Both the Sunsation 36 SS 2012 and the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008 are deep-V designs, both built in fibreglass, so 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 Sunsation 36 SS 2012 measures 36,0 feet overall (2012), giving it roughly 8,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008 at 28,0 feet (2008). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Sunsation 36 SS 2012 tips the scales at 7 900 lbs - 3 400 lbs more than the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008 at 4 500 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 Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008 tops out at 600 hp. Engine specs for the Sunsation 36 SS 2012 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Sunsation 36 SS 2012 carries 145 gallons versus 110 gallons in the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008. 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 36 SS 2012 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Sunsation 36 SS 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Sunsation 36 SS 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 36,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Sunsation Sunsation 288 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 8 that costs less to run day-to-day.