Chaparral SSi 226 2011 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSi 226 2011
2011
View full specs →
VS
Chaparral SSX 236 2009 boat specs
Chaparral
Chaparral SSX 236 2009
2009
View full specs →

Chaparral SSi 226 2011 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2009 — Same Brand, Different Boat

Matching a modified vee Chaparral SSi 226 2011 against a deep vee Chaparral SSX 236 2009 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 SSi 226 2011 at 22,5 ft versus Chaparral SSX 236 2009 at 24,0 ft. At 39 lbs and 44 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 375 hp, the Chaparral SSX 236 2009 has a 75-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 226 2011's 300-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 55 gal and 55 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 SSX 236 2009 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 with its 300-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
ModelSSi 226
ModelSSX 236
Model Year2011
Model Year2009
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 - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 3 in. (2.21 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 7 ft. 10 in. (2.39 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.21
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Inches87
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Deadrise20°
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail16 in. (41 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail23 in. (56 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.41
Draft [drive up] meters0.58
Draft [drive up] inches16
Draft [drive up] inches23
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 - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg1769.01
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.39
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Feet22.5
Length - Feet24
Length overall - Detail22 ft. 6 in. (6.86 m)
Length overall - Detailnot available
Length overall - Meters6.86
Length overall - Metersnot available
Length overall - Inches27
Length overall - Inchesnot available
Length - Metersnot available
Length - Meters7.34
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches1
Length [over all with swim platform]not available
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 m)
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typeModified Vee
Hull typeDeep Vee
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max300 hp (224 kW)
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi DP 300 hp
Operational Info
Maximum people12 or 1,650 lbs
Maximum people12
Maximum capacitynot available
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs. (725.7 kg)

Chaparral SSi 226 2011 vs Chaparral SSX 236 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2009?
The Chaparral SSX 236 2009 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The Chaparral SSi 226 2011 comes in at 22,5 feet, making it roughly 1,5 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 or the Chaparral SSX 236 2009?
For trailering, the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 has the edge at 39 lbs dry weight versus 44 lbs for the Chaparral SSX 236 2009. 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 2009 is rated to a maximum of 375 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Chaparral SSi 226 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 people can each boat hold?
The Chaparral SSi 226 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the Chaparral SSX 236 2009 is certified for 12. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 and Chaparral SSX 236 2009 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 SSi 226 2011 and Chaparral SSX 236 2009?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 55 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 SSi 226 2011 and Chaparral SSX 236 2009 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Chaparral SSi 226 2011 and the Chaparral SSX 236 2009 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.