Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011: Same Brand, Different Boat
The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 is a deep-V design and the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 is a modified-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably 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 246 SSi WT 2013 at 24,5 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 at 24,3 ft. At 4 400 lbs and 4 400 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 246 SSi WT 2013 and 320 hp for the Chaparral Sunesta 244 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 246 SSi WT 2013 carries 64 gallons versus 60 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
Both boats are rated for 14 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: The Chaparral 246 SSi WT 2013 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 2011 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
Model246 SSi WT
ModelSunesta 244
Model Year2013
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
Bridge clearance - Detail4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m) 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. 7 in. (2.92 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 5 ft. 4 in. (1.63 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.41
Bridge clearance - Meters2.92
Bridge clearance - Inches95
Bridge clearance - Inches115
Deadrise21°
Deadrise20°
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detail34 in. (86 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.86
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches34
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.4400
Weight - lbs.4400
Length - Feet24.5
Length - Feet24.33
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 6 in. (7.47 m)
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 4 in. (7.42 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typeModified Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail64 gal. (242 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters242.27
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal64
Fuel tank capacity - Gal60
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum people14 / 2,006 lbs.
Maximum people14 or 2,100 lbs.
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity10 gal. (38 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