Chaparral has earned a reputation for building high-quality family boats, and the 191 SunCoast continues that mission — along with maximizing seating space. The hull is designed to provide deeper cockpit and bow seating areas to make it more family-friendly. Two swim platforms which extend aft a little farther than usual provide deck area to launch watersports — which helps make up for the area lost by the outboard engine and well.
Forward, Chaparral carries the 191 SunCoast’s beam forward to improve seating capacity in the bow. Outboard on each side are lounges with backrests so passengers can stretch out facing forward. Bolsters also wrap around the bow area so people can also gather around the table when it’s deployed. There are speakers and cup holders outboard on each side, and up on the deck are stainless-steel grabrails. The bottom cushions have storage underneath on each side, and forward in the anchor locker there is a four-step beach boarding ladder. With all that said, its east to forget hat you are on a boat that measures 20’ LOA when stepping into the 191 SunCoast’s cockpit.
If you are looking for a runabout with an I/O, look elsewhere. The 191 SunCoast only comes with an outboard motor. The standard is a 115HP Yamaha four stroke outboard—but those that want a little more speed can Opt for the 150HO and fly across the waves or give the V8’s a run for their money.
With the Suncoast open concept the outboard was an obvious choice to get more seating space. Plus the fact that Outboards bring more than green fuel efficiency and are simpler when it comes to maintenance sealed the deal. The OB also affords a shallower draft and, when needed, the ability to skim over bars with the motor trimmed high, making them ideal for coastal boating.
The outboard is tucked in between dual swim platforms. The center walk through can be equipped in a number of different ways, a water-sports pylon, transom gate, or full cushion fillers to make a complete u-shaped seating area. Beneath the transom is a hatch concealing a built in insulated cooler, or when the fishing package is chosen, becomes a handy live-well.
The SunCoast is also simple to wash down thanks to its fiberglass nonskid floor — hose it down and head for the dock-tail party. You’ll arrive refreshed, relaxed, and maybe with just enough sun on your face (if you didn’t deploy the standard Bimini top) to let people know what you’ve been up to.
The dashboard is sporty with analog gauges, but you can upgrade to a Garmin display for a sci-fi-cool dash.
On the water, the 191 SunCoast is all about fun. She has manual steering and manual throttle control. Typical for a single outboard, a driver will feel some propeller torque with the motor trimmed all the way down. When running at cruising speed, apply some positive trim to ease the effects of the prop torque. To achieve maximum speed, the boat likes a lot of positive trim. When entering a turn, apply negative trim to help the propeller maintain its bite and apply throttle to complete the maneuver.
Not only is the Suncoast an alternative to other deck boats, it is also competition for pontoon boats. Designed to be affordable, so the 191 Suncoast is about the same price as other deck boats onthe market but has the Chaparral marquis name.
