Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 is certified for 7. 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 2005 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 2005 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006?

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 2005 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 2005 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006

Chaparral

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006

2006

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 2005 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006'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.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 could be the deciding factor.

Bottom line: Choose the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model256 SSi Sportboat

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

Model Year2005

Model Year2006

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 - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,087 kg)

Weight - kg2245.28

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.495

Weight - lbs.46

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 - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)

Length overall - Meters7.37

Length overall - Meters7.92

Length overall - Inches29

Length overall - Inches312

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters7.92

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26

Body / Hull

Hull typeModified Vee

Hull typenot available

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 - 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)

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass

HeadEnclosed w/ porta-pottie

Water capacity10 gal. (37.85 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters75.71

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal2

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 495 lbs for the Chaparral 256 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 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 people can each boat hold?

The Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 is certified for 7. 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 2005 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 2005 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006?

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 2005 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 256 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 2005 full specs ← Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 full specs