SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010
2010
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VS
SunChaser DS20 2013 boat specs
SunChaser
SunChaser DS20 2013
2013
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SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 vs SunChaser DS20 2013 — Which Pontoon Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 and the SunChaser DS20 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?

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 DS20 2013 at 20,8 feet (2013). At 225 lbs and 185 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 SunChaser DS20 2013 tops out at 115 hp. Engine specs for the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 24 gal and 24 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

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 DS20 2013 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 DS20 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 1 that costs less to run day-to-day.
General Boat Info
MakeSunChaser
MakeSunChaser
Model8524 4
ModelDS2
Model Year201
Model Year2013
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam102 in
Beam102 in
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Meters2.59
Beam - Inches102
Beam - Inches102
Weight - Detail2,250 lbs
Weight - Detail1,850 lbs
Weight - kg1020.58
Weight - kg839.15
Weight - lbs.225
Weight - lbs.185
Length - Feet24.25
Length - Feet20.83
Length overall - Detail24 ft. 3 in
Length overall - Detail20 ft. 10 in
Length overall - Meters7.39
Length overall - Meters6.35
Length overall - Inches291
Length overall - Inches25
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialAluminum
Hull typePontoon
Hull typePontoon
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter25 in
Tube diameter25 in
Tube gauge0.08 in
Tube gauge0.08 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 makenot available
Engine makeBRP
Engine modelnot available
Engine modelE50EPLS
Engine maxnot available
Engine max115 hp
Operational Info
Maximum capacity2,400 lbs
Maximum capacity1,990 lbs
Maximum people14
Maximum people1

SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 vs SunChaser DS20 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 or the SunChaser DS20 2013?
The SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 is the longer of the two at 24,3 feet overall. The SunChaser DS20 2013 comes in at 20,8 feet, making it roughly 3,4 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 or the SunChaser DS20 2013?
For trailering, the SunChaser DS20 2013 has the edge at 185 lbs dry weight versus 225 lbs for the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010. 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.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The SunChaser DS20 2013 has a documented max rating of 115 hp. Engine specifications for the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 14 passengers, while the SunChaser DS20 2013 is certified for 1. 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 2010 and SunChaser DS20 2013 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 2010 and SunChaser DS20 2013?
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 2010 and SunChaser DS20 2013 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the SunChaser 8524 4.0 2010 and the SunChaser DS20 2013 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.