New for 2024, the premium-­positioned SunChaser Calais is a well-engineered and family-friendly pontoon. With a Yamaha F300, it cranked off a 45.2 mph top speed, planing in 3.6 seconds and reaching 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds. That’s super quick. At a best-cruise speed of 19.6 mph and 3,000 rpm, we recorded just 5.8 gph, calculating to 3.4 mpg. The Calais features ­SunChaser’s X-Treme PR25 performance package, which includes 25-inch-diameter triple ’toons with a 60-gallon tank in the center tube, extruded lifting strakes on all three tubes, a Performance Shield underskin to help smooth water and wind flow under the deck, a deck-mounted ski tow, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and Heavy Hat construction. This all helps to keep the Calais rigid, minimizing flex and vibration in rough water while enhancing acceleration and handling ability. 

Aboard, the Calais is loaded with standard features. The premium coffee-­and-brown two-tone upholstery is a soft-touch vinyl with recessed lower lumbar that creates extra-easy stowage for phones and other small gear. Seat bases are Rotocast plastic, covered nicely with vinyl for a premium appearance. The layout is traditional fore and aft, with facing loungers in both sections separated by the captain’s console amidships. The helm is sleek and well-protected with a framed black-powder-coated safety-glass windshield that keeps wind and spray away from the pilot. The driver’s console is elevated off the deck 3 inches, providing better visibility. A Simrad GO7 multifunction screen dominates the dash, with all boat and engine ­functions and monitoring available with a touch on the screen prompts.

The Audio Plus 225 premium sound-system package is standard and features four JL Audio speakers and a JL MM50 head unit. The optional lighting package features RGB mood lighting above­decks (in the floor and cup holders), and in the underdeck and underwater lights. Power Assist hydraulic steering is a worthy option that reduces the amount of muscle needed to steer the powerful ­Yamaha outboard. 

High Points

• Simrad GO7 display shows engine performance, fuel and battery levels, and all boat controls via CZone switching.
• Optional tower looks sharp and sturdy.
• Power Assist hydraulic steering makes handling easy.

How We Tested

• Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke 300 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 3/4″ x 15″ Yamaha Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 260 lb.

Pricing and Specs

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A pontoon boat aimed at anglers? SunChaser’s Geneva Sport 23 Fish offers a capable fishing platform that doubles as a family party boat. Fishing amenities revolve around a center-mounted fillet table aft, a built-in fish scale (that doubles as a cocktail table), molded-in rod holders, and a 30-gallon aerated livewell. Two swiveling, high-back fishing chairs make casting easy while doubling as comfy lounge seats. Aft of there, dual rear gates provide great access to the stern deck, which is plenty wide and deep for family swimming, sunning, watersports prep, and landing fish, of course.

Amidships, the port side features a long lounger with facing angled end cushions that can seat three comfortably. The helm station features a high-back plush chair bolted directly behind the console, offering excellent access to the tilt wheel, which commands hydraulic steering, and to the instruments. A Jensen stereo is standard, as is a Lexan windscreen. In front, twin facing loungers flank a center forward entry door. 

Rigged with a Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard (rated for up to 300 hp if you boat with a large crew or desire higher speeds), the Geneva Sport 23 Fish hit nearly 37 mph, and it accelerated from zero to 30 mph in under 9 seconds. It’s also a fuel-sipper. We logged just 3.3 gph and 4.7 mpg at 15.6 mph, its most economical speed. You can cruise and fish all day long.

A tritoon, the Geneva Sport 23 Fish also proves stable and predictable in chop and when turning, and delivers an overall pleasant ride. Lift, handling, turning and acceleration all benefit from the Xtreme Performance Package, with strakes on the outsides of the outer tubes and both sides of the center tube.

The overall appearance is sleek yet subdued; the standard blackout railing finish coupled with the dark-gray perimeter panels complements the two-tone pillow-top upholstery. The standard power Bimini top sports a black powder-coated frame to match the railings, and is easy to lower and raise with the push of a button for easier trailering and navigating under bridges. Overall, this pontoon provides you with a fantastic cruising and fishing platform.

High Points

• Upgraded Sea Weave vinyl flooring looks sharp and is easy to clean. 
• Power canopy works with the push of a button. 
• Loaded fishing station abaft easily doubles as a cocktail table. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury FourStroke 150 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Mirage Plus 15 ³/₄” x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2103; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2023 SunChaser Geneva Sport 23 Fish appeared first on Boating Mag.

