Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 passengers can the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. That 71-gallon difference translates to roughly 213–355 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012

Chaparral

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012

2012

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has a 25-hp advantage over the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012's 400-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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 carries 79 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated for up to 14 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 with its 400-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model260 SSi Sportboat

Model264 Sunesta WT

Model Year2005

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 8 in. (1.73 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 - Meters1.73

Bridge clearance - Meters2.34

Bridge clearance - Inches68

Bridge clearance - Inches92

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise22°

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - Detail5,200 lbs. (2,359 kg)

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

Weight - kg2358.68

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - lbs.52

Weight - lbs.54

Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 9 in. (8.46 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 4 in. (8.03 m)

Length overall - Detail25 ft. 6 in. (7.77 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.77

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches306

Length overall - Inchesnot available

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 - Detail79 gal. (299 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters299.05

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal79

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 capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Maximum people14

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the edge at 52 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 passengers can the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 carry?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

The Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 79 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. That 71-gallon difference translates to roughly 213–355 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 260 SSi Sportboat 2005 full specs ← Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 full specs