Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 4 525 lbs for the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 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 2007 carry?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005. 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 2007 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005?

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 2007 and Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 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 2007 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005

Chaparral

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007

2007

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Chaparral

Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 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 2007 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005'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 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 carries 115 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model252 Sunesta Deckboat

Model290 Signature Cruiser

Model Year2007

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam10 ft. (3.05 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters3.05

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches12

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 10 ft. (3.05 m) Without Arch: 7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.65

Bridge clearance - Meters3.05

Bridge clearance - Inches65

Bridge clearance - Inches12

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 - Detail4,525 lbs. (2,053 kg)

Weight - Detail8,500 lbs. (3,856 kg)

Weight - kg2052.5

Weight - kg3855.53

Weight - lbs.4525

Weight - lbs.85

Length - Meters7.95

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Inches1

Length - Inchesnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp SX

Engine/s standardTwin 190 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

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine maxTwin 270 hp (Twin 201 kw)

Operational Info

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Maximum capacity2,105 lbs

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people15

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 GAL. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail25 gal. (95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Liters94.64

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal25

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Shower

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity6

Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 has the edge at 85 lbs dry weight versus 4 525 lbs for the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 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 2007 carry?

The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 2007 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005. 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 2007 or the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005?

The Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 2007 and Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and the Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 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 2007 full specs ← Chaparral 290 Signature Cruiser 2005 full specs