It looks like some of you guys have been busy this evening. I like Screamin's list, but I would probably put Nor-Tech at number 5. That 38 is a pretty nice riding hull and loaded with features. It isn't an Active Thunder, but it is a nice machine.

Now, Mardi Gras sounds a little out of hand, I hope none of you have a heart condition. You know that comes with age...

Miller,

Just gonna do a trial run first, maybe on Wend in NYC. You know at 32 years of age you never know what is going to happen, especially after all the abuse I put my body through when I was younger.

It is time for this old man to turn in.

Not to change the topic but I did say I would post my impression of the boats and manufacturers by the end of the week. That was the reason this whole thread got started wasn't it. Oh well here goes.

The whole thing started when we decided to move up to a 38 footer. We started looking at Formula, Hustler, Black Thunder, PowerQuest, Sonic and Fountain. We eliminated the Hustler and Fountain based on cabin space and the PowerQuest on fit and finish. Formula was the front runner with Sonic a close second but wanted a little more info and time on the Sonic. About that time Dano posted "Sonic's for sale" so we called and got to spend some time in a 386 but did not get in the water. We really liked the cabin layout and the head room. We were already convinced the Formula would stand up from a fit and finish, materials, amenities, performance and durability standpoint. No need for further research.

After getting prices from both, I spoke with a few friends. They were not complimentary of the Sonic, thought the Formula was unbreakable and mentioned that we should look at Active Thunder. The next day I sent an e-mail through the AT website, got a note back from Steve, made a phone call and got a price (including my trade). We were impressed but needed to see a boat and go for a ride, same as Sonic.

Next step, a trip to Florida. I had also seen the PowerPlay 38SS on their website and since all three manufacturers are in the same vicinity, we called them and set up a meeting with them as well. Now you know the background, here is the detail. Please keep in mind Tbikini and I consider Formula the benchmark.

We arrived at Sonic and met with J.Ross who gave us a tour of the factory. He was a great host. My first impression was that the factory was big, could use a little cleaning and organizing. After our tour we had some time to spend looking a 386 before we went for our ride. We spent a lot of time in the boat and as we began looking at the fit and finish, the Sonic did not stand up to our benchmark or even our current boat (1994 PQ 290). We were disapointed.

Then we went for a ride. 386 with 500 HP EFI's. It was pretty rough, 4'to 6'. The boat rode very well. A little bow rise when going on plane but once up and going the boat flew flat and landed soft. The boat never hit hard. I did notice though that the boat did make some noise upon landing. It didn't rattle, but it did make some sounds. Tight turns were simply not an issue. The boat seemed to handle well but felt very heavy. At speed (above 40) the boat was responsive. Below 40 it seemed to labor. To run at 40 the engines were running 3600 to 3700 RPM. That is an important point as we like to cruise. Overall, we had a mixed impression of the Sonic. We love the cabin layout, amenities and head room, were disapointed in the fit and finish, thought it handled rough water well, but felt heavy and takes a lot of power to move it through the water.

That night we ate at the cove and had a few drinks

The next day we went to Active Thunder. We were met by Steve and Pat who were excellent hosts. My first impression was the factory was small, clean and well organized. Steve showed us around the place and spoke about the construction of the boats. Saw Dan's boat and spoke with the other Steve about the cabin mold he was making and the lamination schedule as well as the stringer and transom material.

We took a 37AVH with 500 HP EFI's out in roughly the same seas 4'to 5'. It was not as rough as the previous day. Pat drove the boat and gave a good demonstration of the capabilities of the DDC hull. The boat handled the rough water well, flew flat and landed well. I did think the AT landed a bit harder than the Sonic. It did not pound, but it did hit harder than the Sonic. But it did not make any noise. No rattle, no noise, no nothing. The boat felt rock solid. Hard cornering was no problem. Something I was very impressed with was the boats cruising speed. The boat would cruise at 35 mph at 2500 RPM. By the time the engines were running 3000 RPM the boat was into the high 40's. We saw 70 MPH and the engines never went past 4000 RPM. We were also amazed when Pat turned off one of the engines and the boat continued on at 40+mph .

