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... :D

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. :eek: :D :D

It is time for this old man to turn in. ;) :D

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 :confused: 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 :D :D ate at the cove and had a few drinks :rolleyes:

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 :eek: We have not made a decision yet. Sonic, Active Thunder, Formula, PowerPlay. I'll let you all know what we decide to do. :D

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. :D
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. :D

H20,
we will leave you to your decesion making process with just those few last words. :D 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. :D :D :D

[ 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. :D :D

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. :D

Screamin-
I gotta think that if I whipple em, and whipple em good, :D I will be in the high 90's low 100's. If you look on the AT website, under latest news, you can see my dash layout. http://www.activethunderboats.com/la...newzletter.htm
I even left an empty space under the compass for a boost guage and drive temp guage just in case. :D

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

Jassman,

You can jump in on my parade anytime, brother. :D It is our parade, with topless women and mardi gras beeds, and ........ :D :D

H20 and TBIKINI, thanks for letting us know your opinions, Right before I ordered my Thunder, I almost purchased a Formula 382, we loved everything about the boat except the small cabin, graphics, and price, but their resale is awesome. I then went back to Sonic which I am very familiar with, just was on one last week, my buddys 42ss, his 42ss to me is built better than his 386, he had a few flaws in his first Sonic, but still was a great boat, his 42 is much better, but damn slow, 72 mph, his 386 was 76 but has a softer reentry like you stated, just slight. We were ready to buy the Sonic, I was not familiar with A.T. at the time. We have owned Formula, Fountain and my last boat was a 96 Powerquest Vyper with 502s, all were good boats with the Formula being the best. I am glad that I did some more reserch, and the only ones I can thank was the OSO board, kind of like how we met you, there is a large vast of knowledge that can be aquired, as well as bullchit, and everyone thinks their boat brand is the best for one reason or another, listen to your heart, I think through your process of elimination you will pick the right boat for you and your family, their are pros and cons to every boat, to me it seems there are more pros with A.T. than any other boat, We too also looked at PP, Outerlimits,Donzi,Pantera, sonic, and found A.T. did everything that my wife wanted especially in the cabin, and took care of my speed needs, and attention to detail that I required, (remember I build upscale housing) so detail has to be meticulas. I know I goof around alot, but on the serious side option for option, price per price,build quality to me The ACTIVE THUNDER is as fricken close as you will get to Outerlimits and saves you 108K, (please take notice I did not swear this whole post) good luck to you and your family whatever decision you make, either way make sure you stay in touch with the OSO family :D

I must say this, the Active Thunder lovers seem to be the most enthusiastic bunch on this board...and by looking at all your new paint graphics coming out over the next few months, you guys will get ALL the attention...keep it up, it gives us outsiders something to shoot for!

Hey, Screamin, come on over to the wild side, the more the merrier, the bigger the party, It will be an ass kickin summer. What kind of boat you got :p

Man, I'm shot. 3 hours testing the new 32 Cat we just finished....HP 500 EFIs and all the toys. The sun and water were brutal today. Hard to believe it's Christmas in less than 3 weeks.

H20 and Tbikini, you know how to reach me if you need anything else answered. :D Good Luck and I wish you much happiness and sucess with whatever boat you purchase.

Well, Pat give us the details on how that bad puss ran. ;) :D :D

Another tough day at the office. :D :D

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

nice revision, Dan. I SAW that! lol

You know I have one of those devils on my sholder, kinda like the one in animal house where the girl is passed out on the bed, you remember that scene? But the better angel won out. :D ;)

So you had a great ride on that bad ass cat. I gotta get a ride in one of those. It really did look good. So, how do YOU spell pheonix? :D :D

Man Im shot, 3 hours testing the new Crown Select 11 years aged whiskey in the brutal sun with the 5 models that I have been interviewing for the new Latex Active Thunder ad. :p Hey Pat what did your putty cat run, I like the Pheonix graphics and the way the hull runs in your video. I see you guys are selling a HTM sr-24, what do you think of that boat given the size and power.

Ask Pat about his demo yesterday in 8+ seas (rougher than the DanL demo), the guy has the BALLS of a rino!

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

JASSMAN, thanks and no problem, i would like to know when you guys all get together down here so i can stop by and say "hi"!

