Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 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.
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 2007. 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 2007 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 Year2007
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℃
Deadrise18℃
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 - Detail4,850 lbs. (2.200 kg)
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - kg2199.92
Weight - lbs.43
Weight - lbs.485
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.95
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp
Engine/s standardMerc 5.0L 260 hp B3
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)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie
Head1
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)
Maximum people15
Maximum people15
Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters53
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal14
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity2,035 lbs
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass