Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 47 lbs for the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013. 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 257 SSX 2013 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 257 SSX 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 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 257 SSX 2013 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 257 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

The Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 65-gallon difference translates to roughly 195–325 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 257 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

Chaparral

Chaparral 257 SSX 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

2005

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 430 hp, the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005'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 257 SSX 2013 carries 72 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 and its 430-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model257 SSX

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

Model Year2013

Model Year2005

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 m) With Wakeboard Tower: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Deadrise22.5°

Deadrise18℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] inches24

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 - Detail4,700 lbs. (2,132 kg)

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

Weight - kg2131.88

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - lbs.47

Weight - lbs.46

Length - Feet25.5

Length - Feetnot available

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 6 in. (7.77 m)

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail72 gal. (273 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters272.55

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Gal72

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typenot available

Engine max430 hp (321 kW)

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Headnot available

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 47 lbs for the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013. 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 257 SSX 2013 is rated to a maximum of 430 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 257 SSX 2013 carry?

The Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 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 257 SSX 2013 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 257 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005?

The Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 has the bigger tank at 72 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 65-gallon difference translates to roughly 195–325 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 and Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 257 SSX 2013 and the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 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 257 SSX 2013 full specs ← Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 full specs