Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008
2008
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VS
Chaparral Sunesta 264  2009 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009
2009
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Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 264 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 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 54 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 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 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 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
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 Arch: 92 in. (2.34 m) Without Arch: 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 - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,449 kg)
Weight - kg4399.84
Weight - kg2449.4
Weight - lbs.97
Weight - lbs.54
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 Gi MPi DP 300 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
Head1
Headnot available
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 peopleYacht certified
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With 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

Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009?
The Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 comes in at 3,0 feet, making it roughly 23,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009?
For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 has the edge at 54 lbs dry weight versus 97 lbs for the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008. 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 Sunesta 264 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 tops out at 270 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.
Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?
The Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 measures 102" wide, compared to 12" for the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009?
The Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 has the bigger tank at 115 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009. That 107-gallon difference translates to roughly 321–535 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral Signature 290 Cruiser 2008 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 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.