Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSX 327 2011 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 SSX 327 2011 measures 32,4 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 6,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 26,0 feet (2007). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 tips the scales at 4 525 lbs — 4 427 lbs more than the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 at 98 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 860 hp, the Chaparral SSX 327 2011 has a 485-hp advantage over the Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007's 375-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 2007 carries 55 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Chaparral SSX 327 2011. 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 SSX 327 2011 wasn't available.
Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 327 2011 at 32,4 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 252 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 26,0 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
ModelSSX 327
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
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 Hardtop: 9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.65
Bridge clearance - Meters3
Bridge clearance - Inches65
Bridge clearance - Inches118
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22°
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches23
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail38.5 in. (98 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches38.5
Weight - Detail4,525 lbs. (2,053 kg)
Weight - Detail9,800 lbs. (4,445 kg)
Weight - kg2052.5
Weight - kg4445.2
Weight - lbs.4525
Weight - lbs.98
Length - Meters7.95
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet26
Length - Feet32.42
Length - Inches1
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]32 ft. 6 in. (9.91 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp SX
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail150 gal. (568 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters567.81
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal15
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine max860 hp (641 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)
Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)
Maximum capacity2,105 lbs
Maximum capacityYacht certified
Maximum people15
Maximum peoplenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 GAL. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail15 gal (57 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Liters56.78
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal15