Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 comes in at 22,3 feet, making it roughly 3,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 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 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 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 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 has the bigger tank at 49 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. That 41-gallon difference translates to roughly 123–205 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSX 256 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 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2007 measures 26,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 at 22,3 feet (2013). 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 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013's 320-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 224 Sunesta WT 2013 carries 49 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 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

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2013

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m) With Arch Tower: 9 ft. 6 in. (2.9 m) With Arch Tower Folded: 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.9

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches114

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise18°

Deadrise22.5℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

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

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches24

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 - Feet26

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

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

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches36

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail49 gal. (185 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters185.49

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Maximum people12 / 1,750 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

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 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 comes in at 22,3 feet, making it roughly 3,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 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 SSX 256 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 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 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 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 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 has the bigger tank at 49 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. That 41-gallon difference translates to roughly 123–205 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSX 256 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 2013 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2007 full specs