Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 tops out at 300 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 Sunesta 224 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 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 Sunesta 224 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 7 gallons and 5 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 Sunesta 224 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Sunesta 224 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 Sunesta 224 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 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 375 hp, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has a 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009's 300-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 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSunesta 224

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 Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.72 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 62 in. (1.57 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Meters2.72

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Bridge clearance - Inches107

Deadrise18℃

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

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches2

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg1814.37

Weight - lbs.46

Weight - lbs.4

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

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.81

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet22

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches4

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L GXi MPi SX 270 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max300 hp (224 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 people12

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

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters53

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal14

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,750 lbs. (793.8 kg)

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 tops out at 300 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 Sunesta 224 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2009 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 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 Sunesta 224 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 7 gallons and 5 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 Sunesta 224 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral Sunesta 224 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 Sunesta 224 2009 full specs