Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005
2005
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VS
Chaparral Sunesta 224  2011 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011
2011
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Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 320 hp for the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 and 300 hp for the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011. 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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 carries 54 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011. 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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 and its 320-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model236 SSi Sportboat
ModelSunesta 224
Model Year2005
Model Year2011
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℃
Deadrise18°
Weight - Detail4,338 lbs. (1,968 kg)
Weight - Detail4,000 lbs. (1,814 kg)
Weight - kg1967.68
Weight - kg1814.37
Weight - lbs.4338
Weight - lbs.4
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]22 ft. 4 in. (6.81 m)
Bridge clearance - Detailnot available
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 9 ft. 2 in. (2.79 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 5 in. (1.65 m)
Bridge clearance - Metersnot available
Bridge clearance - Meters2.79
Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available
Bridge clearance - Inches11
Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available
Draft [drive up] - Detail20 in. (51 cm)
Draft [drive up] metersnot available
Draft [drive up] meters0.51
Draft [drive up] inchesnot available
Draft [drive up] inches2
Draft [max] - Detailnot available
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Metersnot available
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Inchesnot available
Draft [max] - Inches35
Length - Feetnot available
Length - Feet22.33
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail54 gal. (204 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters204.41
Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27
Fuel tank capacity - Gal54
Fuel tank capacity - Gal5
Engine max320 hp (239 kw)
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas
Drive typenot available
Drive typeI/O
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee
Operational Info
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum peoplenot available
Maximum people12 or 1,750 lbs

Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 vs Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 — Common Questions

Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011?
For trailering, the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 has the edge at 4 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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 is rated to a maximum of 320 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 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 Sunesta 224 2011 carry?
The Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 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 Sunesta 224 2011 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 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 or the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011?
The Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 has the bigger tank at 54 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011. That 49-gallon difference translates to roughly 147–245 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 and Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral 236 SSi Sportboat 2005 and the Chaparral Sunesta 224 2011 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.