Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Premiere 400 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.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 435 hp, the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 has a 60-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 3 gallons in the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009. 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 Premiere 400 2009 wasn't available.
Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral Premiere 400 2009 and its 435-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
MakeChaparral
Model254 Sunesta Deckboat
ModelPremiere 4
Model Year2004
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam13 ft. 4 in. (4.06 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters4.06
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches16
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 9 in. (1.75 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail13 ft. 6 in. (4.11 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.75
Bridge clearance - Meters4.11
Bridge clearance - Inches69
Bridge clearance - Inches162
Deadrise17℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail45 in. (114 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters1.14
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches45
Weight - Detail4,350 lbs. (1,973 kg)
Weight - DetailTBD
Weight - kg1973.13
Weight - kgnot available
Weight - lbs.435
Weight - lbs.not available
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 0.5 in. (7.94 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]42 ft. 0 in. (13 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters13
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet42
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 - Detail300 gal. (1,136 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters1135.62
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal3
Engine max375 hp (280 kw)
Engine maxTwin 435 hp (twin 320 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie
Headnot available
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacitynot available
Maximum people15
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional
Holding tank capacity - Detail42 gal. (159 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters53
Holding tank capacity - Liters158.99
Holding tank capacity - Gal14
Holding tank capacity - Gal42
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 l)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacity6
Water heater capacitynot available
Water heater capacity77 gal. (291 l)
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee