Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004
2004
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VS
Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004
2004
View full specs →

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 254 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and 375 hp for the Chaparral 254 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 — 55 gal and 55 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 15 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: The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 254 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
MakeChaparral
Model252 Sunesta Deckboat
Model254 Sunesta Deckboat
Model Year2004
Model Year2004
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 9 in. (1.75 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.65
Bridge clearance - Meters1.75
Bridge clearance - Inches65
Bridge clearance - Inches69
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise17℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)
Weight - Detail4,350 lbs. (1,973 kg)
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - kg1973.13
Weight - lbs.43
Weight - lbs.435
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp
Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Engine max375 hp (280 kw)
Engine max375 hp (280 kw)
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie
HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Maximum people15
Maximum people15
Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional
Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional
Holding tank capacity - Liters53
Holding tank capacity - Liters53
Holding tank capacity - Gal14
Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?
For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 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.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 15 passengers, while the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is certified for 15. 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 254 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 55 gallons and 55 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 254 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.