26 Prowler
09-14-2009, 07:08 PM
#31
VIP Member
26 Velocity is a pad bottom boat and will be fast in flat water but not as comfortable in the rough.
25 Sunsation does not compare. It's 23'7" long and only 7' wide. It's a MUCH smaller boat and basically a great handling go-cart on the water; especially with a BBC that has some grunt.
(The 288 Sunsation is a better comparison.)
26 Sonic will be bigger and slower than either UNTIL you get into 2-3+ footers (where it counts). Then the Sonic will be "there" LONG before the other two.
I'd also take a hard look at the 28' Active Thunder. It looks like we'll have our hands on both a used 26' Sonic and a used 28' Active Thunder sooner than later.
25 Sunsation does not compare. It's 23'7" long and only 7' wide. It's a MUCH smaller boat and basically a great handling go-cart on the water; especially with a BBC that has some grunt.
(The 288 Sunsation is a better comparison.)
26 Sonic will be bigger and slower than either UNTIL you get into 2-3+ footers (where it counts). Then the Sonic will be "there" LONG before the other two.
I'd also take a hard look at the 28' Active Thunder. It looks like we'll have our hands on both a used 26' Sonic and a used 28' Active Thunder sooner than later.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 09-14-2009 at 07:14 PM.
Platinum Member
09-15-2009, 11:31 AM
#35
26' Sonic is a 25' hull with an integrated swim platform.
It also has a notch cut out of the transom that is a couple inches deep. The purpose of the notch is to put the prop in cleaner water. However, to some not experienced with dialing in the trim on a Sonic, they will see a porpoise and everyone blames the notch. The notch works. The boat works better in rougher water than glass--plain and simple.
It will run low-mid 60s with a 496HO. It will run low-mid 70s with a 525EFI.
My 1999 26' Sonic with a 500EFI saw a best of 72mph.
1998-2002 boats are heavier.
In 2003 Vaccum Bagging/Infusion hull layup process was introduced to the entire Sonic lineup, but each boat may vary in the 2003-2004 timeframe.
2004+ boats are a couple (hundred) pounds lighter and a few ticks faster.
A 2004+ 28 Active Thunder is LIGHTER than a 26' Sonic & it's a true 28' boat. Speeds are about the same.
It also has a notch cut out of the transom that is a couple inches deep. The purpose of the notch is to put the prop in cleaner water. However, to some not experienced with dialing in the trim on a Sonic, they will see a porpoise and everyone blames the notch. The notch works. The boat works better in rougher water than glass--plain and simple.
It will run low-mid 60s with a 496HO. It will run low-mid 70s with a 525EFI.
My 1999 26' Sonic with a 500EFI saw a best of 72mph.
1998-2002 boats are heavier.
In 2003 Vaccum Bagging/Infusion hull layup process was introduced to the entire Sonic lineup, but each boat may vary in the 2003-2004 timeframe.
2004+ boats are a couple (hundred) pounds lighter and a few ticks faster.
A 2004+ 28 Active Thunder is LIGHTER than a 26' Sonic & it's a true 28' boat. Speeds are about the same.
Last edited by Sydwayz; 09-15-2009 at 11:33 AM.
09-15-2009, 02:10 PM
#36
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Location: Poughkeepsie NY /Ocean City MD
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i have a customer of mine that is looking to move up. 1999 26 prowler, new 496mag ho, new xr drive this summer and a pretty new venture alum. trailer. looking for around 30k
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09-22-2009, 06:37 PM
#40
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I might be willing to part ways with mine. I have a 2002 26 prowler with a 496ho w/ whipple charger pushing 6lbs of boost..the motor was redone about 100 hours ago, right before I had the whipple installed,
I must say I just got back a couple of weeks ago from the cumberland lake poker were it was pretty rough this year and the boat thrived in the 2-3 footers.
Best speed I have seen 76.8 on GPS with 3/4 tank and 1 other person on the boat with me.
I am looking at possible moving into a 38 cat.
I must say I just got back a couple of weeks ago from the cumberland lake poker were it was pretty rough this year and the boat thrived in the 2-3 footers.
Best speed I have seen 76.8 on GPS with 3/4 tank and 1 other person on the boat with me.
I am looking at possible moving into a 38 cat.
