Boats

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser's Classic 8520 CrS is a low-maintenance pontoon with economical performance.

By The Boating Tech Team

Updated: January 10, 2014

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

LOA: 20’10”
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 1,990 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 10/1,850 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 30 gal.

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

SunChaser Classic 8520 CrS

As its name implies, the Classic 8520 CrS showcases some of the most revered pontoon features. Step aboard this 20-foot-10-inch-long pontoon and you’ll find an emphasis on maximizing passenger space. Forward, the perimeter fencing is pushed almost all the way to the edge of the deck. Twin parallel lounges span 4 feet down both the port and starboard sides, right up to the side gate and helm. Aft, a wraparound L-shaped lounge further adds to the boat’s 10-passenger capacity. Swivel the helm chair around and put the pedestal table to use and into the mix, and you’ve got a social gathering spot for both family and friends. Two-tone vinyl boasts a rich, leatherlike finish with accent piping. Seat bottoms swing out on single-action hinges to reveal roto-molded storage below, complete with both gutters and drains to flush away rain and rinse water.

The 8520 CrS boasts a number of welcome conveniences. A pop-up changing room is integrated into the forward port bench. Swing open a door and it folds out into the open space adjacent to the port gate. A 5-foot-6-inch by 2-foot raised sun pad invites relaxing, while tucking away the fuel tank. Venture outside the aft gate and you’ll note a low-maintenance vinyl decking, perfect for a spot that will frequently be wet.

Our test boat featured twin 25-inch pontoons and was powered by one of Evinrude’s new Pontoon Series engines, a 90 hp E-TEC. Pontoon Series models differ from standard E-TECs in several ways, including softer motor mounts that decrease vibration by as much as 40 percent. They also feature a taller gear ratio, widening the selection of props for pontoon-specific performance, and offer the option of a remote onboard oil tank to keep consumers from having to go under the cowl to top off the oil. Like all E-TECs, they’re also notoriously stingy when it comes to fuel consumption, particularly on the low end. We noted a mere 0.6 gph burn at 5 mph and a 4.5 gph consumption at 18.7 mph, the boat’s most economical cruising speed. Planing was instantaneous, while our top speed peaked at 28.3 mph at 5,500 rpm.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*Maximized seating capacity provides ample storage in the low-maintenance roto-molded bases below.
*Aft platform is covered in vinyl, a better choice than carpet for the frequently wet boarding area.
*Evinrude Pontoon Series engine features less vibration and offers wider prop selection for pontoon-specific performance.

Specs
LOA: 20’10”
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 1,990 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 10/1,850 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 30 gal.

How We Tested
Engine: Evinrude 90 E-TEC Pontoon Series
Prop: Rogue 137/8″ x 13″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.36:1
Fuel Load: 8 gal.
Crew Weight: 240 lb.