Build quality of Sonic
06-21-2011, 06:25 AM
#21
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I have been in one Sonic. My experience was a little different. It was years ago at the Chcago boat show - the Looney Tunes themed Sonic. I found all of the vinyl to be randomly stapled under the seat cushions. It looked like the vinyl was trimmed off with a dull carpet knife. Compartments in the cockpit and cabin had raw exposed fiberglass everywhere. Based on that one experience I would say Sonics of that era may have a solid hull, but the one I was on had nowhere near the finish quality of a Formula.
06-21-2011, 06:45 AM
#22
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Hmmm, I cant argue the rough water capability of the 31 sonic cause Ive never been in one. I really like the Sonics and have considered buying one many times. What I can say is, I had a 92 Bullet that ran 82 through 2 to 3 ft chop with 575 HP per side ,Bravo's and Bblade 28P labbed Bravo 1 props. I seriously doubt a 31 sonic could run that speed......3 to 4ft I would have to start slowing down in the Bullet. IMO, it is a great boat for a 31 footer. No pizzing match here, but what limitations does the Bullet have for a boat its size?
06-21-2011, 06:53 AM
#23
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Hmmm, I cant argue the rough water capability of the 31 sonic cause Ive never been in one. I really like the Sonics and have considered buying one many times. What I can say is, I had a 92 Bullet that ran 82 through 2 to 3 ft chop with 575 HP per side ,Bravo's and Bblade 28P labbed Bravo 1 props. I seriously doubt a 31 sonic could run that speed......3 to 4ft I would have to start slowing down in the Bullet. IMO, it is a great boat for a 31 footer. No pizzing match here, but what limitations does the Bullet have for a boat its size?
06-21-2011, 07:11 AM
#24
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06-21-2011, 07:13 AM
#25
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Sonic had a couple of bad years under Richard Hewitt's ownership. The first few boats with the new layup process had some issues.
And it sucks to say it, but Boat Show boats are often the worst quality a builder has to put out. You would THINK it would be the opposite, but materials delays, production delays, setbacks, shipping & logistics, etc. etc. often force a builder to put a rush on things. MOST builders build in enough time before a boat show boat must be finished, however it just doesn't always happen that way. Often you will see boats come right out of the boat show and go back to the factory to be "finished".
And by the way, there is nothing wrong with a Cigarette Bullet.
And it sucks to say it, but Boat Show boats are often the worst quality a builder has to put out. You would THINK it would be the opposite, but materials delays, production delays, setbacks, shipping & logistics, etc. etc. often force a builder to put a rush on things. MOST builders build in enough time before a boat show boat must be finished, however it just doesn't always happen that way. Often you will see boats come right out of the boat show and go back to the factory to be "finished".
And by the way, there is nothing wrong with a Cigarette Bullet.
06-21-2011, 07:33 AM
#26
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First, If you got your bullet to go 82 with any power I think it would be a first.. second.. the bullet likes to trip, especially in a following sea. The Sonic has better balance... It's hard to compare though... the Sonic's running bottom is 24" shorter then the bullet. Sorry, hope you don't take offense... I'm just not a big bullet fan.
06-21-2011, 08:07 AM
#27
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I definatley agree in with the tripping, I just attributed that to its length but its definately true. As far as speed, the Bullet CAN be brought to life, needs to be set up properly. This boat actually ran 80 in flat water! I think Brett had my boats propping nailed...No offense taken, I just may be one of those "weird" Cig owners! Hahaha
By the way, I will give you kudos on your driving ability as I'm sure the speeds you have achieved are partly attributed to that. Most cannot hold that delicate balance of trim and porpoise and quickly tab down.
06-21-2011, 08:15 AM
#28
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Sonic had a couple of bad years under Richard Hewitt's ownership. The first few boats with the new layup process had some issues.
And it sucks to say it, but Boat Show boats are often the worst quality a builder has to put out. You would THINK it would be the opposite, but materials delays, production delays, setbacks, shipping & logistics, etc. etc. often force a builder to put a rush on things. MOST builders build in enough time before a boat show boat must be finished, however it just doesn't always happen that way. Often you will see boats come right out of the boat show and go back to the factory to be "finished".
And by the way, there is nothing wrong with a Cigarette Bullet.
And it sucks to say it, but Boat Show boats are often the worst quality a builder has to put out. You would THINK it would be the opposite, but materials delays, production delays, setbacks, shipping & logistics, etc. etc. often force a builder to put a rush on things. MOST builders build in enough time before a boat show boat must be finished, however it just doesn't always happen that way. Often you will see boats come right out of the boat show and go back to the factory to be "finished".
And by the way, there is nothing wrong with a Cigarette Bullet.
As far as the bullet comment. The boat is what it is. There are better... and there are worse. I will say the bullet is the hardest of the Cigarette herd to sell. Many don't like the Jacksonian deck style and many of the issues that have been mentioned on this thread. I will say this. I would take a 31 bullet over a 28 Apache any day of the week.
I would really like to see someone do a bullet with small blocks and bravos. I think that combination would go a long way to solving some of these issues.
06-21-2011, 08:27 AM
#29
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In my opinion, the bullet has the rocker of a 35 or a 38 with the length of a 31. 30" tabs are a hugh benefit. The problem is with all this rocker and big power, the boat wants to porpoise... resulting in added tab thus reducing the top end. Your boat should run faster with more fuel on board... right?
By the way, I will give you kudos on your driving ability as I'm sure the speeds you have achieved are partly attributed to that. Most cannot hold that delicate balance of trim and porpoise and quickly tab down.
By the way, I will give you kudos on your driving ability as I'm sure the speeds you have achieved are partly attributed to that. Most cannot hold that delicate balance of trim and porpoise and quickly tab down.
