Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 4 400 lbs dry weight versus 5 300 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. 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 2009 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 2009 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2009: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 is a modified-V design and the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 at 24,3 ft versus Chaparral SSX 256 2009 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 tips the scales at 5 300 lbs - 900 lbs less than the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 at 4 400 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 carries 80 gallons versus 60 gallons in the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 Year2009

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. 4 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] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches33

Draft [max] - Inches36

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

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

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.4400

Weight - lbs.5300

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)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typeDeep Vee

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 - Gal60

Fuel tank capacity - Gal80

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max400 hp (298 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum people14 or 2,100 lbs.

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 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 2009 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 4 400 lbs dry weight versus 5 300 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. 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 2009 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 2009 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 244 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 256 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 60 gallons on the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012. That 20-gallon difference translates to roughly 60–100 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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 2009 full specs