Our First Impression
Designed to hit a specific price point, the purpose of this
boat is for the family to stick to their budget, but still be able to get on
the water. At $20K with a 90hp engine you get more boat than you might think
would be possible at this price. You can expect more and get more with this
SunChaser line, especially with this new DS model.
Consumer Test
Looking at the exterior of this SunChaser with the nice
black-colored panels, anodized rub rail and stainless corner caps, you'd never
guess this was a price-driven pontoon. On the water it looks like a much
higher-priced boat.
At the helm is a basic console that includes a water-tight
tube storage compartment, JBL stereo, as well as an MP3 port and a 12-volt
outlet. The bucket helm chair is comfy, and it slides and swivels, which will
allow the captain to get the throttle in just the right position.
For a price-driven model you wouldn't expect to find two
chaise lounges, three-tone tan, black and copper vinyl and comfortable leg
bolsters for the seats. Plus, with the recessed drink holders, you get an
attractive look to the interior that is yet another pleasant surprise on this
model.
The exposed Rotocast seat bases and the entry-level-looking
steering wheel take a little away from the layout, but there is still plenty of
comfort and function offered on this 22-footer.
The enclosure is the ultimate space-saver that neatly stores
in the back of the rear-facing chaise lounge, and when opened it stands at five-foot,
three-inches tall. But what we really like is the storage net for the changing
room curtain that really simplifies the process and makes it truly easy to use.
In the stern there is just enough room to come up the ladder
before entering through the rear-entry gate. We really like the four-step
stainless boarding ladder that has great handholds for easy entry back into the
boat.
Inspection Test
Below deck are two 25-inch diameter chambered pontoons with
full keels, and the weld quality is average. The Z-shaped cross-members use a
screw-and-bolt method to fasten to the plywood deck, and overall they're on
24-inch centers and a little closer near the transom for added support. The
wiring quality below is average and we didn't find any sharp edges, which is a
big plus for a family-friendly `toon.
Up top there is over 14 feet of usable deck space from
inside the bow gate to the rear bench. Overall we consider this to be a solid vessel
with good fit and finish work.
Performance Test
The sudden burst of speed when you put the throttle down catches
you off guard a little and you can't help but smile. She's a quick boat that
tops out around 25 miles per hour at full throttle and the `toon does lean a
little in the turns. For not being designed around performance, we were still
impressed by how well the Evinrude 90hp E-TEC performed.
Who Should Buy It
If the goal is to get out on the water without spending a
lot of money, we say mission accomplished, SunChaser. There are plenty of added
touches that leave you scratching your head in disbelief that you can really get
a great pontoon like this at such a favorable price. And because it's rated for
up to 14 people, no one has to be left at the dock either.
Number of Occupants 14
Price As Tested With Power $20K
Maximum Speed: 25.3
mph
Wild Ponies: 90hp
No. of Gates 3
0-20 MPH 5.8
seconds
Ladder Measurement: 2'
10" deep
Why we love this boat.Proving you can
still get a great boat on a budget, there is a lot of value that comes standard
on this SunChaser. Plenty of higher-level quality on this entry-level model.
Just being picky.Even though this is an entry-level model
and this is just a cosmetic thing, a larger and more attractive-looking
steering wheel would go along way in improving the overall look of the
interior.
NOTABLE STANDARDS
AM/FM Stereo w/auxiliary Port for MP3 player, Rotocast furniture
bases, rear entry w/boarding ladder and changing room.
OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT
Gauge package including speedometer, voltmeter and trim.
VITAL STATS
LOA 22' 3"
Beam 8'
6"
Hull Design Two
Pontoons
Dry Weight 2,100 lbs.
Fuel Capacity 24
Gallons
TEST DRIVE
Engine Evinrude
E-TEC 90
Cylinder Type 3-cylinder
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower 79.1ci/90hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio 2:0:1
Propeller 13 3/4 X 13 stainless steel
RPM vs. SPEED
vs. D-A
800 2.6 mph 79
1000 3.2
mph 82
1500 5.2
mph 81.5
2000 6.6
mph 83
2500 8.9
mph 87
3000 12.7
mph 90
3500 16.1
mph 92.5
4000 19.0
mph 97
4500 22.2
mph 102
5000 25.0
mph 104
5400 25.3
mph 105
New Paris, Ind.
Phone: 866-772-4538
Website: www.sunchaserboats.com
