Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 has the edge at 58 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 264 Xtreme 2012 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 2005 and Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 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 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 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 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012

Chaparral

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

2005

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Xtreme 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 430 hp, the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005'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 2005 carries 55 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 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 2005 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 and its 430-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model254 Sunesta Deckboat

Model264 Xtreme

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

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 - DetailWith Arch Tower: 7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.75

Bridge clearance - Meters2.34

Bridge clearance - Inches69

Bridge clearance - Inches92

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise22°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches38

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

Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)

Weight - kg1973.13

Weight - kg2630.83

Weight - lbs.435

Weight - lbs.58

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

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 4 in. (8.03 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26.33

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 - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max430 hp (321 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 capacity13.5 gal. (51 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

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 has the edge at 58 lbs dry weight versus 435 lbs for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 264 Xtreme 2012 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 2005 and Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 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 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral 264 Xtreme 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 2005 full specs ← Chaparral 264 Xtreme 2012 full specs