A friend of mine has a 26 sonic and it does the same thing alot ,it is very flighty and has broken the dual ram tabs almost every time it gets air like sydwayz did. They seem like they are a little stern heavy.

Also I have been on Crazy Gregg's 35 and 38 foot sonics and have been very impressed on how they hold up from all the beating they take everyday.

So, to recap, Dano, what you're saying is a person's choice in boats all boils down to spinchter preference:D:D:D:D

Actually Dano has info on the new processes that Sonic uses to build their boats now, and they are lighter now than they used to be. The only Sonic I can say wasn't worth a crap was the old 24'er. I test drove one and let's just say my spinchter preferred to be on land. It's ride was not typical of a Sonic. And they don't make them anymore:)

It all comes down to buy what you like, or spinchter preference:D. If you spend a lot of nights on the boat, it's hard to beat a Sonic like people mentioned above.

Sydwayz - I think its a bad ass looking boat also..
just curious how were you lucky enough to get a pic of
you and your 26 airing it out?

Ok Knowone seems to want to guess on the mph of that
33rs i post ed with t/440's.....

how about the value, what would you guys pay for that
boat/ if you were in the market for it??

another pic

I think Sonic is a great all around boat. You can do a lot of things with em.
Run fast - theres always someone faster
Good in rough water
Look good
Comfort in the cabin
solid
deep
classic designs
safe
And you know its a sonic when you see it.
Every boat they make has the same idea behind it.
Who the hell else can make an arch look good in the year 2000+

non-biasised opinion of non owner - I live in an area of the nations largest Sonic dealer. An aquaintence heads up sales at this dealership. I have ridden on and or operated dozens - mostly 35' and up. Here is my take

Grat looking boat, with or without arch. Hull is the same. If it aint broken, don't fix it.

Sonic has been producing some wild and attractice paint jobs from the factory.

Grat cabin, nice built-in dash cooler, nice plexi wind deflector on fairing, greated padded railing around cockpit and a reasonably laid out dash.

The new 38' boats with twin 575's, seem to run around the real world speed of 80. Very similiar to the steeped bottom cigs sold @ same dealership.

Boat has a slight midrange porpoise that has to be driven out or trimmed out ( really annoying ).

Boat seems to have good rough water charicteristics. However, most captains I have been with do not drive it correctly. They have a tendency to slap through the water versus riding on top of it with the appropriate throttle, tab & trim settings.

All in all a very nice boat. I would never own one though because every boating day I see dozens. I like to be a little different.

That pic was taken on the Potomac River Poker Run, 2001. We just happened to have the hired helicopter photographer next to us when the rouge waves came upon us.
Go to:
www.flyaloft.com
...for more photos.

32Fever hmmm....not a fetish is it?

might answer some of those questions as to why that boat looks like she is a sinkin" eh? Kinda likes those "rear portals"


:D :D :eek:

When are you guys coming down to play? Were heading up to Erie next week for a little PIB "fun".

Too old --- Yes the boat was well cared for no doubt.. its been garaged for the last 7 years, when it was in the water it was on a hydro hoist, the bottom is blue printed (whatever That means)
he had 680 hp motors in it ,he sold them and he put fresh 440's back in.. the trs drives are all tricked and brand new...

i would like to figure out whats its worth , and approx how fast the thing will go with that setup?? it is old and i think thats why its been for sale for a while ,... ps i've known this guy for many years , and always loved this boat...

I'm told it has a few electical problems, and the bottom is paint with (not bottom paint) some real high quality paint, but with the painted bottom instead of gelcoat , that it will most likely blister in a short time if left in the water?

Friend of mine had a 81-82 {?} 31 Sonic,great riding,rough
water boat...24 degree,very sharp edges on strakes,very
sharp keel.....New ones I see seem to have a rounded keel.
Did they do this for speed ? {not a pad, but somewhat flat}


Good looking older Sonic !!!!! Sounds like you "Gotta Havit":D

I have had two a 31 and a 38, they are great boats.

Hey guys I always liked the Sonics. I saw a turbine cat in Travamunde (Germany) over the 4th of july that looked lik a 32+ that was red and said, Sea Sonic on it that was really cool. It had 4 of the latest cool Super Cat seats in it. Is this a Euro-Sonic? It looked too cool. I would bet this boat is USA built and rigged all the way. They cruised by as a pace boat for the Class 1 time trials at at least 90-110+++( I mean cruised). Very low key and cool. A nice 38 Fever with blower motors that is fast. was pouring on the coals followed it and that quiet turbine before it made the big V look much slower:D

His Laser was slow....I restored one and put a 2.4 EFI Merc on it and the boat would run 92 mph.

