SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011
2011
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VS
SunChaser 818C 2008 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 818C 2008
2008
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SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 vs SunChaser 818C 2008 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 vs SunChaser 818C 2008 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 at 18,3 ft versus SunChaser 818C 2008 at 18,0 ft. At 1 425 lbs and 1 425 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 50 hp for the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 and 50 hp for the SunChaser 818C 2008. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 and SunChaser 818C 2008 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeSunChaser
MakeSunChaser
Model818 Cruise
Model818C
Model Year2011
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam96 in
Beam96 in
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inches96
Beam - Inches96
Weight - Detail1,425 lbs
Weight - Detail1,425 lbs
Weight - kg646.37
Weight - kg646.37
Weight - lbs.1425
Weight - lbs.1425
Length - Feet18.25
Length - Feet18
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail18 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters5.56
Length overall - Meters5.56
Length overall - Inches219
Length overall - Inches219
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches3
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull typePontoon
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter23 in
Tube gauge0.08 in
Tube gauge.080 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max50 hp
Engine max50 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity1,600 lbs
Maximum capacity1,750 lbs
Maximum people9
Maximum people9

SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 vs SunChaser 818C 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 or the SunChaser 818C 2008?
The SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 is the longer of the two at 18,3 feet overall. The SunChaser 818C 2008 comes in at 18,0 feet, making it roughly 0,3 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 or the SunChaser 818C 2008?
For trailering, the SunChaser 818C 2008 has the edge at 1 425 lbs dry weight versus 1 425 lbs for the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the SunChaser 818C 2008 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 and SunChaser 818C 2008 share an 96 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Are the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 and SunChaser 818C 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 and the SunChaser 818C 2008 are built by SunChaser. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.