Chaparral Sunesta engine size

[Jazz64]

I'm looking to purchase a new 2007 234 Sunesta with a 5.0 - 270 hp engine and I'm concerned that this might not be enough power or may not be fuel efficient for this size boat. The boat weights approx 4000+ lbs. If you have one, how does it perform when you have a full boat and your pulling someone on a wakeboard or tube?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta engine size

i have a similar boat, 5.7 volvo, very happy. full boat, and towing, mine is a little hard to plan, unless load is just right.

 

[magster65]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta engine size

I think buying an underpowered boat is one of the most common mistakes.
This is my 'ballpark' thought:
With a 5.0 you'll just make 40 mph (maybe) and be slow on plane with people and gear aboard unless everything's in the bow. A 5.7 will put you on plane more quickly and get you another 5 mph. The 5.0 may use a bit less fuel... maybe not... that'll depend on the prop selection to a degree. I see a 7.4 was offered in that model.
Bottom line; nobody likes underpowered boats... you hear complaints regularly about it but I've never heard anyone say, "Dammit, wish I didn't have all this extra power."

 

[Tuck56]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta engine size

Does the 5.0 have the duoprop as I have the same boat with the 5.7 280Hp
duoprop. The duoprop is the only way to go as it makes the boat so much more responsive on taking off and cruiseing not to mention how much better the boat handles in reverse. I had a 204SSI with a 5.0 alpha drive and there is no comparision between the two. I know dealers are making great deals on 07's
now but I would try to find a dual prop either Mercury or Volvo. My dealer
now sells Volvo-Penta as mine has a 5 year warranty. The 234 burns more fuel than the 204 but I really think it is very fuel efficient for a boat this size with everything you carry and 4 adults and an infant. I love the boat for all the room and luxury. The dual prop will really be noticed when you pull wakeboards or tubes. Hope this is some help.

 

[tmh]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta engine size

I'm no expert, but are they getting up to 270 hp out of a 5.0L now? That seems more like a 5.7L hp rating to me. Is that fuel injected?

Just wondering......

 

[magster65]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta engine size

I'm no expert, but are they getting up to 270 hp out of a 5.0L now? That seems more like a 5.7L hp rating to me. Is that fuel injected?

Just wondering......

Yep. My '03 5.0 Merc mpi was rated at 260 hp and my new 5.7 mpi is rated at 300 hp.

 

[Jdubb16]

Re: Chaparral Sunesta engine size

Our Chaparral SSi 210 will be delivered next week and we went with the Volvo 5.0l that puts out 270 hp. When we sea trailed the boat, this was more than enough for us, it hit 53mph on the gps and the hole shot was decent with the stock prop. The sunseta is a little bigger, so bumping to the 5.7 with douprops may be in order.

J-dubb