← All makes Used boat buyer guide

Sun boats

Sun is a niche builder with 75 hulls registered in the US, primarily gas powered models from the 1990s through 2018. The small registry footprint and scattered production years suggest limited market presence, making resale comps and parts availability potential concerns for used buyers.

Registered hulls75US registry
Recalls1USCG / CPSC

Are Sun boats reliable?

With only one USCG recall on record and a registry spanning over two decades, the brand shows no widespread safety issues. Ownership costs will depend heavily on age, with 1990s era hulls (the most common vintage alongside 2015 and 2018) likely requiring typical maintenance for 25 to 30 year old fiberglass boats including engine rebuilds, electrical system updates, and potential deck or transom core work.

Common problems to inspect on a used Sun

  • Electrical system condition, especially on the six electric powered models
  • Transom and deck core integrity on 1990s vintage hulls
  • Engine service history and corrosion for gas models over 20 years old
  • Gelcoat crazing and oxidation on older fiberglass

Registry footprint

Registered hulls (US sample) 75
Most-registered model years 2018 (10), 2015 (7), 1994 (6), 1998 (6), 1999 (3), 2000 (3)
Fuel mix GAS 67 · ELECTRIC 6 · NONE 2

Sample = US state open-data vessel registries (currently Texas + New York, ~875k vessels). Treat as a representative slice of recreational US inventory.

Recalls (1)

USCG MIC entries (28)

Frequently asked questions

Are Sun boats reliable?

The brand has only one USCG recall across 75 registered hulls, indicating no systemic safety problems. Reliability on a used Sun will depend more on the individual boat's age, maintenance history, and hours than the brand itself.

What is the resale value of a Sun boat?

Resale values are difficult to benchmark due to the small registry footprint of 75 US hulls. Expect limited market liquidity and fewer comps, which can extend selling time and reduce negotiating leverage.

How many Sun boats are registered in the US?

75 hulls are currently registered, with the most common model years being 2018, 2015, and a cluster from 1994 to 2000. 67 are gas powered, six are electric, and two have no engine listed.

What should I inspect on a used Sun boat?

Focus on transom and deck core condition for older hulls, electrical systems (especially on electric models), and complete engine service records. The limited parts network means deferred maintenance is riskier than with high volume brands.

Looking at a specific Sun?

Paste the listing URL and we'll cut a full Deal Report — fair value, comp set, engine risk, ownership cost, inspection checklist, negotiation script. $49, written by an independent analyst.

Get the Deal Report →