A pontoon boat aimed at anglers? SunChaser’s Geneva Sport 23 Fish offers a capable fishing platform that doubles as a family party boat. Fishing amenities revolve around a center-mounted fillet table aft, a built-in fish scale (that doubles as a cocktail table), molded-in rod holders, and a 30-gallon aerated livewell. Two swiveling, high-back fishing chairs make casting easy while doubling as comfy lounge seats. Aft of there, dual rear gates provide great access to the stern deck, which is plenty wide and deep for family swimming, sunning, watersports prep, and landing fish, of course.

Amidships, the port side features a long lounger with facing angled end cushions that can seat three comfortably. The helm station features a high-back plush chair bolted directly behind the console, offering excellent access to the tilt wheel, which commands hydraulic steering, and to the instruments. A Jensen stereo is standard, as is a Lexan windscreen. In front, twin facing loungers flank a center forward entry door. 

Rigged with a Mercury 150 FourStroke outboard (rated for up to 300 hp if you boat with a large crew or desire higher speeds), the Geneva Sport 23 Fish hit nearly 37 mph, and it accelerated from zero to 30 mph in under 9 seconds. It’s also a fuel-sipper. We logged just 3.3 gph and 4.7 mpg at 15.6 mph, its most economical speed. You can cruise and fish all day long.

A tritoon, the Geneva Sport 23 Fish also proves stable and predictable in chop and when turning, and delivers an overall pleasant ride. Lift, handling, turning and acceleration all benefit from the Xtreme Performance Package, with strakes on the outsides of the outer tubes and both sides of the center tube.

The overall appearance is sleek yet subdued; the standard blackout railing finish coupled with the dark-gray perimeter panels complements the two-tone pillow-top upholstery. The standard power Bimini top sports a black powder-coated frame to match the railings, and is easy to lower and raise with the push of a button for easier trailering and navigating under bridges. Overall, this pontoon provides you with a fantastic cruising and fishing platform.

High Points

• Upgraded Sea Weave vinyl flooring looks sharp and is easy to clean. 
• Power canopy works with the push of a button. 
• Loaded fishing station abaft easily doubles as a cocktail table. 

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury FourStroke 150 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Mirage Plus 15 ³/₄” x 15″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.08:1 Fuel Load: 45 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2103; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2023 SunChaser Geneva Sport 23 Fish appeared first on Boating Mag.

Since many anglers value performance as much as they do fishability, the standard X-Treme PR25 Third Tube Performance Package that comes with SunChaser’s Geneva Sport 23 Fish ought to turn some heads.

It will certainly help push you back in your seat. The X-Treme PR25 Third Tube Performance Package allows the Geneva Sport 23 Fish to really rip. Lean in to banked turns and enjoy the spirited handling. Hammer the throttle, and included lifting strakes let it take off like a shot. A ski pylon comes standard as well. You also get the Performance Shield, which protects the underside of the deck. And you can optionally add in-floor storage with this package’s centerline tube, which, by the way, houses a 60-gallon gas tank.

Other cool standards aboard the Geneva Sport 23 Fish include a power canopy top, docking lights, hydraulic steering and a five-step boarding ladder. SunChaser also includes a changing room and a Bluetooth-enabled AM/FM stereo. There’s more, but let’s talk fishing features.

Angling amenities begin with a standard gelcoated fiberglass console with a windshield and cooler storage. There’s also an extended front deck. The aft deck is covered in vinyl, but you can opt for either the Sea Weave or Teak Weave throughout. Add the GPS/fish finder option for sure.

Other add-ons include a Minn Kota shallow-water anchor (also works for swimming and beaching) and the lakewater washdown system. The dual-battery switch makes sense for the increased electrical demands anglers have.

How’s it built? Corner castings are polished stainless steel, and the exterior railing is a rugged 1/4-inch-square anodized black. The deck cleats are through-bolted, and rugged hat channels are used underneath. Furniture bases are rotocast plastic, which won’t rot. Smoker Craft, SunChaser’s parent company, is so confident about its construction and rigging that the boatbuilder now offers a Lifetime Plus 6 Warranty.

Looking for a high-performing, well-built, fishable pontoon? Check out the SunChaser Geneva Sport 23 Fish.

