Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 226 SSi 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is certified for 15. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 226 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 51 gallons on the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013. That 4-gallon difference translates to roughly 12–20 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 226 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

Chaparral

Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 226 SSi 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carries 55 gallons versus 51 gallons in the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model226 SSi WT

Model254 Sunesta Deckboat

Model Year2013

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 8 in. With Arch Tower: 7 ft. 11 in. (2.41 m) With Arch Tower Folded: 6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 9 in. (1.75 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Meters1.75

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Bridge clearance - Inches69

Deadrise20°

Deadrise17℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg)

Weight - Detail4,350 lbs. (1,973 kg)

Weight - kg1769.01

Weight - kg1973.13

Weight - lbs.39

Weight - lbs.435

Length - Feet22.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail51 gal. (193 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters193.06

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal51

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp

Operational Info

Maximum people12 / 1,650 lbs

Maximum people15

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 226 SSi 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is certified for 15. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

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

Both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 226 SSi WT 2013 or the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 51 gallons on the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013. That 4-gallon difference translates to roughly 12–20 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 226 SSi WT 2013 full specs ← Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs