Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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 SSi 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 7 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 256 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 SSi 256 2009 has a 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004'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 — 7 gal and 8 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSSi 256

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

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

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise22.5℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches24

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

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches36

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

Weight - Detail5,275 lbs. (2,393 kg)

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg2392.7

Weight - lbs.46

Weight - lbs.5275

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

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

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi 300 hp DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie

Headnot available

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum peopleYacht Certified

Maximum peopleYacht certified

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 256 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 256 2009. 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 SSi 256 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 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.

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

Both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 7 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 256 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 256 2009 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 256 2009 full specs