When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 and the SunChaser Oasis 820 FNC 2013 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?
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 at 18,3 ft versus SunChaser Oasis 820 FNC 2013 at 20,1 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SunChaser Oasis 820 FNC 2013 tips the scales at 1 745 lbs — 320 lbs less than the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 at 1 425 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 SunChaser Oasis 820 FNC 2013 has a 40-hp advantage over the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011's 50-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.
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: Performance buyers should lean toward the SunChaser Oasis 820 FNC 2013 and its 90-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the SunChaser 818 Cruise 2011 with its 50-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.