Chaparral SSX 256 2007 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. 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 SSX 256 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 tops out at 300 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 224 Xtreme 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 SSX 256 2007 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 and the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 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 SSX 256 2007 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2007

2007

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral SSX 256 2007 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 measures 26,0 feet overall (2007), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 at 22,0 feet (2009). At 53 lbs and 43 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 SSX 256 2007 has a 125-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009's 300-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 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 at 26,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 at 22,0 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

ModelSSX 256

ModelSunesta 224 Xtreme

Model Year2007

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. 5 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.72 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 62 in. (1.57 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Meters2.72

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Bridge clearance - Inches107

Deadrise22.5℃

Deadrise18℃

Depth - Detail36 in. (91 cm)

Depth - Detailnot available

Depth - Centimeters91.44

Depth - Centimetersnot available

Depth - Inches36

Depth - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.61

Draft [max] - Meters0.89

Draft [max] - Inches24

Draft [max] - Inches35

Weight - Detail5,300 lbs. (2,404 kg)

Weight - Detail4,300 lbs. (1,950 kg)

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - kg1950.45

Weight - lbs.53

Weight - lbs.43

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Meters6.81

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet22

Length - Inches5

Length - Inches4

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

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.51

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches2

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L 280 hp DP

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L GXi MPi DP 270 hp

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine max300 hp (224 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (25 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,750 lbs. (793.8 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people12

Chaparral SSX 256 2007 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 comes in at 22,0 feet, making it roughly 4,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 has the edge at 43 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2007. 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 SSX 256 2007 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 tops out at 300 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 224 Xtreme 2009 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 has an official capacity rating of 12 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 SSX 256 2007 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2007 has the bigger tank at 8 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009. That 3-gallon difference translates to roughly 9–15 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral SSX 256 2007 and the Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 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 SSX 256 2007 full specs ← Chaparral Sunesta 224 Xtreme 2009 full specs