Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007
2007
View full specs →
VS
Chaparral SSi 226 2011 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSi 226 2011
2011
View full specs →

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
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Operational Info
Head1
Headnot available
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

Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 vs Chaparral SSi 226 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral SSi 226 2011?
The Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 226 2011 comes in at 22,5 feet, making it roughly 5,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 or the Chaparral SSi 226 2011?
For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 226 2011 tops out at 300 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 SSi 226 2011 carry?
The Chaparral SSi 226 2011 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 2007 and Chaparral SSi 226 2011 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 2007 or the Chaparral SSi 226 2011?
The Chaparral SSi 226 2011 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 7 gallons on the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007. 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 2007 and Chaparral SSi 226 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 274 Sunesta Deckboat 2007 and the Chaparral SSi 226 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.