Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006
2006
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VS
Chaparral Signature 310  2009 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Signature 310 2009
2009
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Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral Signature 310 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral Signature 310 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.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral Signature 310 2009 measures 33,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 9,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 at 24,0 feet (2006). At 43 lbs and 114 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 310 2009's 320-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 310 2009 carries 147 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Signature 310 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 310 2009 at 33,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 at 24,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model252 Sunesta Deckboat
ModelSignature 31
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam10 ft. 7 in. (3.23 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.23
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches127
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
Deadrise18℃
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 - Detail11,400 lbs. (5,171 kg)
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - kg5170.95
Weight - lbs.43
Weight - lbs.114
Length - Meters7.32
Length - Meters10.16
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet33
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 4 in. (10.16 m)
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 0 in. (7.32 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters7.32
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches288
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail147 gal. (556 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters556.46
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal147
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine maxTwin 320 hp (239 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 5.0L GXi MPi DP 270 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed w/ porta-pottie
Headnot available
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Maximum capacity2,105 lbs
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum people15
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity5
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral Signature 310 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 or the Chaparral Signature 310 2009?
The Chaparral Signature 310 2009 is the longer of the two at 33,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 9,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 or the Chaparral Signature 310 2009?
For trailering, the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 114 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 310 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 2006 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 310 2009 tops out at 320 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 2006 carry?
The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 310 2009 measures 127" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006. 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 2006 or the Chaparral Signature 310 2009?
The Chaparral Signature 310 2009 has the bigger tank at 147 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006. That 92-gallon difference translates to roughly 276–460 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 and Chaparral Signature 310 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 and the Chaparral Signature 310 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.