Chaparral Sunesta 234

Chaparral
Sunesta 234
With four decades of solid reputation, Chaparral, an independent
builder in Nashville, GA, calls its Sunesta 274, 254 and 234 models
“windshield deck boats” — something of a new category. I would
rather simply refer to our review 234 as a very spacious bowrider
configured to provide maximum sun-chasing accommodation on a
quick hull.
Size makes all the difference in the two seating areas. Similar to
a hot tub, the bow section is nicely rounded, while the cockpit has a
curved, wraparound L-shaped lounger. Chaparral accomplishes
something clever here, because the wide-open spaces still only take
up a beam of eight feet six inches, leaving you wondering where all
the extra space came from.
COMFORT SUPREME At the bow is a feature gaining
popularity in larger boats — the bow-mounted swim ladder. Here
on a 22-footer, it’s a bonus. Swimmers have easy beach access
from the bow, while others swim off the aft platform. Found under
the hatch, which is molded into the curved bow, the three-step
telescoping ladder shares space with the ground tackle.
The 234 even has molded docking lights and an optional freshwater wash shower. At seat level, just aft of the anchor locker, a
built-in cooler tucks between the bowrider cushions.
Chaise lounge-style seats in the bow are spacious on their own, but
an optional filler cushion converts them to an ample sunpad. Snacking
between swimming is facilitated with an optional forward table.
Expansive carpeted storage is found under the seats on both sides.
Just a note here: The cushions themselves are a bit awkward. It’s nice
to have so much space, but sectioning the cushion might make for
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easier lifting. An extension of the starboard locker stores the canvas
and tables under the forward section of the console.
GET A HEAD It’s always surprising to find a full head compartment on a 22-foot boat, and Chaparral does a fine job by providing a
full glass liner, too. It even has an opening oval hatch! (The pumpout
porta-potti is optional.)
Back in the cockpit, Chaparral knows we all love good seating and
proves it with the 234. Replacing conventional foam on plywood
construction is the Spring Air Suspension helm seat. The builder
adds airflow via ventilation mesh at the bottom of the seat back.
Standup driving is made easy with the big flip-up bolster section.
The instruments and dash are just fine with good visibility through
the sleek wraparound three-section windshield.
Located in the head compartment is the JBL stereo/CD changer,
with a remote on the dash and optionally at the transom. Two pairs of
speakers distribute tunes to the bow and cockpit.
SUN FUN To port, opposite the driver is a console housing a sink
with faucet, and a mini-cooler with storage and trash receptacle
inside. In the floor is a huge ski locker with a strut-supported hatch.
The entire boat interior is self-draining to deal with swim splash.
Aft from the port console sweeps a handsome lounger that
accommodates at least four. It has its own table, with a second,
shorter support post that fits a filler cushion to create a massive tanning bed. On the starboard side, a carry-on Igloo cooler locks into a
storage compartment under the gunwale. To port and starboard,
well-positioned stainless grab rails match the pair in the bow area.
Taking the transom walk-thru leads to the extended swim platform, which features a second telescoping ladder. The hull is a full
22 feet two inches, plus two feet of platform added to the transom.
That extra length maximizes boat space and enhances the Chaparral
extended V-plane structure.
Constructed into the transom is a draining storage trunk with a
hydraulic support strut rather like the one in your Corolla. The handsome curve has an attractive deco feel. Six optional drop-down
cleats add to the clean, curved lines.
Our tester sports an optional transom shower and the transom
stereo remote that comes with the sensible Premium Package of
options. Supports and a bimini are standard and our tester also has
colour-matched optional cockpit and bow covers.
PARTY POWER A large and lovely engine compartment is kept
under the double-strut supported engine hatch, which is part of the
wraparound lounger. Access to the batteries and mechanicals is
abundant.
The optional MerCruiser 5.0L MPI with Bravo III drive tucked
into that compartment is suitable power for this boat. The 234 feels
big in many ways, but handles like a small runabout. Following a
moment to plane, it easily bounces up to 53 mph on the speedo at
5000 rpm. It holds its plane well right down to 17 mph at 2500 revs
and remains noise-free through all speeds, which is quite something
considering all the equipment aboard.
Is this a dreamy boat for the lake? Absolutely. With lots of fun
space and perky performance, the Sunesta 234 puts the advantages
of the deck boat concept into a tasty runabout format.
Ray Winch
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CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP, LEFT:
Make your way to the spacious bow through the threepiece, walk-thru windshield.
Splash and spray entering the boat return to the lake
through the self-bailing cockpit liner.
Full instrumentation sports brushed aluminum faces, stainless-steel bezels and glass lenses.
Always handy, the 12-volt outlet easily inflates water toys.
SPECIFICATIONS
CHAPARRAL SUNESTA 234
LOA:
Beam:
Weight (with engine):
Deadrise:
Hull:
Fuel capacity:
Power (standard):
Power (as reviewed):
Retail price (base):
Retail price (as reviewed):
6.76m/22'2"
2.59m/8'6"
1,844kg/4,065lbs.
16 degrees
Fibreglass
201L/53gal. US
5.0L carb Alpha I
MerCruiser 5.0L MPI Bravo III
$49,850
$55,350
Quoted setup may not be exactly as depicted in photos.
REVIEW BOAT PROVIDED BY
Buckeye Marine, Box 850, Hwy. 36 South,
Bobcaygeon, ON, K0M 1A0.
Tel.: 1-877-811-2628. Fax: (705) 738-5154.
Website: www.buckeyemarine.com.