SunChaser Geneva 8520 4 Pt. Review

The versatile SunChaser Geneva 8520 4 Pt. is a well-appointed pontoon boat sure to please the anglers in the family.

No matter where you go, fishing is the most popular recreational activity enjoyed from a boat. SunChaser Boats get that, which is why the pontoon boat builder offers so many fishing models in its lineup. The SunChaser Geneva 8520 4 pt., as its name suggests, features four pedestal-mount fishing chairs that comes as standard equipment, one mounted in each corner of the boat.

The four fishing seats are great for a family fishing day, providing plenty of space to cast while their nicely cushioned upholstery gives them the kind of all-day comfort that serious anglers demand. But they’re more than just great perches for the fishermen aboard. With their comfortable support and swivel bases, the bucket seats are also great spaces for sitting back with a book or enjoying a bit of sun. Supportive cushions and back rests also make them the best seats in the house when underway – especially the two seats up front, which provide unobstructed forward-facing views. Each of the front seats is served by its own mini-console with an integrated stainless-steel beverage holder, ensuring a cold drink is never out of reach.

Even the non-anglers like the SunChaser’s ergonomic fishing seats. They’re also perfect for just enjoying the sun.

The stern seats share a centrally-positioned rear fishing station. This innovative fixture provides four vertical rod racks to hold rods securely when not in use, a pair of flush-mount rod holders at the transom, two stainless steel beverage holders, and even an integrated live well to keep the day’s catch fresh. The fishing station’s upper surface provides a nice flat area for rigging gear, while a molded-in measuring tape makes it easy to ensure all catches are within the legal size limit. Just forward, an in-gunnel rod storage locker provides a safe place to stow additional tackle safely out of sight.

The stern fishing station features rod racks, rod holders, drink holders and even a live well.

With the ends set up for fishing, the SunChaser Geneva 8520’s mid-section delivers the best of pontoon boating with a delightfully plush, L-shaped lounge that offers a choice of forward-facing, aft-facing or starboard-facing seating possibilities. Integrated cup holders keep cold drinks safely secured while underway, and close at hand. A removable, pedestal-mount fibreglass cockpit table offers two additional beverage holders, or just makes this space a great spot for lunch. Lifting the seat cushions provides easy access to several large storage spaces that are ideal for keeping personal belongings safely tucked away. The forward end of the lounge arm terminates in a discreet door that conceals a pop-up change room, providing a private space for swimmers to change back into dry clothes. One popular option is to add a Porta-potti in this space for added comfort and convenience.

A comfortable L-shaped lounge surrounds a removable, pedestal-mount table with integrated cup holders.

The standard flooring in the SunChaser Geneva 8520 4 Pt. is a push 24-ounce carpet with a vinyl aft boarding area, giving the swimmers a place to towel off before coming aboard. SunChaser offers a wide variety of flooring options for this boat though, allowing buyers to upgrade to fast-drying vinyl, Synthetic Teak, Teak Weave or Sea Weave flooring instead. Overhead, a standard heavy-duty Bimini top keeps the mid-day sun at bay, providing relief on those really hot days.

The helm includes a beautiful, molded fiberglass console with room in its base for a removable cooler.

The helm seat, located amidships opposite the lounge, is a fully adjustable Captain’s chair with fold-down arm rests and a swiveling base, allowing it to spin to port and serve as a comfy armchair once the anchor has been set. The helm itself is mounted within a beautiful, molded fiberglass console that houses still more storage in its base for a removable cooler. The dash centers around a sporty Gucci Giazza steering wheel, which looks great and feels even nicer in hand. Full instrumentation is easy to view from just about any angle, while a standard Jensen MS3A stereo with an auxiliary port for an MP3 player and Bluetooth wireless streaming capability work with most brands of smartphones, tablets and other portable devices.

Four pedestal-mount fishing chairs make the Geneva 8520 4 Pt. a spacious and comfortable fishing platform.

Because all boat buyers like to personalize their new pride and joy, there is an extension option list available for the SunChaser Geneva 8520 4Pt., including a range of tri-tube performance packages with lifting strakes and performance shields, docking lights, under-deck lighting, stereo upgrades, fish finders, a cooler table, a full camper top and more. Many of these attractive upgrades are offered in convenient packages that save a few dollars over ordering them individually.

But even in its simplest form, the SunChaser Geneva 8520 4 Pt. is a well-equipped, versatile pontoon that does a lot of things well. It’s an easy boat to like – little wonder it’s become such a popular model in the SunChaser lineup.