Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 has the edge at 54 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 Sunesta 264 2010 tops out at 400 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 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 Sunesta 264 2010?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 8 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 Sunesta 264 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 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 Sunesta 264 2010

Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 are modified vee designs with composite construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 has a 25-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010's 400-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 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 0,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model256 SSi Sportboat

ModelSunesta 264

Model Year2004

Model Year201

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 - DetailWith Arch Tower: 7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m) Without Arch Tower: 5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.63

Bridge clearance - Meters2.34

Bridge clearance - Inches64

Bridge clearance - Inches92

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise22°

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches38

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

Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,449 kg)

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - lbs.495

Weight - lbs.54

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

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

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

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 4 in. (8.03 m)

Length overall - Meters7.37

Length overall - Meters8.03

Length overall - Inches29

Length overall - Inches316

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26.33

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 300 hp Volvo: 280 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max425 hp (317 kw)

Engine max400 hp (298 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

Headnot available

Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 has the edge at 54 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 Sunesta 264 2010 tops out at 400 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 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 Sunesta 264 2010?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 8 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 Sunesta 264 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2004 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2010 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 Sunesta 264 2010 full specs