Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has the edge at 68 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 SSX 276 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 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: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral SSX 276 2007 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 276 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 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 SSX 276 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

2005

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 276 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 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 525 hp, the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has a 150-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 SSX 276 2007 carries 105 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 SSX 276 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 and its 525-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

ModelSSX 276

Model Year2005

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches108

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m) Without Arch: 6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.75

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Inches69

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Deadrise17℃

Deadrise22℃

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] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.51

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches2

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

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)

Weight - kg1973.13

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - lbs.435

Weight - lbs.68

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 m)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Centimeters88.9

Depth - Inchesnot available

Depth - Inches35

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.79

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches1

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volvo: 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max525 hp (391 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 peoplenot available

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 276 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has the edge at 68 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 SSX 276 2007 is rated to a maximum of 525 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.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Chaparral SSX 276 2007 measures 108" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 276 2007?

The Chaparral SSX 276 2007 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 276 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 276 2007 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 SSX 276 2007 full specs