Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Hey group,

We are looking at getting a "new to us" boat sometime in the not-so-distant future and I came across Sonic. I'm not overly familiar but I do know they went through a restructuring (new owners?) a few years ago? Tell me the history and talk about quality for let's say the last 5 years or so. They are built in Stuart,FL and I see they picked up the Mares cat molds...what else do I need to know?

Thank you in advance for your info :)

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Cool boats that have been around forever. I still like the arch/wing boats from the 80's. Non-stepped hulls are a little slower/safer. Look out for underpowered boats since they are heavy. There was a well priced 386 on here awhile back with 496 Mags that wouldn't break 65 MPH or so. I look at them at the show every year, nice solid boats at a good price but design is getting tired.

They also produce Dakota CC's.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Built tough (Florida built)...If you need a boat that you can overnight in the cabins are amazingly roomy.......the 31 with its pull out centre section gives like a full queen size bed and hasa head that a 6' man can actually get inside.......certainly not the fastest but not the slowest either.......havnt changed a whole lot over the years so an older one can be cosmeticly updated to look like a brand new one.............doug

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Great lines. Tall deck. You could have a party in the cabin with all of your friends and even there pets. And thats just in a 31! Straight vee bottom. good ride. not the fastest around but very comfortable. Heard they run better with extension boxes. I would consider one.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-13301.html

A Good Deal on a 31

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Thanks guys...keep the info coming. As I looked at their current website looking at the detailed specs...I'm curious what this means "Composite Resin Infusion Molding (a more complete lay-up available upon request)". What does the first mean and what would make the lay-up more complete?

Keep it coming!!!!

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

I had a 2000 42SS with 500 efi's. Tops was 70-71 mph. Great cabin for overnighting, very comfortable, cabin liner for ease of cleaning, built well, really never had too many problems. Boring ride, but good rough water ride. It did porpoise slightly, when not using tabs, you really didn't feel it at speed too much but it was evident until I was being filmed or better yet when we were filming a 45 when I was on my 37 A.T. run to KW in 03. Good Luck. Jeff

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

1990s through 2002 were built VERY solid.
Jay Ross at the helm of the company. (The man builds an incredible boat, VERY solid and is now building Active Thunder Boats in Pompano with Pat Haughey.)

Sometime in 2002-2003 Richard Hewitt III bought out Sonic and the Sonic building. He introduced the Infusion Hull process of Vacuum Bagging, and unfortunately there were some bugs in the process. A few hulls had to have work redone, but I don't know of any boats with outstanding issues from this time period. Richard Hewitt also brought Sonic together with Dakota Center Console boats, so there are some build similarities.

Sometime in late 2005ish time frame, CSI Marine (owner of Mares Cats) bought Sonic/Dakota and brought them into CSI Marine. Now Mares and Sonic fly the Sonic name, and I don't know if Dakota still flies the Dakota name, but they are all owned by CSI Marine. They have built a few boats under the new company ownership, but the past year or so has been a lot of moving factories and facilities further north to Stuart. Some of the painting is being done by INXS Motorsports, also owned by Pat Haughey (of Active Thunder.)

I'd say, depending on the particular boat you look at, if you go used, make sure to run it by the OSO community, as we are a small community. Again, late 2002-2003 boats should be paid more attention too, just to make sure the hulls are sound with vacuum bagging process done to them. They started by just bagging the hulls, but now I believe the current boats are built with hulls, decks, and liners all vacuum bagged/"Infused".

There are also a couple of Sonics for sale at the Active Thunder factory; a 358, and a 42SS. http://www.activethunderboats.com/pr...e-preowned.htm

I started in a 1999 26' Sonic, and it was a fantastic boat. Big, heavy, and a tad slower than other similar sized/powered boats, but VERY forgiving.

If you can give us an inkling of what you may be in the market for; size, price, power... there are bound to be plenty of suggestions.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Vacuum bagging in a nutshell is when they lay up the hull, deck, and liner individually, they essentially place the whole mold into a giant plastic bag with tubes hooked to the whole getup. These tubes are hooked to pumps which pull/pump the resin though the layers of fiberglass, and remove the excess and place it back into buckets to be trashed. This essentially makes the hull lighter, a little thinner, but in theory, stronger. This also helps in the finishing area, as less prep to each piece needs to be done to begin fitting all three pieces together.

Most boats are built this way today, BUT, Sonic adds a hull LINER (entire cockpit, head, floors, couches, v-berth are all one piece), built the same way as the hull and the deck. This is part of what creates such a solid build/boat for Sonic, being three solid pieces. Many other boats are built with combinations of the aforementioned, as well as piece built interiors; depends on the builder and the options you choose.

I surmise, that if you wanted a heavier boat, you could opt out of the vacuum bagging process for a "more complete layup".

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Thank you guys for the info...this is the stuff I've been looking for!!!!

Sydwayz...awesome info about the vacuum bagging. I knew what it was but wanted to make sure that the "Composite Resin Infusion Molding" was the same as vacuum-bagging...nice high-tech term for the same thing?

As for what I'm looking at...let's just say that I'm looking at all of my options and just want to make an informed decision.

How about resale on Sonic's?

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Sonic is a very well known brand in the Chesapeake Bay area. There are hundreds, maybe more of them in the Chesapeake. Richard once told me he knew how important the area was for Sonic, and planned to concentrate a lot of marketing efforts as such, as almost as many Sonics were sold in the CB as in Florida.

This has a LOT to do with Frank Marchone, who sold a LOT of Sonics back in the day. I know for a fact he sold my particular boat, 3 times. (BTW Frank also works for Active Thunder now. :D )

CSI is aware of this, and have re-established www.offshore-performance.com as the CB area dealer. I would say that outside of the CB, Florida, and possibly the NE, the resale for a Sonic is probably a little slower/less, as its not such a well known brand. That being said, I sold my Sonic sight unseen to a couple in Montana who had never even ridden on one before.

Dave, I sent you an email as well.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Hey Dave1972

I currently own a 42 sonic, used to have a 28 Sonic. Great rough water boat, one thing I like is the dry ride in almost any water, the ladies like it too, but as stated non-step is a little slower but in my opinion a little safer in the turns. I can say that I have taken the 28 to NYC Poker Run and the 42 to Florida which both brought rough water and I never had to turn a screw on the boat afterwards...built tough..

jimi

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

I'm trying to sell my current boat and a Sonic is #2 on my short list, I've never been one one but it has all I want/need in a boat!!! I've had my eye on a few 31's but can anyone tell me what's with the 35SS in the classifieds here? seems like a great deal for a 35 with 500's! is it a 35SS or a 358?? if so what's the difference???

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

35SS and the 358 are essentially the same boat. Different names during different years, but all out of the same mold. (The 358 Diablo was another special package at one time that had a main highlight of paint, and some other nice amenities.)

The 35SS/358 is a great boat. Its IDENTICAL to a 386 Sonic from the helm forward. The 368 is built with more cockpit and engine room to allow for triples.

I can't tell you anything about the 35SS in the classifieds, but it looks to be clean and well cared for.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Sonic and AT hooking up eh??.......That is so ironic!!!.......Ive always thought an AT was like having a fast Sonic.......both have similar lines and big cabins...........doug

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Thanks Sydways... now just find a buyer for mine!

on another note: A friend of mine owns a 32AT (98) with big power, he's told me before that AT once used the molds from Sonic to build their boats (someone told him that) and that's why the hulls look very close, any truth to this or is it hearsay????

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

I believe Sonic's and AT's are very different boats. Sonic is liner and AT non-liner unless you option for a cabin liner because you want to put something fancy in the cabin. The only similarity is the walk around ledge on the outside of the boat. In my experiences, driving a Sonic is like driving a luxury sedan and driving an AT is like driving a sports car. Sonics were more of a production boat and AT is 100% custom. When Jay Ross left Sonic a few years back he was building 80+ boats a year. That is down to a handful since the two ownership changes. AT will build about 14-16 this year. AT only wants to build 24 boats a year max once they introduce their new 43 in mid 2008. Both are nice boats but differnt .

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

That is not true to my knowledge. The 32 mold was bought from Cannon Powerboats of Illinois in 1994. Don't know where they got it from. Brian may have some more insight into this.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

The only similarity is the walk rail.

Sonic has a raised center deck section. The AT has a drop center deck section. The walk rail on the Sonic is considerably wider than the AT as well, (which costs Sonic some cockpit width).

Sonic came from the Coyote molds from years and years ago, and were forever in FL.


Cannon was the corp. that owned the molds used by Thunder when Pat bought and brought the molds from IL to Pompano Beach Florida. Thunder Powerboats was soon changed and trademarked as Active Thunder. The biggest boat at this time was the 32. Pat designed the 37 hull in Florida with some influence from other boat designs. Pat had Harry Schoel design the bottom and the AVH/DDC step with US patent #36768. The first 37AVH was built in 1999.


Clark's post is correct. Sonic is built from 3 major pieces:
Hull, Deck, and Liner

AT gives you the option.
My 37AT is built with 3 major pieces: Hull, Deck, and Liner.
Clark's boat was built with a Hull and Deck, but the interior (cabin) was built in pieces.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

I knew the Sonics came from Coyote molds, but didn't think the rumor about AT's was true, I was just asking!

Do the 31 Sonics porpoise like the AT's???? (around 35-40mph)

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

The 31' Sonics do not porpose at all at any speeds. Its like a little rocket ship on rails. I think the 31 and the 38 are Sonics bread and butter boats.

John S. :D

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Our 32 AT never porpoised! I have driven 6 other 32's and they never porpoised. Not one time. You friends set up must be quite a bit different given the power in the boat. It sounds like his drives are a bit high or over trimming.

I have ridden in one 31 Sonic that did have a little bounce in the nose but wasn't terrible. It could of been over trimmed.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Sonic And Active Thunder Are Both Great Boats.
Any Boat Will Porpose If You Don't No How To Drive It Corectly

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

agree

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

The 32 Thunder was a true Deep-V and the 31 Sonic had a rounded transom bottom. Not a V.. not a pad
If I remember correctly.. the larger Sonics had Deep-V's
I always had a soft spot for the looks of the 28 Sonics.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

There isn't a choice...
The only boat for the size range is an Active Thunder..no other and I mean no other brand can compare for strength, ride, speed and quality finish.
After thinking about it the Powerplay would have been close second but no freeboard and dated dash and cabin features. But loved the headrest storage in the bolsters.
Active Thunder....Sports car handling and big boat ride.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

I've never seen a 32' AT porpoise, or even heard of such. Where did you get this info from?

Some 35x Sonics have had some issues with porpoise in the past with inexperienced drivers, but you just need to know where to trim it.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

So, it's settled.


Forget the Sonic and buy an Active Thunder. It seems that they are the finest boat in the world. Period.

:D :evilb: :D :evilb:

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

If AT is so great, why aren't they more popular. The only ones I have seen here in FL is RadioActive and a blue/white one in Sarasota area. Just to put it in perspective: I have seen 4 38 Powerplays despite only 11 or 12 ever produced and I have seen 5 47 Apaches yet only 20 something of those were ever made.

How many 37 AT's are actually floating around at this point?

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

ya gotta admit its hard to find a boat thats as fast with as big a cabin as an AT.......maybe a Nordic???

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Don't be a hater!! I was just poking Sydwayz with a stick for being such a cheerleader. :D :evilb: :D :evilb:

There are a ton of AT's in Virginia.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Clark knows the number of 37s off the top of his head.

Just wait, AT is going to grow quickly. For the past few years, Pat has built AT as a second/third business. NOW, with Jay Ross and Frank Marchone on board, the business is turning a corner, and I do mean "business" in several forms.


"Save the cheerleader; ^ Buy an Active Thunder^ Save the World."

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

There is about 40 37 AVH's AT built from 1999 to date (don't know how many 37 V's,32, 25, 28's have been produced. I know that they have built 2 33's so far). That is how many a year? 5-6 per! They are custom made a not mass produced like Fountain, Donzi, Baja. They are very popular with people that want to custom build a boat. Not just buy one from a dealer because you can not. Out of 40 + boats, how many 37 are for sale? 3! Here is the FPC roster. It is pretty representative to the number manufactured.

1. .Fountain Powerboats: 90 members
2. .Cigarette Racing Team: 77members
3. .Sonic USA: 30 members
4. .Nor-tech: 27 members
5. .Baja Boats: 26 members
6. .Wellcraft: 25 members
7. .Formula: 24 members
8. .Black Thunder Powerboats: 21members
9. .Outerlimits Powerboats: 18 Members
10. Apache 41&47 Commanche: 18 members
11. Douglas Skater 18 members
12. Donzi Marine: 17members
13. Hustler (and Talon): 11 members
14. Spectre Powerboats: 11 members
15. Active Thunder: 10 members
16. Powerquest Boats: 10 members
17. Velocity: 9 members
18. Powerplay: 8 members
19. American Offshore: 5 members
20. Apache Powerboats: 4 Members
21. Sea Ray: 3 members
22. Eliminator Boats: 2 members

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Wasn't knocking them, just wondering how many out there. Look at the date on your FPC list:
Based on current Membership Roster of about 500+ members (December 2002).
There are many manufacturers represented in Florida Powerboat Club's membership roster.
The ranking within the FPC roster of the manufacturers in the order of strongest representation is

I understand small custom boat companies but since they are made here in FL I thought I would see more of them out there. That 42 Sonic that is in the classified is at Peanut Island every weekend, several poker runs this year and every boat show I have attended in the last 18 months. That is the type of exposure that AT needs to get more out there.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Now that right there is some funny chit!!!!! :D :evilb: :drink: :evilb:

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Just to get back to the topic at hand...

Dave1972, I would not have any qualms about buying a Sonic of any age/timeframe. Just look it over real well, run it hard, and inspect it again, and get a FULL survey (as you should on any pre-owned boat). If new, I would not have any worries about buying a Sonic. The new owners are NOT new to the game. They went through some growing and merging pains, but the company is bringing Sonic back to where they were, and where they should be.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Old stuff. 2002. There are more AT's now. They are just located all over the country.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Like I said my friends 98 porpoises at about 35-40, it lays right down at 40 though! ( no matter how it's trimmed) and to my knowledge the X dimention hasn't been changed.
I also talked to a guy at a pokerrun who had an older AT, he claimed it porpoised at the same speeds also......that's the only reason I asked! currently I'm looking at #1 33PP's #2 31Sonics #3 32 AT's so I'm trying to soak up as much knowledge on each one as possible.............Thanks for the replies...........

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

If you are looking for a 32 AT. I have a friend in here in Houston that has the cleanest one available. It is a 2001 with rebuilt 502 MPI's that are about 495 horse a piece. He may want to sell it. He has been looking at the new 33 and 37 ATs.

Re: Sonic--Opinions and Thoughts
 

Would like hours and price info if serious--know other folks shopping.