Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 Xtreme 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 264 Xtreme 2009 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 Sunesta 264 Xtreme 2009 measures 26,0 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 23,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 at 3,0 feet (2008). At 97 lbs and 58 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 425 hp, the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Xtreme 2009 has a 155-hp advantage over the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008's 270-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 Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 carries 115 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 264 Xtreme 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Chaparral Sunesta 264 Xtreme 2009 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 at 3,0 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
ModelSignature 290 Cruiser
ModelSunesta 264 Xtreme
Model Year2008
Model Year2009
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters3.05
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches12
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - Detail10 ft. 0 in. (3.05 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 92 in. (2.34 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 63 in. (1.6 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.05
Bridge clearance - Meters2.34
Bridge clearance - Inches12
Bridge clearance - Inches92
Deadrise18℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] meters0.61
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [drive up] inches24
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.97
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches38
Weight - Detail9,700 lbs. (4,400 kg)
Weight - Detail5,800 lbs. (2,631 kg)
Weight - kg4399.84
Weight - kg2630.83
Weight - lbs.97
Weight - lbs.58
Length - Meters9.35
Length - Meters8.03
Length - Feet3
Length - Feet26
Length - Inches8
Length - Inches4
Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 8 in. (9.35 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 4 in. (8.03 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Max no of engines2
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardTwin Volvo 4.3 GXi MPi SX drive 225 hp
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L GXi DP 320 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail115 gal. (435 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters435.32
Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83
Fuel tank capacity - Gal115
Fuel tank capacity - Gal8
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Engine maxTwin 270 hp (201 kW)
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 4 in. (1.93 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity6
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity24 gal. (91 l)
Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum peoplenot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacityYacht certified