Matching a deep vee Sunsation 288 SSR Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2013 against a modified vee Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 means you're likely deciding between two genuinely different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sunsation 288 SSR Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2013 at 28,7 ft versus Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 at 31,6 ft. At 45 lbs and 71 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 600 hp, the Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 has a 280-hp advantage over the Sunsation 288 SSR Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2013's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 carries 145 gallons versus 95 gallons in the Sunsation 288 SSR Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2013. 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 Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Sunsation 288 SSR Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2013 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sunsation 32 Dominator S 2009 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 31,6 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sunsation 288 SSR Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2013 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.