Both the Chaparral SSi 246 2011 and the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Chaparral SSi 246 2011 at 24,5 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 at 26,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 tips the scales at 5 400 lbs - 1 000 lbs less than the Chaparral SSi 246 2011 at 4 400 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 425 hp, the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 has a 105-hp advantage over the Chaparral SSi 246 2011's 320-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 Sunesta 264 2009 carries 80 gallons versus 65 gallons in the Chaparral SSi 246 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Chaparral SSi 246 2011 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Chaparral Sunesta 264 2009 wasn't available.