Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 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.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 at 24,0 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 at 22,0 ft. At 43 lbs and 4 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 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009's 300-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 2006 carries 55 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009. 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 2006 is rated for 15 passengers, while the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 caps at 12. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 15 passengers and at 24,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 12 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model252 Sunesta Deckboat
ModelSunesta 224
Model Year2006
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.72 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 62 in. (1.57 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.65
Bridge clearance - Meters2.72
Bridge clearance - Inches65
Bridge clearance - Inches107
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)
Weight - kg1950.45
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.43
Weight - lbs.4
Length - Meters7.32
Length - Meters6.81
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet22
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 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 - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L GXi MPi SX 270 hp
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed w/ porta-pottie
Headnot available
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum capacity2,105 lbs
Maximum capacity1,750 lbs. (793.8 kg)
Maximum people15
Maximum people12
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee