Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013. 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 287 SSX 2013 is rated to a maximum of 525 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013?

The Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 has the bigger tank at 102 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 287 SSX 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 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 287 SSX 2013

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 287 SSX 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 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 525 hp, the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 has a 150-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 287 SSX 2013 carries 102 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 287 SSX 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and its 525-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

Model287 SSX

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches108

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

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise22°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches2

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - lbs.43

Weight - lbs.68

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28.83

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 - Detail102 gal. (386 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters386.11

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal102

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max525 hp (391 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

Headnot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum people15

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013. 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 287 SSX 2013 is rated to a maximum of 525 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013?

The Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 has the bigger tank at 102 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 287 SSX 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 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 287 SSX 2013 full specs