SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008
2008
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VS
SunChaser 8524 F 2008 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 8524 F 2008
2008
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SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 vs SunChaser 8524 F 2008 — A Close Look at Two Pontoons

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 and the SunChaser 8524 F 2008 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 8524 4.0 2008 at 24,0 ft versus SunChaser 8524 F 2008 at 24,0 ft. At 225 lbs and 215 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.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 150 hp, the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 has a 25-hp advantage over the SunChaser 8524 F 2008's 125-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 14 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 8524 4.0 2008 and its 150-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the SunChaser 8524 F 2008 with its 125-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSunChaser
MakeSunChaser
Model8524 4
Model8524 F
Model Year2008
Model Year2008
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail2,250 lbs
Weight - Detail2,150 lbs
Weight - kg1020.58
Weight - kg975.22
Weight - lbs.225
Weight - lbs.215
Length - Feet24
Length - Feet24
Length - Inches3
Length - Inches3
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Meters7.39
Length overall - Meters7.39
Length overall - Inches291
Length overall - Inches291
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typePontoon
Hull typePontoon
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 max150 hp
Engine max125 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,400 lbs
Maximum capacity2,400 lbs
Maximum people14
Maximum people14

SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 vs SunChaser 8524 F 2008 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 or the SunChaser 8524 F 2008?
The SunChaser 8524 F 2008 is the longer of the two at 24,0 feet overall. The SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 comes in at 24,0 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 8524 4.0 2008 or the SunChaser 8524 F 2008?
For trailering, the SunChaser 8524 F 2008 has the edge at 215 lbs dry weight versus 225 lbs for the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008. 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.
Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?
The SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 is rated to a maximum of 150 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The SunChaser 8524 F 2008 tops out at 125 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the SunChaser 8524 F 2008 is certified for 14. 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 8524 4.0 2008 and SunChaser 8524 F 2008 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 8524 4.0 2008 and SunChaser 8524 F 2008?
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 8524 4.0 2008 and SunChaser 8524 F 2008 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2008 and the SunChaser 8524 F 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.