SunChaser 8520 F 2008 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 8520 F 2008
2008
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VS
SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007
2007
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SunChaser 8520 F 2008 vs SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The SunChaser 8520 F 2008 vs SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 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 8520 F 2008 at 2,0 ft versus SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 at 2,0 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 tips the scales at 1 875 lbs — 1 857 lbs less than the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 at 18 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 90 hp for the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 and 90 hp for the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007. 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 carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 12 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The SunChaser 8520 F 2008 comes in at 0 lbs per hp versus 21 lbs per hp for the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007. 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.

Bottom line: The SunChaser 8520 F 2008 and SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 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
Model8520 F
Model8520C-RE
Model Year2008
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail1,800 lbs
Weight - Detail1,875 lbs
Weight - kg816.47
Weight - kg850.49
Weight - lbs.18
Weight - lbs.1875
Length - Feet2
Length - Feet2
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches3
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters6.17
Length overall - Meters6.17
Length overall - Inches243
Length overall - Inches243
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull typePontoon
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Tube gauge.080 in
Tube gauge.080 in
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutboard
Engine max90 hp
Engine max90 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,000 lbs
Maximum capacity2,000 lbs
Maximum people12
Maximum people12

SunChaser 8520 F 2008 vs SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 or the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007?
The SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 is the longer of the two at 2,0 feet overall. The SunChaser 8520 F 2008 comes in at 2,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 or the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007?
For trailering, the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 has the edge at 18 lbs dry weight versus 1 875 lbs for the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007. 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 8520 F 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 12 passengers, while the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 is certified for 12. 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.
Which boat has the better power-to-weight ratio?
The SunChaser 8520 F 2008 has a better power-to-weight ratio at 0 lbs per hp compared to 21 lbs per hp for the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007. A lower number means quicker acceleration and faster time to plane — the number that actually matters most on short, sporty boats like these.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 and SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 share an 102 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.
How do the fuel tanks compare on the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 and SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 24 gallons and 24 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 and SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the SunChaser 8520 F 2008 and the SunChaser 8520C-RE 2007 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.