Both the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 and the Chaparral SSi 196 2010 are modified-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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 246 SSi WT 2012 measures 24,5 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 5,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Chaparral SSi 196 2010 at 19,5 feet (2010). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 tips the scales at 4 400 lbs - 1 300 lbs more than the Chaparral SSi 196 2010 at 3 100 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 320 hp, the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 has a 95-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 196 2010's 225-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 246 SSi WT 2012 carries 65 gallons versus 32 gallons in the Chaparral SSi 196 2010. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 is rated for 14 passengers, while the Chaparral SSi 196 2010 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 14 passengers and at 24,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Chaparral SSi 196 2010 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 9 that costs less to run day-to-day.