Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 277 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral 277 SSX 2013 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral 277 SSX 2013 measures 27,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 5,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 at 22,3 feet (2011). At 65 lbs and 4 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 525 hp, the Chaparral 277 SSX 2013 has a 225-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 224 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 277 SSX 2013 carries 105 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Chaparral 277 SSX 2013 at 27,5 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 at 22,3 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
Model277 SSX
ModelSunesta 224
Model Year2013
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 6 in. (1.98 m) With Hardtop: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Deadrise22.5°
Deadrise18°
Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.66
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] inches26
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches39
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail6,500 lbs. (2,948 kg)
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)
Weight - kg2948.35
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.65
Weight - lbs.4
Length - Feet27.5
Length - Feet22.33
Length [over all with swim platform]27 ft. 6 in. (8.38 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max525 hp (391 kW)
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity15 gal. (57 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum capacityYacht certified
Maximum capacitynot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal (14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs