Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral Signature 290 2011 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral Signature 290 2011 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 244 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 Signature 290 2011 measures 29,0 feet overall (2011), giving it roughly 4,7 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 at 24,3 feet (2011). At 91 lbs and 44 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 450 hp, the Chaparral Signature 290 2011 has a 130-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011's 320-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 Sunesta 244 2011 carries 6 gallons versus 1 gallons in the Chaparral Signature 290 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 290 2011 at 29,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 at 24,3 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
ModelSignature 29
ModelSunesta 244
Model Year2011
Model Year2011
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 6 in. (2.90 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.9
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches114
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m)Without Arch: 7 ft. 1 in. (2.16 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Meters2.92
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Bridge clearance - Inches115
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20°
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail9,100 lbs. (4,128 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg4127.69
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.91
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Feet29
Length - Feet24.33
Length [over all with swim platform]29 ft. (8.84 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail100 gal. (379 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters378.54
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal1
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Engine max450 hp (336 kW)
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity6
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity29 gal. (110 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum people14 or 2,100 lbs
Holding tank capacity - Detail28 gal. (106 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters105.99
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Gal28
Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8