Interesting point about the ride yesterday, you can tell he has all the confidence in his boats to take them out in any water.

[ 12-09-2001: Message edited by: thunderdan ]

Either he's confident in his boats, or he has a distinct lack of sense...I'm not sure which it is. LMAO! :D Just kidding Pat.

But, seriously are you allowed to go out in that water with your knees? :eek:

Hey Thunder Dan, I really do like your dash. That's going to be nice. :cool:

ThunderRoy...rumor has it, you'll have a killer dash soon too!

Thunder roy,

Thanks, I am really happy with the way it came out so far. Are you switching boats? I have seen your boat a couple of times in Poker Runs America it looks killer. :D

Tell us about your boat, how it is set up, what options, speed etc.

Hey Daze, dont forget about the Jassman, purple fades with graphics coming on the dash, thanks buddy, hey how is that add coming along, Ill call monday, have a few Q's on the dash layout, I like Thunder Dans dash, but I need another space for the 2 red buttons to light up when the nitreous comes on :p

Everything is coming SLOWLY...how about we fade your dash from dark purple <down> to light purple, then bring the design from the deck over and onto the dash...

Miller, distinct lack of sense.... thanks for the info this am. I'm gonna check it out.

I hope you got a lot of rest this weekend, Steve. I got some ideas I want to run pass you tomorrow. Plus I want to work on the sunpad design, get the name and colors finalized on the side, work on the cockpit interior colors, get some ideas on the cabin colors. :D :D
Sorry Jeff, I guess that c-note you gave them to push your boat on the product schedule just was not enough. :D :D
Miller,
Can you get me a web adress for those ideas on the dash that we were talking about? I want to take a look at them.
And Pat, what trick items you got up your sleeves this week? Always something you got brewing. :D

T DAZE, that sounds perfect, Am I easy to please or what, Ill leave it up to your impeccable taste. I dont want to be a royal pain in the ass like my buddy Lawler. He seems to be posting way tooo much :rolleyes:
I just wish he had some good information to share with us instead of all that BLAH, BLAH,BLAH :p

You are easy to please now, wait until they start your boat. Then, they will only be wishing and dreaming that they were dealing with me. :p :D

As for the blah, blah, blah, it will be you and your boo hoo hoo when my boat is done in February and you are looking at pictures of yours. :p ;) :D You are more than welcome to come aboard though. :D

you got me laughin on that one :D I cant wait till yours is done, so Pat and I can go out on a test ride, I was thinking of coming down in late Feb. hehehehehe :p Hey, Ive got to call that Doug dude for those pre-oilers, you did order yours.

I did, and maybe you and I can call him tomorrow, pay for them and have him ship all four down to AT so they are there. I left him a message on Friday.

Feb sounds good, you can come out on the maiden splash party. :D

Dan, check your email. I'm not certain exactly which info you wanted email addresses for, so I'm sending you some info and you can just tell me what else I can get you if I can find it.

Pat, no problem. I came across some other interesting new products while doing some research on the throne of knowledge this afternoon ( :D ), so I'll send you some of that info as well.

Thunder Roy, did I see that your 37 is for sale right now? Are you moving up to a 42 or are you doing something different? Or, am I totally confused on which boat you own. I've seen an add for a 37AVH that is located in Waller, TX and equipped with 500s on boxes. The picture is the same one I've seen in a few photos published from several different Poker Runs. Looks like a sweet boat.

[ 12-10-2001: Message edited by: Miller ]

Thunder Roy, Are you selling your boat ? Miller indicated he saw a 37AVH for sale in Waller TX.

[ 12-10-2001: Message edited by: h2owarrior ]

Roy,

I heard rumblings of maybe a 42 in your future?? Or maybe a 37avh with the new cabin design?

ThunderDan, Ive got the Masterlubers going down to Active Thunder, I talked with doug and he is going to ship yours and mine to Steve, he will email you to confirm and will mail you a reciept, our check is in the mail.
See, we are one step further in protecting our investment, next will be Whipplechargers. :)

Jassman and Dan, you guys are getting fuel filter and sea strainers from Marine Machine so that the boats are fully rigged for the inevitable upgrades? If not, I know Steve is probably bored at work and will be happy to add anything you can think of... :D