Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSi 216 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSi 216 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 measures 28,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral SSi 216 2009 at 21,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral SSi 216 2009 tips the scales at 343 lbs — 290 lbs less than the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 53 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has a 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 216 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 4 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.
Bottom line: The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral SSi 216 2009 at 21,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model274 Sunesta Deckboat
ModelSSi 216
Model Year2007
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.54
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches1
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.44 m) Without Tower: 4 ft. 5 in. (1.35 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters1.68
Bridge clearance - Meters2.21
Bridge clearance - Inches66
Bridge clearance - Inches87
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail18 in. (46 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.46
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] inches18
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches34
Weight - Detail5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg)
Weight - Detail3,430 lbs. (1,556 kg)
Weight - kg2404.04
Weight - kg1555.82
Weight - lbs.53
Weight - lbs.343
Length - Meters8.61
Length - Meters6.55
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet21
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches6
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]21 ft. 6 in. (6.55 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMerc 5.7L 300 hp B3
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L GL SX 220 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail40 gal. (114 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98
Fuel tank capacity - Liters151.42
Fuel tank capacity - Gal7
Fuel tank capacity - Gal4
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)
Water capacitynot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,500 lbs. (680.4 kg)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people11