Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008?

The Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 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 Xtreme 2012 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 has the edge at 4 150 lbs dry weight versus 5 400 lbs for the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008. 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 Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 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 Xtreme 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 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 Xtreme 2012 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 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 Xtreme 2012 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008?

The Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 50 gallons on the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 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 Xtreme 2012 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008

Chaparral

Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012

2012

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 is a deep-V design and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 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 Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 measures 26,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 3,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 at 22,3 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 tips the scales at 5 400 lbs - 1 250 lbs less than the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 at 4 150 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 375 hp, the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012'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 Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 carries 80 gallons versus 50 gallons in the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 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 Xtreme

ModelSunesta 264 Wide-Tech

Model Year2012

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower Upright: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) With Wakeboard Tower Folded: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) With Arch Tower Upright: 9 ft. 5 in. (2.87 m) With Arch Tower Folded Down: 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 92 in. (2.34 m) Without Arch: 63 in. (1.6 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.87

Bridge clearance - Meters2.34

Bridge clearance - Inches113

Bridge clearance - Inches92

Deadrise18°

Deadrise22℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches20

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - Detail4,150 lbs. (1,882 kg)

Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,449 kg)

Weight - kg1882.41

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - lbs.4150

Weight - lbs.5400

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. 4 in. (8.03 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.03

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches4

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal50

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP drive 300 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs.

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Headnot available

Head1

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

Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008?

The Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 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 Xtreme 2012 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 has the edge at 4 150 lbs dry weight versus 5 400 lbs for the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008. 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 Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 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 Xtreme 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 224 Xtreme 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 Xtreme 2012 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 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 Xtreme 2012 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008?

The Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 50 gallons on the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012. That 30-gallon difference translates to roughly 90–150 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 224 Xtreme 2012 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 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 Xtreme 2012 full specs ← Chaparral Sunesta 264 Wide-Tech 2008 full specs