Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012
2012
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VS
Chaparral SSX 236 2007 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSX 236 2007
2007
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Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2007 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 at 22,3 ft versus Chaparral SSX 236 2007 at 24,0 ft. At 4 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 375 hp, the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012'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 236 2007 carries 55 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 12 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model224 Sunesta WT
ModelSSX 236
Model Year2012
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Deadrise18°
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail22 in. (56 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches22
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.4
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Feet22.33
Length - Feet24
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m)
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters88.9
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches35
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.34
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L 270 hp SX
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)
Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs
Maximum people12
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8

Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2007?
The Chaparral SSX 236 2007 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 comes in at 22,3 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 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2007?
For trailering, the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 has the edge at 4 lbs dry weight versus 44 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 236 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 236 2007 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 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 people can each boat hold?
The Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 236 2007 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 224 Sunesta WT 2012 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2007?
The Chaparral SSX 236 2007 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012. That 50-gallon difference translates to roughly 150–250 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and Chaparral SSX 236 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 224 Sunesta WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 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.