Chaparral SSX 256 2009 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 comes in at 24,3 feet, making it roughly 1,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. 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 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 2011 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 SSX 256 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 SSX 256 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011?

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 SSX 256 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 2009 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011

Chaparral

Chaparral SSX 256 2009

2009

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Chaparral

Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral SSX 256 2009 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a deep vee Chaparral SSX 256 2009 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral SSX 256 2009 at 26,0 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 at 24,3 ft. At 53 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 425 hp, the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 has a 105-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. 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 SSX 256 2009 and its 425-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

ModelSSX 256

ModelSunesta 244

Model Year2009

Model Year2011

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: 9 ft. 7 in. (2.92 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Meters2.92

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Bridge clearance - Inches115

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

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

Weight - kg2404.04

Weight - kg1995.8

Weight - lbs.53

Weight - lbs.44

Length - Meters8.05

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet24.33

Length - Inches5

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp

Engine/s standardnot available

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

Drive typeI/O

Engine max425 hp (317 kW)

Engine max320 hp (239 kW)

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Maximum people14 or 2,100 lbs

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

Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5

Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5

Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Chaparral SSX 256 2009 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011?

The Chaparral SSX 256 2009 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 comes in at 24,3 feet, making it roughly 1,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 or the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011?

For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 53 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 256 2009. 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 2009 is rated to a maximum of 425 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 2011 carry?

The Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 SSX 256 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 SSX 256 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011?

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 SSX 256 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral SSX 256 2009 and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 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 2009 full specs ← Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 full specs