Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005
2005
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VS
Chaparral SSX 236 2007 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSX 236 2007
2007
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Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 54 gal and 55 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model236 SSi Sportboat
ModelSSX 236
Model Year2005
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
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20℃
Weight - Detail4,338 lbs. (1,968 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg1967.68
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.4338
Weight - lbs.44
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Depth - Detailnot available
Depth - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Depth - Centimetersnot available
Depth - Centimeters88.9
Depth - Inchesnot available
Depth - Inches35
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail22 in. (56 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.56
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches22
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.34
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet24
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail54 gal. (204 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters204.41
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal54
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Engine max320 hp (239 kw)
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0L 270 hp SX
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Operational Info
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity9.5 gal. (36 l)
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people12
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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2007 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2007?
For trailering, the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 has the edge at 44 lbs dry weight versus 4 338 lbs for the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005. 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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 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 passengers can the Chaparral SSX 236 2007 carry?
The Chaparral SSX 236 2007 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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 236 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 54 gallons and 55 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral SSX 236 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 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.