Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has the edge at 4 850 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007. 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 2007 carry?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 2007 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 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 2007 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. That 25-gallon difference translates to roughly 75–125 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 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 2007 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007

2007

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Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007

2007

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007: Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 26,0 ft versus Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 tips the scales at 5 275 lbs - 425 lbs less than the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 4 850 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007'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 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 carries 80 gallons versus 55 gallons in the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is rated for up to 15 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model254 Sunesta Deckboat

Model256 SSi Sportboat

Model Year2007

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 Radar Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Radar Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.75

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches69

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise22.5℃

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] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches36

Weight - Detail4,850 lbs. (2.200 kg)

Weight - Detail5,275 lbs. (2,393 kg)

Weight - kg2199.92

Weight - kg2392.7

Weight - lbs.4850

Weight - lbs.5275

Length - Meters7.95

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feet26

Length - Inches1

Length - Inches5

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 1 in. (7.95 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerc 5.0L 260 hp B3

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

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 - Gal80

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Operational Info

Head1

Headnot available

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Maximum capacity2,035 lbs.

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people15

Maximum peoplenot available

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

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 - Common Questions

Which is the larger boat - the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter - a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer - the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has the edge at 4 850 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007. 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 2007 carry?

The Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 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 2007 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 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 2007 or the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 has the bigger tank at 80 gallons, versus 55 gallons on the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. That 25-gallon difference translates to roughly 75–125 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes - both the Chaparral 254 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 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 2007 full specs ← Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2007 full specs