Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 165 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 350 2009. 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral Signature 350 2009 measures 142" 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 350 2009?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 350 2009. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 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 350 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 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 350 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 350 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2009 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 Signature 350 2009. 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 24 gallons in the Chaparral Signature 350 2009. 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 350 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 350 2009 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

ModelSignature 35

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam11 ft. 10 in. (3.61 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.61

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches142

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

Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Meters3.4

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inches134

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise18℃

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 - Detail16,500 lbs. (7,484 kg)

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - kg7484.27

Weight - lbs.43

Weight - lbs.165

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

Length [over all with swim platform]37 ft. 0 in. (11.28 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters11.28

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet37

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 5.7L GXi DP 320 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail240 gal. (908 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters908.5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal24

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine maxTwin 375 hp (280 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 capacity40 gal. (151 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. 6 in. (1.98 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 350 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 350 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 165 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 350 2009. 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral Signature 350 2009 measures 142" 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 350 2009?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 24 gallons on the Chaparral Signature 350 2009. That 31-gallon difference translates to roughly 93–155 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 350 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 350 2009 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 350 2009 full specs