Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral SSi 236 2009 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral SSi 236 2009 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 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 236 2009 at 24,0 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 at 24,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral SSi 236 2009 tips the scales at 435 lbs — 391 lbs more than the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 at 44 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 320 hp for the Chaparral SSi 236 2009 and 320 hp for the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008. 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 SSi 236 2009 carries 55 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
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: The Chaparral SSi 236 2009 and Chaparral Sunesta 244 Wide-Tech 2008 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
ModelSSi 236
ModelSunesta 244 Wide-Tech
Model Year2009
Model Year2008
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. 10 in. (2.39 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 4 ft. 8 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - DetailWith Wakeboard Tower: 107 in. (2.71 m) Without Wakeboard Tower: 56 in. (1.42 m)
Bridge clearance - Meters2.39
Bridge clearance - Meters2.72
Bridge clearance - Inches94
Bridge clearance - Inches107
Deadrise20℃
Deadrise20℃
Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (56 cm)
Draft [drive up] - Detail17 in. (43 cm)
Draft [drive up] meters0.56
Draft [drive up] meters0.43
Draft [drive up] inches22
Draft [drive up] inches17
Draft [max] - Detail35 in. (89 cm)
Draft [max] - Detail33 in. (84 cm)
Draft [max] - Meters0.89
Draft [max] - Meters0.84
Draft [max] - Inches35
Draft [max] - Inches33
Weight - Detail4,350 lbs. (1,973 kg)
Weight - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - kg1973.13
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - lbs.435
Weight - lbs.44
Length - Meters7.34
Length - Meters7.42
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches1
Length - Inches4
Length [over all with swim platform]24 ft. 1 in. (7.34 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
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.7L Gi MPi SX 300 hp
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi MPi SX drive 270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detail55 gal. (208 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Detail60 gal. (227 l)
Fuel tank capacity - Liters208.2
Fuel tank capacity - Liters227.12
Fuel tank capacity - Gal55
Fuel tank capacity - Gal6
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,655 lbs. (750.7 kg)
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Maximum people12
Maximum people12
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)
Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Galnot available
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5