PDB Shootout SunChaser

First Impression

Wow, what a difference black exterior rails make. It’s an option, but it truly gives the pontoon a customized look. We went into this test with high expectations, even though it’s priced like an entry-level model, and we weren’t disappointed.

Highlights

Lounge arm galley. Even the name sounds cool to those who aren’t familiar with this ultimate space-saving upgrade. All pontoon boats are considered spacious, yet space will always be a premium on any boat and that’s why we love this innovative design. If you weren’t looking for it you might just see the comfy rear-facing chaise lounge in the stern and miss the fact that it also converts into a galley, thus the name lounge arm galley. It’s pretty slick how easily it converts while giving you a sink and freshwater faucet without taking any of that precious space onboard.

Other key options include the Sea Weave flooring that flows well with the grey interior seating, double Bimini tops with quick-release frames, and we also like how the ski/tow bar is mounted directly to the cross members so it frees up the deck space in the stern. No accidental tripping hazards here.

Each end of the boat has symmetrical lounge seating to maximize the 13-passenger capacity rating and at midship the first mate chair is identical to the captain’s chair that is directly across. At the full fiberglass helm is a simplistic dash that comes standard with a Jensen Bluetooth stereo with USB and auxiliary ports, plus a 12-volt outlet as well as lighted rocker switches above. The dash is designed with openings for additional gauges, but to be picky we wouldn’t mind seeing a couple more of those spots filled in.

One other quick note worth mentioning, hidden in the back of the port chaise lounge in the bow is a pop-up changing room that is easy to use and stands over five feet tall when fully open. They thought of everything with this layout.   

Inspection

With the PTS Performance Package you gain a short third tube as well as lifting strakes on all three pontoons. Our crew rated the quality of construction work high as well as fit and finish and it’s always comforting to know it’s backed by an impressive Lifetime Warranty +6 that includes a limited lifetime warranty on the hull and structure, plus a six-year warranty on all components, carpet, upholstery and electronics.  

Performance

Sometimes circumstances are just out of your control and that’s the case here when we went to tech it the boat. The SunChaser performed well for the majority of our test but just before we went to record our technical data we had, for lack of a better term, technical difficulties. We weren’t able to get our numbers and this specific pontoon was sold before we were able to make our second attempt to run it. However, the data numbers listed were provided by the manufacturer.   

Parting Thought

With the roomy design this SunChaser has one of those comfortable layouts that will make you want to stay out on the water all day. It has the right amount of options, yet still comes in at a family-friendly price point. It’s too elegant to be labeled as an entry-level model, even thought the only thing entry about it is the price.

For more information:
New Paris, Ind.
574-831-2103
www.sunchaserboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 13

Price As Tested With Power: $45.3K
Maximum Speed: 32 mph
Wild Ponies: 150 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 4.91 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 3’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…Elegant and stylish with just the right amount of options yet still comes in at budget-friendly price point.  

Just being picky…It would be nice to have a couple more gauges to help fill in some of those spots on the dash so the console didn’t feel so basic. 

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Full fiberglass console, soft-touch vinyl and upgraded stereo w/ Bluetooth.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

PTS Performance Package (short third tube and lifting strakes), double Bimini, black exterior rails, full fence panel, Sea Weave flooring, lounge arm galley, underdeck, ski/tow bar and Babbitto Underdeck Lighting.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 24’ 9”
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,425 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 30 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Yamaha 150
Cylinder Type: Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 170ci/150hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 1.86:1
Propeller: 14.5 X 15

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
1500                4.7                     N/A
2000                6.5                     N/A
2500                8.1                     N/A
3000                12.3                   N/A
3500                17.1                   N/A
4000                21.0                   N/A
4500                24.3                   N/A
5000                31.5                   N/A
5600                32.0                   N/A

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $45,303
Base Price (Boat only): $22,520

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.