26 Hustler ??
 

I am looking at a 98 26 Hustler 502mag low hours. mcleod int and trailer for 49k. I dont know much about them but I am familiar with the 26 Sonic. Anyone tell me about this boat.....quality, speed etc. Thanks

I own a 1996 26 Hustler. I spent 3 years looking for a boat and when I found this I fell in love. Mine you when I say 3 years I looked at many makes, Sonic being one of them. Remember compare apples to apples. The 26 Sonic in my opion has a smaller cockpit than the Hustler. The rear bench is very close to the back of the front bolsters. The Hustler is vacuum bag contructed. The Sonic isn't. The Hustler has a ventelated notched tramson. The Sonic doesn't. Please don't get the idea that I don't like Sonics. I do. I just like Hustlers better.

With a 502 you can expect top speeds around 64-66. Hustlers are a heavy boat. This makes them great for open water. Mine is powered by a 509 running a B&M 420 blower. At present I'm turning a 28 labbed Bravo.

Sorry almost forgot. The 26 Hustler is a true 26 foot boat;) ;) ;)

Hot Boat did an article on the 26 in March of '96. in addition, Boating also did an article on the same boat. test boat was set up with a bulldog motor, extender box and ran aprox. 80 MPH. Hull is vacuum bagged, but still heavy. It is a traditional deep-V design-no steps. Built to take rough water. Check out Hustler web site, I believe 26 info/spec sheet still available for reference. As far as comparison, check out options on both boats carefully. Many Hustlers are set up with performance options/equipment which can effect price of what you are buying,ie: external steering, CMI exhaust. Best to get out on the water and test drive in conditions which you will be running. Sonic is a nice boat, but not a Hustler.