Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 290 2010?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 91 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 2010 tops out at 225 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 Signature 290 2010 measures 114" 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 Signature 290 2010?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. That 54-gallon difference translates to roughly 162–270 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 290 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 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 Signature 290 2010

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 290 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2010 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 375 hp, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has a 150-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 290 2010's 225-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 1 gallons in the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. 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 Signature 290 2010 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 with its 225-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model252 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSignature 29

Model Year2004

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.9

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches114

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)Without Arch: 7 ft. 1 in. (2.16 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Meters2.79

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inches11

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise20℃

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches17

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 - Detail9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg)

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - kg4127.69

Weight - lbs.43

Weight - lbs.91

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

Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.84 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet29

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 - Detail100 gal. (379 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal1

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine maxTwin 225 hp (168 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O - Twin

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

Headnot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity29 gal. (110 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. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2010 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 290 2010?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 91 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 2010 tops out at 225 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 Signature 290 2010 measures 114" 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 Signature 290 2010?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 1 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 290 2010. That 54-gallon difference translates to roughly 162–270 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 290 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 290 2010 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 Signature 290 2010 full specs