Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 tops out at 375 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 15 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004's 375-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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carries 55 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model252 Sunesta Deckboat

Model255 SSi Sportboat

Model Year2004

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise22.5℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - lbs.43

Weight - lbs.554

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)

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

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacitynot available

Maximum people15

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Headroomnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 tops out at 375 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has an official capacity rating of 15 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 full specs