Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 4 065 lbs for the Chaparral 232 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 244 Sunesta WT 2013 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 tops out at 300 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 is certified for 14. 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013?

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 has the bigger tank at 63 gallons, versus 53 gallons on the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013

Chaparral

Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 300 hp for the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and 320 hp for the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 carries 63 gallons versus 53 gallons in the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 14 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model232 Sunesta Deckboat

Model244 Sunesta WT

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 1.25 in. (1.56 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m) With Arch Tower: 9 ft. 10 in. (3 m) With Arch Tower Folded: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.55

Bridge clearance - Meters3

Bridge clearance - Inches61.25

Bridge clearance - Inches118

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise20°

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86.36 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail4,065 lbs. (1,884 kg)

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)

Weight - kg1843.85

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - lbs.4065

Weight - lbs.44

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 3.5 in. (7.4 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet24.33

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail53 gal. (201 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail63 gal. (238 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters200.63

Fuel tank capacity - Liters238.48

Fuel tank capacity - Gal53

Fuel tank capacity - Gal63

Engine max300 hp (224 kw)

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie

Headnot available

Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum people14 / 2,100 lbs

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 4 065 lbs for the Chaparral 232 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 244 Sunesta WT 2013 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 tops out at 300 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 is certified for 14. 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013?

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 has the bigger tank at 63 gallons, versus 53 gallons on the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. That 10-gallon difference translates to roughly 30–50 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 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 232 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2013 full specs