Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 206 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 206 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 206 2009 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 4 112 lbs for the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 206 2009 tops out at 270 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 SSi 206 2009 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 206 2009 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 206 2009 share an 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 206 2009?

The Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 206 2009. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 206 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 206 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 206 2009

Chaparral

Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004

2004

View full specs →

Chaparral

Chaparral SSi 206 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 206 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 206 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 300 hp, the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has a 30-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 206 2009's 270-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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 carries 57 gallons versus 35 gallons in the Chaparral SSi 206 2009. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and its 300-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral SSi 206 2009 with its 270-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeChaparral

Model216 Sunesta Deckboat

ModelSSi 206

Model Year2004

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 m)

Beam8 ft. 4 in. (2.44 m)

Beam - Meters2.54

Beam - Inches1

Deadrise16℃

Deadrise18℃

Weight - Detail4,112 lbs. (1,865 kg)

Weight - Detail3,200 lbs. (1,452 kg)

Weight - kg1865.17

Weight - kg1451.49

Weight - lbs.4112

Weight - lbs.32

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 7.25 in. (6.89 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]20 ft. 6 in. (6.25 m)

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 93 in. (2.36 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 55 in. (1.4 m)

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.36

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches93

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] - Detail13 in. (33 cm)

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.33

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

Draft [drive up] inches13

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Detail32 in. (81 cm)

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.81

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft [max] - Inches32

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Meters6.25

Length - Feetnot available

Length - Feet2

Length - Inchesnot available

Length - Inches6

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail57 gal. (216 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail35 gal. (132 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters215.77

Fuel tank capacity - Liters132.49

Fuel tank capacity - Gal57

Fuel tank capacity - Gal35

Engine max300 hp (224 kw)

Engine max270 hp (201 kW)

Fuel typenot available

Fuel typeGas

Drive typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Operational Info

HeadEnclosed Compartment

Headnot available

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum capacity1,260 lbs. (571.5 kg)

Maximum peoplenot available

Maximum people9

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeModified Vee

Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 vs Chaparral SSi 206 2009 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 206 2009?

For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 206 2009 has the edge at 32 lbs dry weight versus 4 112 lbs for the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004. 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 is rated to a maximum of 300 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 206 2009 tops out at 270 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 SSi 206 2009 carry?

The Chaparral SSi 206 2009 has an official capacity rating of 9 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 206 2009 share an 8 ft. 4 in. (2.54 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 or the Chaparral SSi 206 2009?

The Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 has the bigger tank at 57 gallons, versus 35 gallons on the Chaparral SSi 206 2009. That 22-gallon difference translates to roughly 66–110 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and Chaparral SSi 206 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 and the Chaparral SSi 206 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 216 Sunesta Deckboat 2004 full specs ← Chaparral SSi 206 2009 full specs