Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral Signature 350 2012 vs Chaparral Sunesta 284 Wide-Tech 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral Signature 350 2012 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 284 Wide-Tech 2008 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 350 2012 measures 35,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 7,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Sunesta 284 Wide-Tech 2008 at 28,0 feet (2008). At 134 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 800 hp, the Chaparral Signature 350 2012 has a 375-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 284 Wide-Tech 2008's 425-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 284 Wide-Tech 2008 carries 105 gallons versus 17 gallons in the Chaparral Signature 350 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Chaparral Signature 350 2012 at 35,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Sunesta 284 Wide-Tech 2008 at 28,0 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 35
ModelSunesta 284 Wide-Tech
Model Year2012
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam11 ft. 3 in. (3.43 m)
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Beam - Meters3.43
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Inches135
Beam - Inches108
Bridge clearance - Detail11 ft. 2 in. (3.4 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 98 in. (2.49 m) Without Arch: 67 in. (1.7 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters3.4
Bridge clearance - Meters2.49
Bridge clearance - Inches134
Bridge clearance - Inches98
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise22℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail25 in. (64 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] meters0.64
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [drive up] inches25
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (99 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Meters0.99
Draft [max] - Inches33
Draft [max] - Inches39
Weight - Detail13,400 lbs. (6,078 kg)
Weight - Detail6,400 lbs. (2,903 kg)
Weight - kg6078.13
Weight - kg2902.99
Weight - lbs.134
Weight - lbs.64
Length - Feet35
Length - Feet28
Length [over all with swim platform]35 ft. (10.67 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 4 in. (8.64 m)
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters8.64
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches4
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail170 gal. (644 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters643.52
Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47
Fuel tank capacity - Gal17
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O - Twin
Drive typeI/O
Engine max800 hp (597 kW)
Engine max425 hp (317 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP drive 300 hp
Operational Info
Headroom6 ft. 5 in. (1.96 m)
Headroomnot available
Sleeping capacity6
Sleeping capacitynot available
Water capacity45 gal. (170 l)
Water capacity20 gal. (76 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