Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 330 Signature Cruiser 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 330 Signature Cruiser 2006 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 330 Signature Cruiser 2006. 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 17 gallons in the Chaparral 330 Signature Cruiser 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Chaparral 330 Signature Cruiser 2006 caps at 10. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Chaparral 330 Signature Cruiser 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 10 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model252 Sunesta Deckboat
Model330 Signature Cruiser
Model Year2004
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam11 ft. 3 in. (3.43 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.43
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches135
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Radar Arch: 11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.65
Bridge clearance - Meters3.4
Bridge clearance - Inches65
Bridge clearance - Inches134
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)
Weight - Detail13,400 lbs. (6,078 kg)
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - kg6078.13
Weight - lbs.43
Weight - lbs.134
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters10.67
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet35
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail35 ft. 0 in. (10.67 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters10.67
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches42
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 - Detail170 gal. (644 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters643.52
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal17
Engine max375 hp (280 kw)
Engine maxTwin 375 hp (Twin 280 kW)
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie
HeadEnclosed fiberglass with pressurized shower
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity45 gal. (170 l)
Maximum people15
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters53
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Gal14
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity6
Body / Hull
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee