Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011?

The Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,8 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 comes in at 28,3 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 has the edge at 64 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013. 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 287 SSX 2013 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 tops out at 425 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 share an 9 ft. (2.74 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011?

The Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 102 gallons on the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and the Chaparral Sunesta 284 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.

Boat Comparison

Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral 287 SSX 2013

2013

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 284 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 at 28,8 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 at 28,3 ft. At 68 lbs and 64 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 287 SSX 2013 has a 100-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011's 425-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 102 gal and 105 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and its 525-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 with its 425-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model287 SSX

ModelSunesta 284

Model Year2013

Model Year2011

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. (2.74 m)

Beam - Meters2.74

Beam - Inches108

Bridge clearance - Detail6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m) With Arch: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch Tower: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m) Without Arch Tower: 5 ft. 7 in. (1.7 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.67

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inches105

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Deadrise22°

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (66 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] inches2

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches35

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)

Weight - Detail6,400 lbs. (2,903 kg)

Weight - kg3084.43

Weight - kg2902.99

Weight - lbs.68

Weight - lbs.64

Length - Feet28.83

Length - Feet28.33

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 4 in. (8.64 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail102 gal. (386 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters386.11

Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47

Fuel tank capacity - Gal102

Fuel tank capacity - Gal105

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max525 hp (391 kW)

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

Water capacity22 gal. (83 l)

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Maximum peopleYach certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011?

The Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,8 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 comes in at 28,3 feet, making it roughly 0,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 has the edge at 64 lbs dry weight versus 68 lbs for the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013. 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 287 SSX 2013 is rated to a maximum of 525 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 tops out at 425 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 share an 9 ft. (2.74 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 287 SSX 2013 or the Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011?

The Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 has the bigger tank at 105 gallons, versus 102 gallons on the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 and the Chaparral Sunesta 284 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.

← Chaparral 287 SSX 2013 full specs ← Chaparral Sunesta 284 2011 full specs