Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 7 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007

Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007

2007

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 425 hp, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007's 375-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 7 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model256 SSi Sportboat

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

Model Year2004

Model Year2007

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 4 in. (1.62 m)

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise18℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail4,950 lbs. (2,245 kg)

Weight - Detail5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg)

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.495

Weight - lbs.53

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)

Length overall - Detail24 ft. 2 in. (7.36 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.37

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches29

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.61

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet28

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches3

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 300 hp Volvo: 280 hp

Engine/s standardMerc 5.7L 300 hp B3

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max375 hp (280 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Head1

Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail20 gal. (75.70 l) - Optional

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 carry?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 7 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 full specs