High Points

• Performance, coupled with a refined list of available fishing options, provides fishability for anglers of many varieties.
• Standard X-Treme PR25 Third Tube Performance Package adds fun, storage space and a built-in 60-gallon fuel tank.
• Rugged hat-channel construction uses tubes made from 0.08-gauge aluminum.
• Comes with a Lifetime Plus 6 Warranty: lifetime on the hull and structure, and six years on the accessories.

Pricing and Specs

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2023 SunChaser Geneva Sport 23 Fish appeared first on Boating Mag.

SunChaser brings in its 2022 Eclipse 25 SBX as a solid performer with a Mercury 250XL outboard at an attractive price. It has the dual distinction of running well and looking good too. 

Our tester featured the Xtreme PR25 Performance Package, which added a third tube, lifting strakes and hydraulic steering. The boat reached a near-43 mph top speed while turning a standard aluminum propeller; a few more miles might be gained with a stainless-steel prop. It zipped to 30 mph in 6.4 seconds, enough low-end oomph for use as a watersports tow platform, even with a big crew aboard. We reached a best of 4 mpg at a sedate cruise of 15.7 mph and 2,500 rpm; at that speed, range is 216 miles using 90 percent of the 60-gallon fuel capacity. That allows for a long day on the water. The Eclipse handles those 250 horses well; tight turns and lake chop are mastered without drama, and it’s a breeze to run it at high speed. It responds to engine trim well, and the last few miles per hour come at full throttle by finessing the trim-up button.

How about those good looks? Two curved facing lounges in the bow make a great conversation pit for five. Amidships, the Eclipse features an L-shaped lounge that provides a cozy spot for three, who can converse with the pilot as they cruise. The helm console is raised for better visibility and features a windscreen, a cooler and storage underneath, and a full complement of instruments to monitor the engine. Abaft, the seating is another L-shaped sofa; by reversing the seatback on the L lounge, it faces the stern, where two swivel chairs are well-positioned around a triangular snack table. This makes for a great conversation pit while socializing. During watersports, it makes for easy viewing of the action off the stern. There, the Eclipse features small port and starboard seating and prep areas, perfect for diving off or dangling feet in the water. A wide-step telescoping stainless-steel boarding ladder makes it easy to climb back aboard when you’re done. 

Looking for more upgrades? The optional teak weave designer floor covering on our test boat makes for an attractive look with easy cleanup. 

High Points

• Blackout perimeter railing and pontoons are stunning.
• Xtreme PR25 Performance Package provides three tubes with lifting strakes, 60 gallons of fuel, hydraulic steering and more.  
• Power Bimini works at the flip of a switch.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 250XL FourStroke 250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 54 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2103; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2022 SunChaser Eclipse 25 SBX appeared first on Boating Mag.

SunChaser brings in its 2022 Eclipse 25 SBX as a solid performer with a Mercury 250XL outboard at an attractive price. It has the dual distinction of running well and looking good too. 

Our tester featured the Xtreme PR25 Performance Package, which added a third tube, lifting strakes and hydraulic steering. The boat reached a near-43 mph top speed while turning a standard aluminum propeller; a few more miles might be gained with a stainless-steel prop. It zipped to 30 mph in 6.4 seconds, enough low-end oomph for use as a watersports tow platform, even with a big crew aboard. We reached a best of 4 mpg at a sedate cruise of 15.7 mph and 2,500 rpm; at that speed, range is 216 miles using 90 percent of the 60-gallon fuel capacity. That allows for a long day on the water. The Eclipse handles those 250 horses well; tight turns and lake chop are mastered without drama, and it’s a breeze to run it at high speed. It responds to engine trim well, and the last few miles per hour come at full throttle by finessing the trim-up button.

How about those good looks? Two curved facing lounges in the bow make a great conversation pit for five. Amidships, the Eclipse features an L-shaped lounge that provides a cozy spot for three, who can converse with the pilot as they cruise. The helm console is raised for better visibility and features a windscreen, a cooler and storage underneath, and a full complement of instruments to monitor the engine. Abaft, the seating is another L-shaped sofa; by reversing the seatback on the L lounge, it faces the stern, where two swivel chairs are well-positioned around a triangular snack table. This makes for a great conversation pit while socializing. During watersports, it makes for easy viewing of the action off the stern. There, the Eclipse features small port and starboard seating and prep areas, perfect for diving off or dangling feet in the water. A wide-step telescoping stainless-steel boarding ladder makes it easy to climb back aboard when you’re done. 

