Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 is the longer of the two at 26,3 feet overall. The Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 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 SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 tops out at 380 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 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 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

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 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 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 264 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008

Chaparral

Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008

2008

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 — A Close Look at Two Deep Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 are deep vee designs with fiberglass 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 at 26,3 ft versus Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 at 26,0 ft. At 54 lbs and 53 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 has a 45-hp advantage over the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013's 380-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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 with its 380-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model264 Sunesta WT

ModelSSX 256 Bow Rider

Model Year2013

Model Year2008

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m) With Arch Tower: 7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m) With Wakeboard Tower: 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.34

Bridge clearance - Meters2.54

Bridge clearance - Inches92

Bridge clearance - Inches1

Deadrise22.5°

Deadrise22.5℃

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches38

Draft [max] - Inches36

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

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

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.54

Weight - lbs.53

Length - Feet26.33

Length - Feet26

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

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

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Drive typeI/O

Engine max380 hp (283 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Max no of enginesnot available

Max no of engines1

Engine/s standardnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP Drive 300 hp

Operational Info

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

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

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Headnot available

Head1

Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 is the longer of the two at 26,3 feet overall. The Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 has the edge at 53 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 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 SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 tops out at 380 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.

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

Both the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 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 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

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 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2013 and the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 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 264 Sunesta WT 2013 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 full specs