inspections, sea trials, and documentation to streamline your purchase of thismotor yachtfromChaparral.
Questions and Answers
Q: What are the performance figures of the 280 Signature? A: The yacht offers acruising speedof 24 kn (27.62 mph) and atop speedof 34 kn (39.13 mph), providing confident pace for amotor yacht.
Q: What engine configuration does it have? A: It is equipped with 1MercruiserInboardengine running onGas/Petrol, emphasizing simplicity and serviceability fromChaparral.
Q: How many people can sleep aboard, and is there a head? A: The layout provides sleeps for 2with1 head, aligning with its role as a compactmotor yacht.
Q: What are the key dimensions and draft? A: LOA is 28 ft (8.7 m), beam is8 ft (2.59 m), anddraftis 2.756 ft (0.84 m), supporting easy handling and docking.
Q: What is the hull type and construction? A: The boat is a Monohullwith aFiberglassdeck and a hull built within thefiberglass constructioncategory, designed by the Chaparral Design Team.
Owner Experience Review
Owners use the 280 SignaturefromChaparralfor versatile family cruising—everything from sandbar days with 8–12 aboard to coastal/ICW runs and barrier‑island overnights. Reports describe a stable, confident ride from the modified‑V hull (~18° aft deadrise), with factory‑quoted performance around 34–35 knots when powered by twin 4.3L MerCruisers. Several owners specifically praise the construction and ride quality compared with some peer models.
On the water, handling in typical coastal or lake chop is considered solid, though older or underpowered V6 installations can feel sluggish to plane when heavily loaded; a sea trial is advisable to confirm setup and prop selection. Below, the 10' beam and higher freeboard yield standing headroom and a practical mid‑cabin layout with a convertible forward dinette, U‑shaped dinette, and an aft double berth. Common amenities include a head and galley (often without an oven), plus optional A/C and heat. In the cockpit, wraparound seating and the transom arrangement suit family lounging and day cruising.
Maintenance feedback centers on familiar sterndrive items—impellers, bellows, exhaust gaskets, and trim/drive service—along with typical aging of electrical and AC components (e.g., compressors, shorepower/charger). Many older Signatures used wood‑cored floors, transoms, and stringers, so surveyors urge careful moisture/structural checks; undiscovered water intrusion can be a deal‑breaker. Several owners note routine upkeep has been manageable, but budgeting for sterndrive and cabin‑systems service is prudent.
Pros and Cons
- Versatile for family overnights and day cruising, with advertised sleeping for six and comfortable day use for 8–12 aboard.
- Stable modified‑V ride (~18°) with owner‑praised construction and factory‑quoted 34–35‑knot performance with twin 4.3L MerCruisers.
- Roomy interior with standing headroom, a practical mid‑cabin layout, and optional A/C and heat.
- Older or underpowered V6 setups can be sluggish to plane under heavy load; a sea trial is recommended.
- Wood‑cored floors/transom/stringers on many older boats require thorough inspection for moisture and rot.
- Sterndrive service and aging electrical/AC components can add notable ongoing ownership costs.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 280 Signature | 28' 0" (8.70 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 2' 9" (0.84 m) | 24 kn / 34 kn | 1 |
| 330 Signature Cruiser | 33' 0" (10.06 m) | 11' 0" (3.43 m) | 10' 5" (3.17 m) | 22 kn / 41 kn | - |
| H20 | 21' 0" (6.43 m) | 8' 0" (2.52 m) | - | - | - |
| 257 SSX | 25' 0" (7.80 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 2' 4" (0.70 m) | 20 kn / 51 kn | - |
| Vortex 243 VRX | 24' 0" (7.39 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 4' 1" (1.25 m) | - | - |
| 300 OSX | 30' 0" (9.30 m) | 9' 0" (2.90 m) | 6' 0" (1.83 m) | - | - |
| Signature | 31' 0" (9.45 m) | 10' 0" (3.23 m) | 6' 7" (2 m) | - | - |
| 280 OSX | 30' 0" (9.30 m) | 9' 0" (2.74 m) | 9' 10" (3 m) | - | - |
| Vortex 203 VRX | 20' 0" (6.17 m) | 8' 0" (2.44 m) | 3' 7" (1.08 m) | 40 kn | - |
| 21 SSI | 21' 0" (6.55 m) | 8' 0" (2.54 m) | 7' 11" (2.42 m) | - | - |
Learn more on the “Chaparral - 280 Signature”
To learn more on the “Chaparral - 280 Signature” or to get advice on how to buy or sell a yacht or get a great price for a yacht charter
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