Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the edge at 69 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: 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. That 24-gallon difference translates to roughly 72–120 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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 Signature 270 2013

Chaparral

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral Signature 270 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 375 hp for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and 380 hp for the Chaparral Signature 270 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 carries 79 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 Signature 270 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model254 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSignature 27

Model Year2004

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 9 in. (1.75 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 7 in. (2.01 m) With Arch: 9 ft. 1 in. (2.77 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.75

Bridge clearance - Meters2.77

Bridge clearance - Inches69

Bridge clearance - Inches109

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches17

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

Weight - Detail6,900 lbs. (3,130 kg)

Weight - kg1973.13

Weight - kg3129.78

Weight - lbs.435

Weight - lbs.69

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

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. (8.23 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet27

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 - Detail79 gal. (299 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters299.05

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal79

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max380 hp (283 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed with Porta-Pottie

Headnot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity22 gal. (83 l)

Maximum people15

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Headroomnot available

Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Sleeping capacitynot available

Sleeping capacity4

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Signature 270 2013 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

For trailering, the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the edge at 69 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.

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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Signature 270 2013?

The Chaparral Signature 270 2013 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. That 24-gallon difference translates to roughly 72–120 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Signature 270 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Signature 270 2013 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 Signature 270 2013 full specs