Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 boat specs
Sunsation
Sunsation 288 SSR 2012
2012
View full specs →
VS
Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 boat specs
Sunsation
Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007
2007
View full specs →

Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 vs Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 vs Sunsation Sunsation 288 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 — Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 at 28,7 ft versus Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 at 28,0 ft. At 45 lbs and 45 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 Sunsation 288 2007 has a 280-hp advantage over the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012's 320-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 11 gal and 11 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 8 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 Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 and its 600-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 with its 320-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeSunsation
MakeSunsation
Model288 SSR
ModelSunsation 288
Model Year2012
Model Year2007
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam97 in
Beam97 in
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Inches97
Beam - Inches97
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise24℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in
Draft [max] - Detail36 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - Detail4,500 lbs
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - kg2041.16
Weight - lbs.45
Weight - lbs.45
Length - Feet28.67
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters8.74
Length overall - Meters8.74
Length overall - Inches344
Length overall - Inches344
Length - Inchesnot available
Length - Inches8
Body / Hull
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull materialnot available
Hull typeDeep Vee
Hull typenot available
Engine and Drivetrain
Engine/s standardMX 6.2 MPI - Bravo One
Engine/s standardMX 6.2 MPI's 320 hp - Bravo One
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeInboard
Horsepower320 hp
Horsepowernot available
Engine maxnot available
Engine max600 hp
Operational Info
Water capacitynot available
Water capacity3 gal

Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 vs Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 or the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007?
The Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 is the longer of the two at 28,7 feet overall. The Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 or the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007?
For trailering, the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 has the edge at 45 lbs dry weight versus 45 lbs for the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012. 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 Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 is rated to a maximum of 600 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 tops out at 320 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 Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 is certified for 8. 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 Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 and Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 share an 97 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 Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 and Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007?
Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 11 gallons and 11 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.
Are the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 and Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Sunsation 288 SSR 2012 and the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2007 are built by Sunsation. 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.