Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2010?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 236 2010 is rated to a maximum of 400 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.

Q: How many passengers can the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 carry?

The Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 2005 and Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2010?

The Chaparral SSX 236 2010 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 236 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2010

Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005

2005

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 236 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 400 hp, the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 has a 25-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 SSX 236 2010 carries 55 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 SSX 236 2010 and its 400-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

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSSX 236

Model Year2005

Model Year201

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 Radar Arch: 7 ft. 5 in. (2.26 m) Without Radar Arch: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Meters2.26

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Bridge clearance - Inches89

Deadrise18℃

Deadrise20°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (58 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.46

Draft [drive up] meters0.58

Draft [drive up] inches18

Draft [drive up] inches23

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches35

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

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - lbs.46

Weight - lbs.44

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

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 8 in. (7.34 m)

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet24.67

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 - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Engine max375 hp (280 kw)

Engine max400 hp (298 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 or 1,605 lbs

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2010 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2010?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 46 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. 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 236 2010 is rated to a maximum of 400 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.

How many passengers can the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 carry?

The Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 2005 and Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2010?

The Chaparral SSX 236 2010 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005. That 48-gallon difference translates to roughly 144–240 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 236 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2005 and the Chaparral SSX 236 2010 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 2005 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 236 2010 full specs