Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 boat specs
Weeres
Weeres Suntanner 280 2010
2010
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VS
Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon  2006 boat specs
Weeres
Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006
2006
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Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 vs Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 vs Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 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 — Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 at 28,0 ft versus Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 at 28,0 ft. At 233 lbs and 258 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 270 hp, the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 has a 90-hp advantage over the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010's 180-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load.

Both boats are rated for 19 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.

At this size, power-to-weight ratio matters more than outright horsepower. The Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 comes in at 1 lbs per hp versus 1 lbs per hp for the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010. The lower the ratio the more explosive the acceleration — meaningful on a short RIB where bursts of speed, quick planing, and agility in surf or tight waterways define the experience.

The Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 is an inflatable design — lighter, easier to store, and quicker to launch from a beach or dock without a slipway. The Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 is a rigid hull, which typically offers a more confident ride in chop and easier maintenance over the long term.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 and its 270-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 with its 180-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.
General Boat Info
MakeWeeres
MakeWeeres
ModelSuntanner 28
ModelSuntanner 280 Tri-toon
Model Year201
Model Year2006
Measurements / Dimensions
Weight - Detail2,330 lbs
Weight - Detail2,580 lbs
Weight - kg1056.87
Weight - kg1170.27
Weight - lbs.233
Weight - lbs.258
Width [transom] - Detail8 ft. 0 in
Width [transom] - Detailnot available
Length [deck]28 ft. 0 in. Enclosed: 26 ft. 0 in
Length [deck]8 ft. x 28 ft. Enclosed: 8 ft. x 26 ft
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet28
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 0 in
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Meters8.53
Length overall - Inches336
Length overall - Inches336
Beamnot available
Beam8 ft
Beam - Metersnot available
Beam - Meters2.44
Beam - Inchesnot available
Beam - Inches96
Body / Hull
Hull materialAluminum
Hull materialnot available
Hull typePontoon
Hull typenot available
Pontoon and Inflatable Specific
Tube diameter23 in
Tube diameter23 in
Tube gauge0.080 in
Tube gaugenot available
Number of tubesnot available
Number of tubes3
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel typeGas
Fuel typenot available
Drive typeOutboard
Drive typeOutBoard
Engine max180 hp
Engine max270 hp
Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Detail24 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters90.85
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Gal24
Operational Info
Maximum capacity3,395 lbs
Maximum capacity5,550 lbs
Maximum people19 or 2,650 lbs
Maximum people19

Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 vs Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 or the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006?
The Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 is the longer of the two at 28,0 feet overall. The Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 or the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006?
For trailering, the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 has the edge at 233 lbs dry weight versus 258 lbs for the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006. 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 Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 is rated to a maximum of 270 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 tops out at 180 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 Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 is Coast Guard rated for 19 passengers, while the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 is certified for 19. 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.
Are the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 and Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Weeres Suntanner 280 2010 and the Weeres Suntanner 280 Tri-toon 2006 are built by Weeres. 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.