When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012 and the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 are pontoon designs with aluminum construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012 measures 16,4 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 14,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 at 2,0 feet (2009). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012 tips the scales at 145 lbs — 128 lbs more than the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 at 17 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 90 hp, the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 has a 40-hp advantage over the Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 carries 21 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 is rated for 11 passengers, while the Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012 caps at 6. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 could be the deciding factor.
At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 3 lbs per hp for the Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.
Both are 2-tube and 2-tube pontoon designs respectively. Tube diameter and gauge affect stability and load capacity — more so than most buyers realize when comparing on paper.
Bottom line: Choose the Premier Boats SunSpree 200 FS 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 11 passengers and at 2,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Premier Boats SunSation 160 (Electric) 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 6 that costs less to run day-to-day.