Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 256 2010 — A Close Look at Two Modified Vees
When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSX 256 2010 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 at 24,3 ft versus Chaparral SSX 256 2010 at 26,4 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 400 hp for the Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 and 400 hp for the Chaparral SSX 256 2010. 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 — 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 2010 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 256 2010 at 26,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 244 Sunesta WT 2012 at 24,3 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model244 Sunesta WT
ModelSSX 256
Model Year2012
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beamnot available
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inchesnot available
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 Tower: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch Tower: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.92
Bridge clearance - Meters2.36
Bridge clearance - Inches115
Bridge clearance - Inches93
Deadrise20°
Deadrise22°
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.44
Weight - lbs.53
Length - Feet24.33
Length - Feet26.42
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)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeModified 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 - Gal6
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max400 hp (298 kW)
Engine max400 hp (298 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
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)
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8
Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8