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 fresh- water 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 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 compart- ment 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 tan- ning 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. 76 Boatguide 2004 Chaparral Sunesta 234