Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 290 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 97 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 290 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 2009 tops out at 270 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 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral Signature 290 2009. 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 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 290 2009?

The Chaparral Signature 290 2009 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral Signature 290 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral Signature 290 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 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 290 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 290 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 290 2009's 270-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 Signature 290 2009 carries 115 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 252 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 2005 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Signature 290 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Signature 290 2009 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model252 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSignature 29

Model Year2005

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.05

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches12

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

Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Meters3.05

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inches12

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 - Detail9,700 lbs. (4,400 kg)

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - kg4399.84

Weight - lbs.43

Weight - lbs.97

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

Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 8 in. (9.35 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters9.35

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet3

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches8

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 4.3L GXi MPi DP 225 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail115 gal. (435 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters435.32

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal115

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine maxTwin 270 hp (201 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 capacity24 gal. (91 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. 4 in. (1.93 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 290 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 290 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 97 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 290 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 2009 tops out at 270 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 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral Signature 290 2009. 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 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 290 2009?

The Chaparral Signature 290 2009 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 60-gallon difference translates to roughly 180–300 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral Signature 290 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral Signature 290 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 2005 full specs ← Chaparral Signature 290 2009 full specs