Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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: 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 375 hp for the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and 375 hp for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carries 55 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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

Model252 Sunesta Deckboat

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

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 - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise18℃

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches18

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,087 kg)

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.43

Weight - lbs.46

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum people15

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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.

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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 full specs