Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight: 2,100 lb.
Seating/Weight Capacity: 12/1,650 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 60 gal. More Information: sunchaserboats.com Bill Doster
The new 24-foot Eclipse 8523 LR DH represents a great value for families seeking a high-performance pontoon boat that offers top-of-the-line features and excellent handling. With SunChaser’s X-treme PR25 performance package, which includes three 25-inch-diameter tubes, the performance of this pontoon is impressive. Powered by Yamaha’s 250 V MAX SHO, we noted a top speed approaching 50 mph at wide-open throttle. The boat’s swift acceleration and V-hull-like handling left us smiling. Forward and aft visibility was excellent from the raised fiberglass helm platform. The standard full-size ski pylon should see plenty of use among active water-sports enthusiasts. Other features include an easy-to-raise pop-up changing room with plenty of space to maneuver and a premium, four-step rear-entry boarding ladder that makes access easy to and from the water.
Other standard features found in the well-appointed cockpit of the comfortable new Eclipse 8523 include deeply padded wrap-around lounge seating fore and aft of the helm with roto-molded bases that offer abundant storage space. The boat’s 23-foot-long deck is accessible by three 30-inch-wide entries with a full-paneled gate. The elevated, one-piece fiberglass helm console boasts a nice touch with a Torcello wheel matched with hydraulic steering and a high-back captain’s chair with arm- and headrests. The helm features a dashboard with lighted gauges and a premium Infinity stereo system with Bluetooth capability and four high-quality marine-grade speakers. Overhead on the new Eclipse 8523, you’ll find a full-width, 10-foot-long folding Bimini top that, when deployed, provides shade from the midday sun. Underfoot, sculpted, 22-ounce marine-grade carpeting adds to the comfort of this SunChaser pontoon model. All told, there’s a lot to like here. If your family enjoys performance and water sports, check out the Eclipse 8523 LR DH.
High Points
*X-treme performance package for enhanced speed
*Infinity four-speaker stereo with Bluetooth capability
*Full-size ski pylon and rear-boarding ladder
*Three extra-wide cockpit entry gates
*Extra-long Bimini top for sun protection
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha 250 hp V MAX SHO
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 17″ x 15½” 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 15 gal.
Crew Weight: 420 lb.
Price
$43,999 (as tested)
Contact
SunChaser Boats New Paris, Indiana; 866-719-7873; sunchaserboats.com
