Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral SSX 276 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral SSX 276 Bow Rider 2008 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 244 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 SSX 276 Bow Rider 2008 measures 28,0 feet overall (2008), giving it roughly 4,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 at 24,0 feet (2008). At 68 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 525 hp, the Chaparral SSX 276 Bow Rider 2008 has a 205-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008'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 SSX 276 Bow Rider 2008 carries 105 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Bottom line: The Chaparral SSX 276 Bow Rider 2008 at 28,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 at 24,0 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
ModelSSX 276 Bow Rider
ModelSunesta 244 Wide-Tech
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam9 ft. 0 in. (2.74 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.74
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches108
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch: 8 ft. 9 in. (2.67 m) Without Arch: 6 ft. 2 in. (1.88 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.71 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 56 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.67
Bridge clearance - Meters2.72
Bridge clearance - Inches105
Bridge clearance - Inches107
Deadrise22℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail6,800 lbs. (3,084 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg3084.43
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.68
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Meters8.79
Length - Meters7.42
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches4
Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 10 in. (8.79 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
Max no of engines1
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7 Gi MPi DP drive 300 hp
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi MPi SX drive 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail105 gal. (397 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters397.47
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal105
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max525 hp (391 kW)
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum peopleYacht certified
Maximum people12
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 - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs