Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

We do not own a Baja. However, we are dock neighbors with a 33 Outlaw w/ twin HP500s. The boat is dialed in. It accelerates, turns, and rides extremely well. I think people at times get to caught up in certain brand names or top speed numbers neglecting the actual overall performance of a boat. Baja makes a well balanced performance boat without a doubt and has been doing it for a long time.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Sonic makes a nice boat. I know they have had their share of problems.

If one boat pleased everyone then there would only be one boat builder. Seems there are like a 100 performance boat builders. I would say since Baja builds more boats then all others combined that they please more people. Sorry you don't like them, many others do.

I guess your mother never taught you that if you don't have anything good to say, then it's better to not say anything instead of pissing off those that like what you did not.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Who cares!! Anything that FLOATS is fun. :evilb:

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Downtown,

Thank you. You are SO right. But we have these pricks with only 9 posts that seem to have a need to be negative with no real grounds other then their on personal taste.

You have a VERY nice Fountain by the way! The 42 is one of my favorite boats.

Thanks for your input.

Dock

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I have to agree I have as much fun on my custom 20ft cc as I do on my 302.........or 270 sportcraft.


I get soooooooo tired of everyone comparing boats. Especially when it is not apples to apples. I was looking at a sonic 31SS and the cost was obver 60K higher than the 302 with the same power options ect.......sure they had more standard options but you still paid for it. they just included it at the begining rather than allowing you to have them a la carte.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Oh yeah are you refering to the boats or ......................something else that looks like they float/

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

All I know is that when I was looking for a bigger (used) boat that it was down to two boats at the same dealership, a Sonic 358 or a 33 Baja Outlaw. The Sonic had more amenities and a splashier color scheme but it also has a six inch crack in the cockpit liner near the cabin door. I asked if Sonic would take care of it the dealer said no, not on used. I said how come the original owner didn't get it covered? He said he didn't know, but between the boats he would choose the Baja. He had ridden on both and said the Baja was a better boat hands down. Oh. and he had no ax to grind he had been sitting on the Sonic alot longer. Long story short I own the Baja and I am happy with my purchase.

Also, I see in the Sonic forums that they have been sold again. So hows the resale going to be now? No worries with Baja, they are owned by Merc.
Who do you think has more capital to put into R&D, Baja or Sonic?
When is the last time Sonic changed their hull or deck designs?
Just because a boat is not a custom one off, do NOT think that the quality is poor. Baja,Sea Ray, Formula,Cobalt, Fountain are all production models and I would put their layup schedules on a par with almost any other mfg.
They did not get to where they are by selling an inferior product.

Thank you, I am done ranting.

P.S. Baja does not paint their boats, The graphics are done in the gel.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Ya, but no offense. Wow, and at what price? So know you are saying we don't have any taste? I am glad you like your 260. I am sure it helps you sleep at night knowing you are the coolest guy on the planet with your custom paint and nice little sink. I am curious though, the title of this thread is "do we get looked down on since we own bajas??", why would you even post a remark?

By the way, might want to use spell check, you might be taken more seriously.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

To start off with, I will say that I custom paint boats for a living! Because of this, I get upclose and personal with most all brands of boats, from 16' jet boats to 42' Skaters and MTI's costing over 3/4 million dollars. I get to see (because of the disassembling and prepping process) the way boats are put together from all the different companies and I will say this, THERE IS NO PERFECT BOAT and NOTHING IS FREE!!!! I believe they were all designed for a particular market group, just as I have to design a paint scheme for an individuals taste! Just as you cannot paint a boat that (EVERYONE) will like, you cannot build a boat that will appeal to (EVERYONES) taste and needs! It is all a give and take! If you want speed you will give up comfort! If you want a smooth ride you will give up economy and some speed. If you want alot of attention to detail then be ready to wait for a long time to be built! If you want speed, comfort, and detail be ready to give up ALOT of money! I personally am glad that there are so many different types of boats and options to chose from! I am impartial to any company or manufacturer because they all will accel where others will fall short! It is all in what YOU decide is important to YOU and what suits YOUR needs! I shopped around when I bought mine and at the time the 29' Outlaw filled my requirements the best. I have not regreted my decision! As far as what anyone else thinks about it, I don't give a chit, I didn't buy it to make them happy and I have never worried about what other people thought of me anyway! I have found 95% of the boating community to be great fun loving people with the common interest being boating not what kind of boat. If you don't like me because of my boat grow up and get a life! In the mean time kiss my azz! OK now I"M done ranting!!! :drink:P.S. salt weapon, if you would like to bring your boat by sometime I will be happy to point out all of the discrepancies and imperfections in your boat for you. It won't be that hard. (TRUST ME) :D

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Customtouch, very good reply. Good points.

You guys dont need to bash Sonic because one guy likes it more than Baja. I personally like Sonics, except for those radar arches they put on most of their boats and those bars that run down the deck by the cockpit. Not bashing just prooving a point of different peoples taste.

I think the main point of this thread is peoples misguided opinion of Baja. I said it three years ago on this thread and I say it again, people that have never owned one are usually the ones to talk down about them. :drink:

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Talk to the senior management at Peterbilt factory in Nashville or Denton TX. They used to be all custom made trucks, the old 359 model. When converted from custom to production (model 379) the "fix-it before we ship it" went down big time. Very little warranty work needed before they leave the factory now.

There was a beautiful 40 Outlaw at the Windy City PRA and a great older couple too! :drink:

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

60 boats a year??????????
I think if you read all the threads on the sonic forum you may see SONIC had problems making a couple of boats last year, and some had cracks in the bildge and SONIC was saying it was ok because it wasnt structural problem :eek:
you may be in for a big suprise 1st day out on your SONIC 260, I hope you ordered the extra long K plaines :rolleyes:
I own a Powerquest but had 3 Bajas in the past and I thought they Great boats.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I am a Baja owner and proud of it. I have been boating for as long as i've been able to hold a Corona and have owned many boats. I'm a hard working guy who works a 65 hour week and spends 20 hours getting there and back. When push comes to shove there is not another boat in the 19ft price range that can come close to the 192 Islander that i just purchased this year.I bought this boat loaded up to the max and have yet to go out without getting at least one " wow nice boat" or "what the hell do you have in there". That gives me a feeling of pride that can not be described. The boat was worth every one of the hard earned dollars I used to purchase it. So when I hear people say its no Donzi or its no Formula I say will its my Baja and catch me if you can. W.O.T 62 on the gps. SMOKING!

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I don't get any crap (anymore). My hull is a 32 caliber with 2 x 650 blower, extensive hull strengthening, off shore mounts, full Marine machine steering, extensive gauges, new interior.

I've always noted that the "other" guys with much more expensive boats say it goes a lot faster than it does. I guess they just don't like getting beat or at leat run with by a 1994 Baja.

I have not rode in a boat that I would like more. OK maybe the new 35' comming out.

If you think a Baja is an entry level boat then talk with Merc Racing or NMMA engineer. I had the luxury to do so during the last Miami Boat Show. The new designs with "FAST" technology (closed mold, almost no wood used) are serious contenders. This is used on the 23, 30, 40 and new 35

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Relax boys, Baja builds a good boat. I owned two of them and enjoyed the hell out of 'em. My first boat was a 208 Islander with a 454 Mag and a custom prop, I smoked a lot of bigger more expensive twin engine boats! :D

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I have owned 3 Baja's and many others. We have been on evrything else looking to upgrade. We still came back to Baja. It offered us more for our money than any of the others. Enough said.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I like the opening line about the Corona! :D

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Ok so heres my0.02$ I have alot of friends that have all types of boats from big cats to big vs west coast boats upper end and lower end boats and all of us have diffrent taste in boats as well as difering money options and none of us care what anybody else has we just love boating and having a good time I have had really good luck with 2 bajas and for me there fine I mean sure I love to have my dream boat 38 top gun but I will maybe someday get one but im good for now .Now I dont know if i mentioned that I always show up with a cooler full and great looking dock jewelry :drink: That could have something to do with it

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Hell you can make a row boat look awesome with enough booze and bow bunnies.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Its all in how you row it :drink:

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Did Sonic give you a rebate to go and trash Baja? I wanna get a Sonic now so we can hang out. :cool: Everyone has the boats they like and dislike but they don't go over to the other forums they dislike and boast about they think they have a better boat.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I guessed I missed something. When they start making stepped hulls.

Sorry not trying to bash on Sonics, but you need to get your info straight too definitely being an owner.

BTW, I couldn't find Sonics website to see if they had changed.

And another thing, have you actually read down though the whole sonic forum. One member posted pics where a plate was cracking on the transom. And it was no small crack either.

Again, not bashing Sonic, I think they have nice lines and look good running, but you need to check your facts and come back with more than the "website said so".

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Salt Weapon
Sonic does NOT have a step on the 260 :rolleyes:
as far as cracks,go back to the Sonic forum were you belong and ask Quite Storm,Fish Tails,Captbill,and others and they will tell you about the cracks and all other issues they had and still have with their Sonic boats,as far as the sonics bringing more money at resale,that is also not true,Grand Sport Center sold both ,They sell lot of Bajas,but dropped Sonic,I wonder why,A guy that belong to the boat club I am in bought a 2005 260 with a 500efi,1st time out it would not go in gear,he thought we got a bad outdrive,when the shop took the drive out they discovered that Sonic left out the engine coupler :eek:
hope you have better luck with your boat.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

A Salt Weapon

The guy I bought three Baja's from left to start his own dealership. He really wanted Baja, but could not get the line at that time. He signed up with Sonic which was available and immediately got a fully loaded 358 with twin 525's and a 31 with 496HO's that was very nice and one smaller boat, I cannot remember the size.

First off I was actually involved in selecting the options on the 358. He thought we did such a good job with our 36 Outlaw that he asked us to be involved to pick options, colors, etc. I really was honored and enjoyed doing it. I can tell you that there are a "LOT" of options. Like most builders everything does not come as standard.

He then found out two bad things with Sonic. First they were not know well in this area and were a real hard sell. Second he found that there was little support from the factory and if you called the factory direct that they would sell you direct and were not supporting their dealers. It did not take him long to get a bad taste in his mouth for Sonic.

He sit on the 358 and the 31 for a year and had the prices dropped down to his actual cost trying to sell them. My phone rang on day and he asked if I would take the 358 out on Lake Norman the coming Saturday and get it some exposure. I was thrilled to get the opportunity. A few things I found compared to Baja. The engine compartment was not any bigger. It was VERY tight and just as hard to get to the engine components. The cockpit was MUCH smaller then all Baja's I have been in around the same size boat range. The cuddy was first class and VERY nice. That is where Sonic really shinned in my opinion. Overall fit and finish were very good, but there were already two paint issues with this boat where paint was peeling off. The boat did not like as much trim as I was use to with the Baja. If you over trimmed it would porpoise bad. Once I figured that out the boat ran well but had a much lighter feel then the 36 Outlaw and did not have the ride quality. My thoughts were that in rough offshore type conditions I would not enjoy the boat as much.

It did "NOT" have a step hull and would run right at 80 MPH on the speedo with the 525's. Overall a very nice boat with several features that I liked. But for the money it was not the value I have with the 36 Outlaw. I have a lot more boat in my opinion and for around $50K less money.

The dealer finally got rid of all the Sonic's at a loss and now has the Formula line, and I will not post on here his comparison of Sonic and Formula.

Hopefully Sonic will get their company back up and going and be a factor in the market place. Competition is a good thing for all of us.

If you like Sonic buy it, but to come on here and bash Baja for know reason then because you like Sonic better really does not say much about you or your boat knowledge.

Dock

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

doesn't get rough in Great Lakes :cool:

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Hey Downtown,

I will agree with you on that one. Havinf gone to both Lake Erie and Ontario this last summer I have a whole new respect for them. They really should be called Seas instead of lakes. I saw more Apache's and Cigarettes then any other brand. Did not see but one or two Sonic's.

What year model is your 42 Fountain and what power is in it? You have one really sharp boat!

Dock

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Sonic Sonic Sonic...whatever. Hyundai of performance boats? I don't think so. 7th grade paint scheme? Come on...gimme a break. Get a life. If Bajas are such a piece of crap what are you doing on a Baja thread anyway? If I had three hundred grand lying around to spend on a playtoy, maybe I'd have a Baja, maybe not. If you have a problem with the fact that I'm a working class guy, take your silicone injected plastic woman and beach it somewhere else. I'm not out to impress or put down anyone. Last time I checked I didn't notice any more Outlaws broken in half than any other manufacturer. All I see is a bunch of folks having a good time regardless of what they have.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

That is freakin rough!! :D

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Okay we get it. You don't like the Baja paint scheme.

Thanks for all your valuable input.

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

ANYTHING THAT FLOATS IS FUN. :drink: :drink:

Dock: 2005...tnks

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

There was a beautiful 40 Outlaw at the Windy City PRA and a great older couple too! :drink:[/QUOTE]

Dave the boat you are refering to was Pondfathers( Italian Ice ) it does have one of the best paint jobs I've ever seen. Oh, and your overdue on changing the signature pic...

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Guess I should of kept my mouth shut.....I have a feeling the other members would have prefered your wifes pic over the fountain signature

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I think I misunderstood your point.

You mean a GREAT lake boat for lakes, not a "Great Lakes" boat.

Sorry

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I Mean A Lake Boat No Waves!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

now I'm confusious :confused:

should we say salt water or fresh water? :chick:

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Ok Lets Say A Little Pond!!!!!!!!! How Is That?

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

It's always fun to get a ocean boater in Lake Erie and show the lake conditions and how rapidly they change. Nearly all have a new respect after a ride....or better yet let them drive.

FYI Baja puts a lot of hours testing new hulls in Lake Erie for endurance. Probably becuase you can find the best conditions for beating your boat (not to mention they are only about 1 hour away)

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Hey SSCOMP, here's a pic of the gauges I bought from you. They look great !

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

Extremely nice. That is really sharp!

Is the Sync guage for the two engines?

Re: question, do we get looked down on since we own baja's???
 

I have owned 2 Sonics, a 28 with twin 454 365's and my present boat is a 42ss. One of my best friends has owned 2 Baja's a 32 caliper and a 420 tripple. It is all what you like, the good thing about both is that they have stayed away from steps.. Steps, from riding in them might be good for top speed but as another boat dealer said to me before I bought my 42 is you have to give up something speed or safety, your choice...