When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SunChaser 8520 Cruise 2012 and the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 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 SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 measures 24,3 feet overall (2010), giving it roughly 3,4 additional feet of deck space compared to the SunChaser 8520 Cruise 2012 at 20,8 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 tips the scales at 225 lbs — 206 lbs less than the SunChaser 8520 Cruise 2012 at 19 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 SunChaser 8520 Cruise 2012 carries a rated maximum of 115 hp. Engine data for the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 carries 24 gallons versus 3 gallons in the SunChaser 8520 Cruise 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 SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 is rated for 14 passengers, while the SunChaser 8520 Cruise 2012 caps at 1. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 14 passengers and at 24,3 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The SunChaser 8520 Cruise 2012 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.