Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation
Chaparral SSX 236 Bow Rider 2008 vs Chaparral Sunesta 244 Xtreme Wide-Tech 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat
Matching a deep vee Chaparral SSX 236 Bow Rider 2008 against a modified vee Chaparral Sunesta 244 Xtreme 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 SSX 236 Bow Rider 2008 at 24,0 ft versus Chaparral Sunesta 244 Xtreme Wide-Tech 2008 at 24,0 ft. At 44 lbs and 47 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 Bow Rider 2008 has a 55-hp advantage over the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Xtreme Wide-Tech 2008'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 SSX 236 Bow Rider 2008 carries 55 gallons versus 6 gallons in the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Xtreme 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: Performance buyers should lean toward the Chaparral SSX 236 Bow Rider 2008 and its 375-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Chaparral Sunesta 244 Xtreme Wide-Tech 2008 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeChaparral
MakeChaparral
ModelSSX 236 Bow Rider
ModelSunesta 244 Xtreme Wide-Tech
Model Year2008
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 - Detail4,400 lbs. (1,996 kg)
Weight - Detail4,700 lbs. (2,132 kg)
Weight - kg1995.8
Weight - kg2131.88
Weight - lbs.44
Weight - lbs.47
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
Max no of engines1
Max no of enginesnot available
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi MPi SX drive 270 hp
Engine/s standardVolvo 5.0 GXi MPi DP 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
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeI/O
Drive typeI/O
Engine max375 hp (280 kW)
Engine max320 hp (239 kW)
Operational Info
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Maximum capacity1,800 lbs
Maximum people12
Maximum people12
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l)
Holding tank capacity - Detail3.8 gal. (14 l) With Optional VacuFlush: 6.5 gal. (24.6 l)
Holding tank capacity - Liters15.14
Holding tank capacity - Liters26.5
Holding tank capacity - Gal3.8
Holding tank capacity - Gal6.5