Looking for more upgrades? The optional teak weave designer floor covering on our test boat makes for an attractive look with easy cleanup. 

High Points

• Blackout perimeter railing and pontoons are stunning.
• Xtreme PR25 Performance Package provides three tubes with lifting strakes, 60 gallons of fuel, hydraulic steering and more.  
• Power Bimini works at the flip of a switch.

How We Tested

• Engine: Mercury 250XL FourStroke 250 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 54 gal. Crew Weight: 250 lb.

Pricing and Specs

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 574-831-2103; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2022 SunChaser Eclipse 25 SBX appeared first on Boating Mag.

The new Eclipse 25 is the top-of-the-line model in the SunChaser series for 2021, a pontoon stretching more than 27 feet in length and loaded with features. The Eclipse name for this series is apt because blacked-out rails and deck trim—all the rage on pontoons right now—are standard. Our boat also had optional black-painted tubes and a black ski-tow rig to complete the “eclipse” effect. The triple-tube X-Treme PR25 Performance Package features three 25-inch-diameter tubes and heavy-duty cross members to boost the max-horsepower rating to 300 with a 25-inch outboard. SunChaser’s X-Treme performance strakes on the center tube and inside the inboard tubes provide lift to boost speed and fuel economy, and this chassis includes a drag-reducing underbelly skin, 60-gallon fuel tank, ski pylon and SeaStar hydraulic steering. A ski locker within the center tube is an option. We topped 46 mph with a Mercury 250 FourStroke outboard on the transom and found the handling to be razor-sharp.

Our test boat had the SSB interior layout with facing swing-back seats behind the helm. Each can be configured to face fore or aft, and the aft seatback can swing flat to form a sun lounge with the other seat. There’s a bench seat with an aft-facing angled seatback to port and a pair of wraparound loungers in the bow. All seat bases are color-matched, roto-molded plastic, and the deck is covered in durable woven vinyl. Both fore and aft decks are expansive and will ease boarding in any docking situation. A canvas changing room opens from an enclosure abaft the port lounger.

This model features a standard Executive Helm, which raises the seat about 3.5 inches off the deck to improve sightlines forward. The molded fiberglass helm console presents analog gauges to the right, with a space for the optional Simrad multifunction display on center above the tilt steering wheel. The control for a JL Audio system is high and to the left. The captain sits on a high-back seat with armrests behind a low-profile windscreen. An inboard door provides access to stowage within the console. The new Eclipse is stylish, well-equipped and a great performer.

High Points

• Covering the speaker backs protects against water and damage.
• Portside console hides the pop-up changing room or a portable head, and doubles as a tabletop with drink holders.
• Ski tow is extra-stout.

Specs

LOA: 27′8″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 2′0″

Dry Weight: 3,445 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 15/2,115 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 60 gal.

Price: $60,738 (with base power)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury 250 FourStroke

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 45 gal.

Crew Weight: 190 lb.

More Information

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 866-719-7873; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2021 SunChaser Eclipse 25 SSB appeared first on Boating Mag.

The new Eclipse 25 is the top-of-the-line model in the SunChaser series for 2021, a pontoon stretching more than 27 feet in length and loaded with features. The Eclipse name for this series is apt because blacked-out rails and deck trim—all the rage on pontoons right now—are standard. Our boat also had optional black-painted tubes and a black ski-tow rig to complete the “eclipse” effect. The triple-tube X-Treme PR25 Performance Package features three 25-inch-diameter tubes and heavy-duty cross members to boost the max-horsepower rating to 300 with a 25-inch outboard. SunChaser’s X-Treme performance strakes on the center tube and inside the inboard tubes provide lift to boost speed and fuel economy, and this chassis includes a drag-reducing underbelly skin, 60-gallon fuel tank, ski pylon and SeaStar hydraulic steering. A ski locker within the center tube is an option. We topped 46 mph with a Mercury 250 FourStroke outboard on the transom and found the handling to be razor-sharp.

