Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 224 2010 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 226 SSi WT 2013 at 22,5 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 224 2010 at 22,3 ft. At 39 lbs and 4 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 320 hp for the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 and 300 hp for the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2010. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Chaparral 226 SSi WT 2013 carries 51 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2010. 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 226 SSi WT 2013 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2010 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model226 SSi WT
ModelSunesta 224
Model Year2013
Model Year201
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 - Detail4 ft. 8 in. With Arch Tower: 7 ft. 11 in. (2.41 m) With Arch Tower Folded: 6 ft. 9 in. (2.06 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.41
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Inches95
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Deadrise20°
Deadrise18 °
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches35
Weight - Detail3,900 lbs. (1,769 kg)
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)
Weight - kg1769.01
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.39
Weight - lbs.4
Length - Feet22.5
Length - Feet22.33
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail51 gal. (193 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters193.06
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal51
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum people12 / 1,650 lbs
Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)