When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the SunChaser Cruise 820 2013 and the SunChaser Oasis 818 Cruise 2011 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 Cruise 820 2013 at 20,8 ft versus SunChaser Oasis 818 Cruise 2011 at 18,3 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the SunChaser Cruise 820 2013 tips the scales at 1 745 lbs — 1 610 lbs more than the SunChaser Oasis 818 Cruise 2011 at 135 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 Cruise 820 2013 has a 40-hp advantage over the SunChaser Oasis 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: The SunChaser Cruise 820 2013 at 20,8 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The SunChaser Oasis 818 Cruise 2011 at 18,3 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.