Sonic Construction

[myturn]

When did Sonic change the construction technique
from the Divinycell core foam hand laid up
construction to the infusion/Baltek construction?

I know that my 1995 28SS had wood stringers. When
did they change to foam stringers?

When did they go to the pop up cleats?

I never had any stress cracks in my 28SS. Does anyone
have problems with the later method?

Are there any model years to shy away from?

Any information would be helpful.

Thanks,

Warren

[Sydwayz]

2003 was the beginning of Infusion on the hulls (386, 31SS were among the firsts). I do believe all three molds (hull, deck and liner) of all boat sizes are now done with the process. I am a Sonic supporter, and not trying to bash, but several of the 2003 boats had some issues with the hulls and such due to the learning curve with the new process. It took a while for all the molds of each boat size to be fitted with the process; probably all the way through 2004. Some boats have Infusion hulls, with same old process liner and decks. Its going to vary on each boat through 2003.

My 1999 26' had wood stringers and fixed cleats. Pop up cleats are pretty much common on most of the new ones, but many boats were built per owner choice, and whatever stock was on hand. Most of the boats I have seen since 2003 have pop up cleats, however, there are quite a few with fixed and bucket in-set cleats as well.

[myturn]

Thanks for the info.

The infusion process must have started after J. Ross left.
The last time I saw him was at the 2002 Fort Lauderdale
Boat Show. So 2002 and older models should be a safe bet
structurally.

I still want a new one, but I think I may start looking at used.

Again thanks,

Warren

[Sydwayz]

I think buying a used boat is a better deal anyway. Every new boat has gremlins, and if you can buy one a couple seasons old, especially with stock power and extended warranty, you are golden, and you don't lose boating time from new boat gremlins.

[Quiet Storm]

Originally Posted by Sydwayz

I think buying a used boat is a better deal anyway. Every new boat has gremlins, and if you can buy one a couple seasons old, especially with stock power and extended warranty, you are golden, and you don't lose boating time from new boat gremlins.

This is true but not always. My 2001, 386 was only 2 years old when I bought it. I have had problems with the motors, drives and stress cracks.

The extended warranty that the previous owner purchased and I had transfered to my name has saved me from shooting myself. Everything is in good shape now but the warranty has expired.

I hope the new and old gremlins are gone now.

[islandracer]

Ive not had any stress cracks or anything my 2004 31 SS. Its a very tough boat in rough water.