With four decades of solid reputation, Chaparral, an independentbuilder in Nashville, GA, calls its Sunesta 274, 254 and 234 models“windshield deck boats” — something of a new category. I wouldrather simply refer to our review 234 as a very spacious bowriderconfigured to provide maximum sun-chasing accommodation on aquick 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 acurved, wraparound L-shaped lounger. Chaparral accomplishessomething clever here, because the wide-open spaces still only takeup a beam of eight feet six inches, leaving you wondering where allthe extra space came from.

COMFORT SUPREME At the bow is a feature gainingpopularity in larger boats — the bow-mounted swim ladder. Hereon a 22-footer, it’s a bonus. Swimmers have easy beach accessfrom the bow, while others swim off the aft platform. Found underthe hatch, which is molded into the curved bow, the three-steptelescoping ladder shares space with the ground tackle.

The 234 even has molded docking lights and an optional fresh-water wash shower. At seat level, just aft of the anchor locker, abuilt-in cooler tucks between the bowrider cushions.

Chaise lounge-style seats in the bow are spacious on their own, butan optional filler cushion converts them to an ample sunpad. Snackingbetween 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 niceto have so much space, but sectioning the cushion might make for

easier lifting. An extension of the starboard locker stores the canvasand tables under the forward section of the console.

GET A HEAD It’s always surprising to find a full head compart-ment on a 22-foot boat, and Chaparral does a fine job by providing afull glass liner, too. It even has an opening oval hatch! (The pumpoutporta-potti is optional.)

Back in the cockpit, Chaparral knows we all love good seating andproves it with the 234. Replacing conventional foam on plywoodconstruction is the Spring Air Suspension helm seat. The builderadds 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 throughthe 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 ofspeakers distribute tunes to the bow and cockpit.

SUN FUN To port, opposite the driver is a console housing a sinkwith faucet, and a mini-cooler with storage and trash receptacleinside. 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 thataccommodates at least four. It has its own table, with a second,shorter support post that fits a filler cushion to create a massive tan-ning bed. On the starboard side, a carry-on Igloo cooler locks into astorage compartment under the gunwale. To port and starboard,well-positioned stainless grab rails match the pair in the bow area.

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Chaparral Sunesta 234

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Taking the transom walk-thru leads to the extended swim plat-form, which features a second telescoping ladder. The hull is a full22 feet two inches, plus two feet of platform added to the transom.That extra length maximizes boat space and enhances the Chaparralextended V-plane structure.

Constructed into the transom is a draining storage trunk with ahydraulic support strut rather like the one in your Corolla. The hand-some curve has an attractive deco feel. Six optional drop-downcleats add to the clean, curved lines.

Our tester sports an optional transom shower and the transomstereo remote that comes with the sensible Premium Package ofoptions. Supports and a bimini are standard and our tester also hascolour-matched optional cockpit and bow covers.

PARTY POWER A large and lovely engine compartment is keptunder the double-strut supported engine hatch, which is part of thewraparound lounger. Access to the batteries and mechanicals isabundant.

The optional MerCruiser 5.0L MPI with Bravo III drive tuckedinto that compartment is suitable power for this boat. The 234 feelsbig in many ways, but handles like a small runabout. Following amoment to plane, it easily bounces up to 53 mph on the speedo at5000 rpm. It holds its plane well right down to 17 mph at 2500 revsand remains noise-free through all speeds, which is quite somethingconsidering all the equipment aboard.

Is this a dreamy boat for the lake? Absolutely. With lots of funspace and perky performance, the Sunesta 234 puts the advantagesof the deck boat concept into a tasty runabout format.

Ray Winch

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP, LEFT:

Make your way to the spacious bow through the three-piece, walk-thru windshield.

Splash and spray entering the boat return to the lakethrough the self-bailing cockpit liner.

Full instrumentation sports brushed aluminum faces, stain-less-steel bezels and glass lenses.

Always handy, the 12-volt outlet easily inflates water toys.

SPECIFICATIONS

CHAPARRAL SUNESTA 234LOA: 6.76m/22'2"Beam: 2.59m/8'6"Weight (with engine): 1,844kg/4,065lbs.Deadrise: 16 degreesHull: FibreglassFuel capacity: 201L/53gal. USPower (standard): 5.0L carb Alpha IPower (as reviewed): MerCruiser 5.0L MPI Bravo IIIRetail price (base): $49,850Retail price (as reviewed): $55,350

Quoted setup may not be exactly as depicted in photos.

REVIEW BOAT PROVIDED BYBuckeye Marine, Box 850, Hwy. 36 South,Bobcaygeon, ON, K0M 1A0.Tel.: 1-877-811-2628. Fax: (705) 738-5154.Website: www.buckeyemarine.com.

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