Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 4 450 lbs dry weight versus 5 200 lbs for the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 53 gallons on the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. That 26-gallon difference translates to roughly 78–130 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004

Chaparral

Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 425 hp, the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004'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 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 carries 79 gallons versus 53 gallons in the Chaparral 236 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model236 Sunesta Deckboat

Model260 SSi Sportboat

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Meters1.73

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Bridge clearance - Inches68

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise22℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches20

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 - Detail4,450 lbs. (2,019 kg)

Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)

Weight - kg2018.48

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - lbs.4450

Weight - lbs.5200

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

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 9 in. (8.46 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 6 in. (7.77 m)

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters7.77

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches306

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standard220 hp

Engine/s standardMercury: 300 hp Volvo: 280 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail53 gal. (201 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail79 gal. (299 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters200.63

Fuel tank capacity - Liters299.05

Fuel tank capacity - Gal53

Fuel tank capacity - Gal79

Engine max320 hp (239 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Water capacity14 gal. (53 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum people14

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Body / Hull

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 4 450 lbs dry weight versus 5 200 lbs for the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 53 gallons on the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. That 26-gallon difference translates to roughly 78–130 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 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 236 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs