Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

The Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 carry?

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 2006 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

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 2006 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008

Chaparral

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006

2006

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Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008

2008

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 at 26,0 ft versus Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 at 26,0 ft. At 46 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 50-hp advantage over the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006'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.

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 is rated for up to 7 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 wasn't available.

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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 with its 375-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model274 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSSX 256 Bow Rider

Model Year2006

Model Year2008

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) With Wakeboard Tower: 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters1.68

Bridge clearance - Meters2.54

Bridge clearance - Inches66

Bridge clearance - Inches1

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

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - lbs.46

Weight - lbs.53

Length - Meters7.92

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Feet26

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 overall - Detail26 ft. 0 in. (7.92 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.92

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches312

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches5

Engine and Drivetrain

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

Drive typeI/O

Engine max375 hp (280 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

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed w/ porta-pottie

Head1

Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

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

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 vs Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

The Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 or the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

For trailering, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 carry?

The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 has an official capacity rating of 7 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 2006 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008?

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 2006 and Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2006 full specs ← Chaparral SSX 256 Bow Rider 2008 full specs