Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005
2005
View full specs →
VS
Chaparral Signature 330  2011 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Signature 330 2011
2011
View full specs →

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2011 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 640 hp, the Chaparral Signature 330 2011 has a 265-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 Signature 330 2011 carries 175 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.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral Signature 330 2011 and its 640-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
MakeChaparral
Model274 Sunesta Deckboat
ModelSignature 33
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam10 ft. 6 in. (3.2 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters3.2
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches126
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 8 in. (3.25 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.68
Bridge clearance - Meters3.25
Bridge clearance - Inches66
Bridge clearance - Inches128
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise18℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.66
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches26
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail41 in. (104 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters1.04
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches41
Weight - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,087 kg)
Weight - Detail12,900 lbs. (5,851 kg)
Weight - kg2086.52
Weight - kg5851.34
Weight - lbs.46
Weight - lbs.129
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]33 ft. 6 in. (10.21 m)
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet33.5
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMercury: 260 hp Volve: 270 hp
Engine/s standardnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail175 gal. (662 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters662.45
Fuel tank capacity - Gal7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal175
Engine max375 hp (280 kw)
Engine max640 hp (477 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Operational Info
HeadEnclosed Fiberglass with Porta-Pottie
Headnot available
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity50 gal. (189 l)
Maximum peopleYacht Certified
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detail14 gal. (53 l) - Optional
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters53
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Gal14
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Headroomnot available
Headroom6 ft. 8 in. (2.04 m)
Sleeping capacitynot available
Sleeping capacityStandard: 6 Optional: 4
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral Signature 330 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2011?
For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 129 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 330 2011. 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 Signature 330 2011 is rated to a maximum of 640 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Chaparral Signature 330 2011 measures 126" wide, compared to 102" for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral Signature 330 2011?
The Chaparral Signature 330 2011 has the bigger tank at 175 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 168-gallon difference translates to roughly 504–840 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral Signature 330 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral Signature 330 2011 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.