The one thing we could not evaluate well was the cabin as it was still under construction. We did spend some time in a couple of 37's and felt the fit and finish was good, but not on par with Formula. But based on discussions with Pat and Steve, we're convinced this will be improved.

Our overall impression was very positive. The boat handles well and obviously has a very efficient hull. Mold work and construction were top notch. We prefer a center access cabin(which Pat says he will do) and conventional bolsters (not side by side). I must admit I do have some issues about how the hull looks. The single step is really different but you cannot argue with its performance.

The next day we went to PowerPlay. We met with John Boscarino who was an excellent host. My first impression was the factory its big, could be neater and was a bit disoraganized (because of the addition of the 38). John walked us through the construction of the 38 and its lamination process and showed us the new cabin plug that is nearing completion. The mold work on the 4 boats we saw was excellent. Since they did not have a completed boat, John showed us a 33 they were ready to ship and we found the fit and finish to be nearly as good as Formula. We were impressed. Also since they did not have a completed boat, we did not get to go for a test ride. Thats too bad. If this boat does the things Dan and John say it will (handling and efficiency) combined with their fit and finish and cabin layout, it will be tough to beat.

Well thats it. I hope you are all still awake We have not made a decision yet. Sonic, Active Thunder, Formula, PowerPlay. I'll let you all know what we decide to do.

H20, thanks for the recap. Sounds like you had an awesome trip. I have to say that it sounds like you're doing your homework and will make the right decision for you and your family. I'm anxious to hear what you decide.

I was in a similar position as you are about a year ago. I, unfortunately, had an unpleasant experience on a boat I thought I had a deal on. As such, I decided not to buy anything and to keep my current boat for this past Summer. But, before I had made my decision I checked out everything you've mentioned and went through the same analysis. Sounds like you'll figure it out in due course. However, you may want to wait until the Powerplay 38 is finished and the new cabin on the Active Thunder is completed before making up your mind.

Just let us know when you do...

h20,

about the only thing i could add to what everyone has been saying is that make sure you get to know the people behind the product and their history and talk to as many current and past customer of each of these builders. some builders will tell you anything to get the sale then it becomes a nightmare before you fianlly get the product. also find out from customers how they've been treated by each of the builders after you get your boat. a product is only as good as the man who's willing to stand behind what they build. just a last bit of note....check out the warranty on each and ask customers how that work has been taken care of.

h20,

Sounds like a great couple of days. You already know my opinions and remember what a great thing to have think about, which kick ass offshore boat do we choose. You got my #'s, feel free to call me with any other questions.
Todd,
That is an excellent point to add. It is so important who is standing behind the product, chit talk about a warentee, AT lifetime warentee. That is someone who believes in their product and you know will stand behind it.

H20,
we will leave you to your decesion making process with just those few last words. Good luck and may the force be with you. I will leave you with a quote that a smart man once posted on this thread, UNFKNBLVBL.

[ 12-08-2001: Message edited by: thunderdan ]

H2o - great job! if you are going boating this coming season, you need to narrow it down to those who ACTUALLY have an existing boat (Sonic, AT, Formula)...Boats are not like cars, they take extra time to get them right, so go with something that exists at this time and is proven, NOT PROMISED!

[ 12-08-2001: Message edited by: ScreaminDemon ]

Another great point Screamin. You gotta look at something, In my opinion, that is already proven, already out and been tested and reworked if necessary. I would not want to be one of the first owners of ANY manufacturers new boat out of the mold. I would want at least 4-6 boats already done and in the water before I considered it. Way to many variables. I call it the "UNKOWN AND UNPROVEN CATAGORY". And I said I was not going to post anything else, yeah right.

so Dan...how fast will your boat run if you do the "whipples"?

Not to jump on your parade Dan, but Dustin had said possibly 101-104. Price would be 6200. wholesale to dealer, plus installation, about 800 more to the customer. This is the new version, 750 hp and 805 tq on a 500 EFI. Im a probably going to go this route over the Prochargers, they are only 4176., 4500. installed.