Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSi 226 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSi 226 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.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 measures 28,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 5,5 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 at 22,5 feet (2011). At 53 lbs and 39 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 375 hp, the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 has a 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 226 2011's 300-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 SSi 226 2011 carries 55 gallons versus 7 gallons in the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
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 226 2011 at 22,5 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 226
Model Year2007
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail5 ft. 6 in. (1.68 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 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. (41 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 - Detail3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg)
Weight - kg2404.04
Weight - kg1769.01
Weight - lbs.53
Weight - lbs.39
Length - Meters8.61
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet22.5
Length - Inches3
Length - Inchesnot available
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 3 in. (8.61 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Meters6.86
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Inches27
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 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
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 peoplenot available
Maximum people12 or 1,650 lbs