Our test boat had the SSB interior layout with facing swing-back seats behind the helm. Each can be configured to face fore or aft, and the aft seatback can swing flat to form a sun lounge with the other seat. There’s a bench seat with an aft-facing angled seatback to port and a pair of wraparound loungers in the bow. All seat bases are color-matched, roto-molded plastic, and the deck is covered in durable woven vinyl. Both fore and aft decks are expansive and will ease boarding in any docking situation. A canvas changing room opens from an enclosure abaft the port lounger.

This model features a standard Executive Helm, which raises the seat about 3.5 inches off the deck to improve sightlines forward. The molded fiberglass helm console presents analog gauges to the right, with a space for the optional Simrad multifunction display on center above the tilt steering wheel. The control for a JL Audio system is high and to the left. The captain sits on a high-back seat with armrests behind a low-profile windscreen. An inboard door provides access to stowage within the console. The new Eclipse is stylish, well-equipped and a great performer.

High Points

• Covering the speaker backs protects against water and damage.
• Portside console hides the pop-up changing room or a portable head, and doubles as a tabletop with drink holders.
• Ski tow is extra-stout.

Specs

LOA: 27′8″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 2′0″

Dry Weight: 3,445 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 15/2,115 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 60 gal.

Price: $60,738 (with base power)

How We Tested

Engine: Mercury 250 FourStroke

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Enertia Eco 16″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.75:1

Fuel Load: 45 gal.

Crew Weight: 190 lb.

More Information

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 866-719-7873; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2021 SunChaser Eclipse 25 SSB appeared first on Boating Mag.

SunChaser’s Geneva 22 LR PSB offers big-hull security and comfort, and when packaged with a midrange Yamaha F115 for power, brings the price within reach of many first-time pontooners who might want to dip their toes before going all-out on a V-6 package. For $50,000, it’s a sound investment. That price brings an acceleration of zero to 30 mph in 6 seconds—on par with many larger rigs; the Geneva’s most economical cruising speed is 16 mph, using 3.6 miles per gallon. The only area feeling somewhat sedate is the top-end speed; at 28.5 mph, the top-line 150 hp upgrade could be the ticket to see speeds in the mid- to high 30s and much stronger pulling power.

Regardless, the Geneva 22 shines for family cruising and sightseeing as well as sandbar rafting, watersports and dinner cruising. Yamaha power proved quiet: The highest noise level we recorded at full throttle was 83 decibels. At cruise speeds, we averaged about 68 decibels—that’s barely conversation level noise.

The Geneva features the optional Executive Helm Package, which provides a raised-helm platform and a high-back helm chair that slides and reclines. A tilt Verona steering wheel and Kicker stereo system are also included. A low Lexan windscreen offers some wind protection. The gauge package has electronic units presenting an analog appearance.

For the hull, the optional PTS Performance Package also comes standard, and includes three 25-inch-diameter tubes with performance lifting strakes and below-deck shield.

The forward layout includes two facing lounges that can fit a pair of riders each. The optional teak-weave floor covering is clean and provides easy washdown. Amidships, the reversible portside couch allows for versatility in cruising or lounging. A foldout table on the port side provides storage behind it when closed.

Abaft, the long portside lounge fits four people with room to spare, and faces a starboard lounge that fits three. The stern deck is closed off by a perimeter fence with a center door; out back, a large deck is fitted with a stainless-steel boarding ladder and tube ski pylon.

High Points

⋅Sells for just under $50,000 with a 115 hp Yamaha outboard.

⋅Raised driver’s console aids forward vision, especially over the bow.

⋅Reversible co-pilot seat faces forward for the ride, or aft for lounging.

Specs

LOA: 22′10″

Beam: 8′6″

Draft: 1′3″

Dry Weight: 2,061 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: 11/1,500 lb.

Fuel Capacity: 38 gal.

Price: $49,737

How We Tested

Engine: Yamaha F115 four-stroke 115 hp

Drive/Prop: Outboard/13.5″x 12″ Yamaha 3-blade aluminum

Gear Ratio: 2.15:1

Fuel Load: 28 gal.

Crew Weight: 400 lb.

More Information

SunChaser Boats – New Paris, Indiana; 866-719-7873; sunchaserboats.com

The post 2020 SunChaser Geneva 22 LR PSB appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Sunchaser Geneva 22 LR PSB is a great choice for a day in the sun with your family and friends. With plenty of space for entertainment, everyone can stretch out and enjoy. Relax in the rays or use the ladder in the back to for dipping in and out of the water.

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