I can mid 60's on gps with 1/2 tank and a couple people with a 496 HO out of my 26 sonic. Thats with a 24p Bravo 1. They are great boats and love the rough stuff.

I looked at all these boats at one time. The Sonic 260 Prowler is a great built boat...very very solid. Excellent rough water boat. I saw the design of this boat happening when I went to the Sonic factory a few times back in 1997. I came very close to buying this boat but it would not be out for sale when I was ready to buy. The Checkmate is more of a lake boat and the Velocity is very lightweight thin coring and stringer and runs on a huge flat pad and this pad runs well up towards the bow. That does not make for a great rough water boat and it tends to shoot the bow up when going into a wave. You will have the pay a lot of attention when driving the Velocity at speed. I am biased because I have seen way too many Velocity boats delaminate and break apart. However I love the Velocity looks and deep cockpit. Out of the 3 boats you listed the Veocity will be the fastest in smooth water.

Thanks for all the great input. It's been a real help. I think the Sonic is the way to go. I still like the Velocity though. Since most of my boating will be in the Potomac River either boat should do just fine. I guess the next step would be to look at them in person.

look at the velocity 280 or 290 rather than the 260.

They are more comparable in size to the sonic. can't go wrong either way. the sonic will have a more comfortable ride, the velocity will be faster.

i had a 280 and loved it. You can't beat the cabin in the sonic. if you plan to overnight, that's the way i'd go. the velocity will scratch your excitement itch much better though.

I will stack my Donzi 26ZX against any of those any day! Especially when in snotty water.

thats a pretty bold statement. what makes the donzi so much better, especially in "snotty water"?

it is a good looking boat.

I agree with you here razz, and what's snotty water? not looking for trouble or anything, but there's a lot of different "snotty water" and the Velocity really feels solid where I am....

Why is no one mentioning the Activator 27? These are great boats that run like boats 5' longer in rough water. Just my 2 cents.

A 300 Checkmate Convincor will run 68-70 all day with a stock 496 425hp Thats 30 foot including the swim platform.