Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 comes in at 24,3 feet, making it roughly 1,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. 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 SSX 256 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 tops out at 400 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 has an official capacity rating of 14 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 8 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 at 24,3 ft versus Chaparral SSX 256 2007 at 26,0 ft. At 44 lbs and 53 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 has a 25-hp advantage over the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012's 400-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 6 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 with its 400-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model244 Sunesta WT

ModelSSX 256

Model Year2012

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.92

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches115

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise20°

Deadrise22.5℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

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

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches24

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

Weight - Detail5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg)

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.44

Weight - lbs.53

Length - Feet24.33

Length - Feet26

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

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches36

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max400 hp (298 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Maximum people14 or 2,100 lbs

Maximum peoplenot available

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 comes in at 24,3 feet, making it roughly 1,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. 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 SSX 256 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 tops out at 400 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 has an official capacity rating of 14 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 6 gallons and 8 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 2007 full specs