Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 4 600 lbs dry weight versus 5 377 lbs for the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006. 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: How many passengers can the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 carry?

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 71 gallons and 70 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and the Chaparral 274 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

Chaparral

Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006

2006

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Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral 274 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 375 hp for the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and 375 hp for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads - 71 gal and 70 gal - so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model240 Signature Cruiser

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

Model Year2006

Model Year2004

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.93

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Inches76

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Deadrise20℃

Deadrise18℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches18

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail5,377 lbs. (2,439 kg)

Weight - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,087 kg)

Weight - kg2438.96

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.5377

Weight - lbs.4600

Length - Meters7.95

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.95

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches313

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail71 gal. (269 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters268.76

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal71

Fuel tank capacity - Gal70

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed fiberglass head with shower and stainless steel hand rail

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

Headroom5 ft. 11 in. (1.8 m)

Headroomnot available

Sleeping capacity4

Sleeping capacitynot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum capacity2,390 lbs.

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people12

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail10 gal. (38 l)

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters37.85

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Gal10

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 - Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 4 600 lbs dry weight versus 5 377 lbs for the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006. 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.

How many passengers can the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 carry?

The Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads - 71 gallons and 70 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 and the Chaparral 274 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 240 Signature Cruiser 2006 full specs ← Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs