Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 has the edge at 102 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 327 SSX 2012 is rated to a maximum of 860 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 tops out at 375 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012. 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 327 SSX 2012

Chaparral

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 327 SSX 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 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 860 hp, the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 has a 485-hp advantage over the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004'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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carries 55 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 and its 860-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model254 Sunesta Deckboat

Model327 SSX

Model Year2004

Model Year2012

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. 9 in. (1.75 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Hardtop: 9 ft. 10 in. (3 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.75

Bridge clearance - Meters3

Bridge clearance - Inches69

Bridge clearance - Inches118

Deadrise17℃

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 - Detail4,350 lbs. (1,973 kg)

Weight - Detail10,200 lbs. (4,627 kg)

Weight - kg1973.13

Weight - kg4626.64

Weight - lbs.435

Weight - lbs.102

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

Length [over all with swim platform]32 ft. 6 in. (9.91 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet32.42

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp

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

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max860 hp (641 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie

Headnot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity25 gal. (95 l)

Maximum people15

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Detail15 gal (57 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters56.78

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal15

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacityYacht certified

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 has the edge at 102 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 327 SSX 2012 is rated to a maximum of 860 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 tops out at 375 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012. 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 15 gallons on the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012. That 40-gallon difference translates to roughly 120–200 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 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 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral 327 SSX 2012 full specs