Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 is the longer of the two at 26,3 feet overall. The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 comes in at 22,5 feet, making it roughly 3,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. 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 264 Sunesta WT 2012 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012

Chaparral

Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012

2012

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Chaparral

Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012

2012

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 — Which Modified Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 are modified vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 measures 26,3 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 3,8 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 at 22,5 feet (2012). At 39 lbs and 54 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 400 hp, the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 has a 100-hp advantage over the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012's 300-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 226 SSi WT 2012 carries 55 gallons versus 8 gallons in the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 at 26,3 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 at 22,5 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

Model226 SSi WT

Model264 Sunesta WT

Model Year2012

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWith Arch Tower: 7 ft. 8 in. (2.34 m) Without Arch Tower: 5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.21

Bridge clearance - Meters2.34

Bridge clearance - Inches87

Bridge clearance - Inches92

Deadrise20°

Deadrise22°

Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)

Draft [drive up] - Detail24 in. (61 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.41

Draft [drive up] meters0.61

Draft [drive up] inches16

Draft [drive up] inches24

Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)

Draft [max] - Detail38 in. (97 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.86

Draft [max] - Meters0.97

Draft [max] - Inches34

Draft [max] - Inches38

Weight - Detail3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg)

Weight - Detail5,400 lbs. (2,449 kg)

Weight - kg1769.01

Weight - kg2449.4

Weight - lbs.39

Weight - lbs.54

Length - Feet22.5

Length - Feet26.33

Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 4 in. (8.03 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeModified Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail80 gal. (303 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2

Fuel tank capacity - Liters302.83

Fuel tank capacity - Gal55

Fuel tank capacity - Gal8

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max300 hp (224 kW)

Engine max400 hp (298 kW)

Operational Info

Maximum people12 or 1,650 lbs

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Water capacitynot available

Water capacity13.5 gal. (51 l)

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 226 SSi WT 2012 vs Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

The Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 is the longer of the two at 26,3 feet overall. The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 comes in at 22,5 feet, making it roughly 3,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

For trailering, the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 54 lbs for the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. 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 264 Sunesta WT 2012 is rated to a maximum of 400 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 carry?

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 or the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012?

The Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 has the bigger tank at 55 gallons, versus 8 gallons on the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012. That 47-gallon difference translates to roughly 141–235 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 and Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 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 226 SSi WT 2012 full specs ← Chaparral 264 Sunesta WT 2012 full specs