Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 tops out at 320 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 Sunesta 244 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has an official capacity rating of 14 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 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 425 hp, the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 8 gal and 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model255 SSi Sportboat

ModelSunesta 244

Model Year2005

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise20℃

Weight - Detail5,540 lbs. (2,513 kg)

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)

Weight - kg2512.9

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - lbs.554

Weight - lbs.44

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

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.72 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 56 in. (1.42 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.72

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches107

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

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

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches33

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters7.42

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet24

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches4

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L GXi MPi DP 270 hp

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Headroom4 ft. 5 in

Headroomnot available

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity2,100 lbs. (952.5 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people14

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 554 lbs for the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 tops out at 320 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 Sunesta 244 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has an official capacity rating of 14 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 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 255 SSi Sportboat 2005 full specs ← Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 full specs