Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 comes in at 22,3 feet, making it roughly 5,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 tops out at 320 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 224 Sunesta WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 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.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 7 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 measures 28,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 5,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 at 22,3 feet (2012). At 4 lbs and 53 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 375 hp, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 7 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 at 22,3 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

Model224 Sunesta WT

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

Model Year2012

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.79

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Inches11

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Deadrise18°

Deadrise18℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inches18

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)

Weight - Detail5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg)

Weight - kg1814.37

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.4

Weight - lbs.53

Length - Feet22.33

Length - Feet28

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.61

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches3

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMerc 5.7L 300 hp B3

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

Headnot available

Head1

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 comes in at 22,3 feet, making it roughly 5,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 tops out at 320 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 224 Sunesta WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 7 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 224 Sunesta WT 2012 full specs ← Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 full specs