Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 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.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 tops out at 320 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: How many passengers can the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has an official capacity rating of 14 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 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.

Boat Comparison

Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008

2008

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009

2009

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 244 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 at 26,0 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 tips the scales at 5 275 lbs — 5 231 lbs more than the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 at 44 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 425 hp, the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 8 gal and 6 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

ModelSSi 256 Bow Rider

ModelSunesta 244

Model Year2008

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 7 ft. 9 in. (2.36 m) Without Arch: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.72 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 56 in. (1.42 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Meters2.72

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Bridge clearance - Inches107

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise20℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] meters0.43

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [drive up] inches17

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.84

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches33

Weight - Detail5,275 lbs. (2,393 kg)

Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)

Weight - kg2392.7

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - lbs.5275

Weight - lbs.44

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Meters7.42

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet24

Length - Inches5

Length - Inches4

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 5 in. (8.05 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Max no of engines1

Max no of enginesnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP drive 300 hp

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L GXi MPi DP 270 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal6

Fuel typeGas or Diesel

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Operational Info

Head1

Headnot available

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Maximum people14

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (23.95 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity2,100 lbs. (952.5 kg)

Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

The Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 comes in at 24,0 feet, making it roughly 2,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 5 275 lbs for the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 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 SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 tops out at 320 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.

How many passengers can the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 has an official capacity rating of 14 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 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.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 8 gallons and 6 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 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.

← Chaparral SSi 256 Bow Rider 2008 full specs ← Chaparral Sunesta 244 2009 full specs