Functionality and Family-Friendly
By Capt. Bob Smith
SunChaser’s 8522 sports many of the features you typically find only on high-end luxury pontoons with much higher costs. Abundant plush seating, rounded bows, and smooth handling make the SunChaser a favorite with the family.
Bow Features
The bow has many convenient features such as the wide entry gate which makes for easy boarding for everyone and the docking lamps for making docking at night easier. The side panels are painted and have nice looking graphics and the high top rail is makes the 8522 safe for the little ones on board. The seating is up front is plush and made with marine grade upholstery .They are mounted on roto-molded seat bases for durability and below the seats is an abundant amount of storage. Unusual, but pleasant surprises for this price-point are the portable drinkholders. These simply slip into the crevice between the seat back and bottom to keep your cold beverages right where you are most comfortable.
At the Wheel
The helm is ergonomically designed and constructed of durable fiberglass. This station has a rich look while functionally sound. To the side of the helm is a courtesy light to light up the floors at dusk. The dash is set higher giving you more leg room and more storage below. An eyebrow over the gauges adds to visibility of the instruments underway in bright sunlight, there is a drinkholder for the driver’s coffee and the stereo is also close at hand. The helm seat is just as plush as the lounger. This one has slide and swivel adjustments and flips armrests for comfort.
More Seating
In the aft section there is another large L-bench arrangement with space for the whole gang to join in conversation or enjoy the view to the next spot. Our model also had a handy changing station is built into the space between the aft bench and the stern. The stern gate made getting to the swim ladder easy. Overhead, a the standard bimini created much appreciated shade in the hot summer sun.
The pontoon logs on the SunChaser 8522 are 25” in diameter and have a lifetime warranty. You won’t have to worry about the transom as it is all aluminum and also carries a lifetime warranty. The carpet is plush and comfortable under your feet and is warranted for 5 years while the floor is ¾” plywood, yet is warranted for life.
Specification
This model measures 22’3” in length and has a deck width of 102”. She tips the scales at 1780 lbs without the engine and carries 24 gallons of fuel. The 8522 can handle up to 115-hp outboard engine and the maximum capacity is rated at 2200 lbs.
Performance
We tested the 8522 on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana. Equipped with a Honda 90-hp Four-Stroke outboard for power she got on plane in 3.6 seconds and up to 20 mph in 5.1 seconds. Cruise speed was around 12 mph and she registered a top speed of 24.2 mph.
If you enjoy the lifestyle of lazily cruising the lakes and rivers with your family and friends, the SunChaser 8522 offers a great platform with lots of amenities for a very budget friendly price.