I personally would have dumped the people as well, but not for the weight, but for their own safety.

Those boats are a real handfull at those speeds.

I once ran 91mph with my wife aboard.......only once!! ;) :D

After seeing the Sonic @ the AC Boat Show, I must say, they have come along way and look great.

I guess you don't find many used ones for sale because the owners will not part with them.......

Sydwayz. The 28 Sonic I worked on had 330's in it. I agree it is a good looking boat.

She's all mine , done deal:D :D

Sydwayz

I like the air shot. If you "meant" to do it, then I'm with you all the way. If you did not mean to do it, then I'm worried and concerned...

I've always liked to get "big air" in all my boats (houseboats and cruisers excepted) As a teen, we built a floating ramp that we would launch off in my Whaler. We'd get pretty good altitude. There was a 108' Broward on our lake for a couple of years, and we could get 6-8' of clear distance from the water to the transom behind it...

I've launched my padvee outboards, too. Beat the stringers completely out of my Ebbtide behind a sportfish from repeated launchings. High-speed launches. Height AND distance were both important to me.

Tunnel-vee Mirage with a safety capsule? Yep, jumped it like a jetski (but only at moderate speeds - less than 50 - cause she was awful light in the nose).

My Formula also flies well.

I'm all for safety and judgement, but I like speed and big air too.
Sharkey can't be the only guy who has fun...

You will love your Sonic. Wife and I cruised to Nantucket from Mid Long Island in our 30SS, ten days on the boat was no problem at all. It took seas up to seven feet in stride, with no odd behavior from wacky steps or pad bottoms. Check hyperfishing.com site for a great "Air Sonic" shot at the 2002 NYC Poker Run.

Well put Too Old, I don't see many on eastern Lake Ontario. Every time I do, I check them out pretty close. Really like the walk-around on the deck. Just makes good common sense. Entirely functional and I think it looks tough. Checked out a new friend's 31ss in Kingston, huge cabin!! Way cool slide-out filler cushion in the cabin. Never seen that done before.

This thread has been really interesting to me. I've liked Sonics since I first laid eyes on one. Just didn't know much about quality though. This thread has helped. Now I'm thinking harder about a Sonic! I love my Formula but, getting on the deck to handle an anchor is like friggin ice skating, especially after the requisite number of beers:D

My Formula is 31', same as that Sonic. But, his cabin was just plain large. I could almost stand up in it and I'm 6'-2"!! What a nice boat.

As for all the "Lead Sled" stuff, ride is primary, speed is secondary. I don't know about you guys, but most of the time I'm just cruisin' and enjoying a smooth ride a 40-50 mph. I don't win many races with my big old 31SR1 but I don't realy care. It's still a cool boat and gets a lot of looks and rides real well. Sounds like a Sonic rides nice too. I'll be looking even closer now. Thanks for the good info everyone - beat website on water!!!

Thirdbird: Funny you should mention it ... Hutchinsons in Alexandria Bay just became a Sonic dealer. They just ordered a 26, 31, 35, and a 45. They were at the factory last Tuesday.

Wilerty, hmmmm, that is interesting. Might be able to catch a ride in one. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the info.

As to the guy who said Sonics are sleds, this was taken in 4 to 5 footers at over 70 mph. This is in my opinion one of the best built boats out there.:cool:

Very nice mad cow.....

i think sonic is right at the top of the list for rough water ..and a smooth ride.....

too old ....

Was that 200lbs or 2000???

OK guys I've owned three Sonics including the last boat, a 45' Sonic Pay2Play triple 575s. They are good boats and Jay Ross is one of the best. But if you want to go fast you will get your tail kicked by any step bottom boat. This is A FACT ! I now own a cat and I go fast! really fast!

One thing to keep in mind about that Donzi is it is over 9 ft wide. Friend of mine has one, and had to put prochargers on it to make it go. I also know a guy with a stepped 35 fountain with 500s. Less than 2 footers, over 80 boat. Over 2 footers his wife won't even ride in the thing. 'Course it's a Fountain. Can't blame her for that.:D

why is it that non steped hulls are being laped at the f2 pro series events by smaller steped boats?...even more so at the rough water races where the avg speeds are lower than 70???

maybe there is nobody out there like bobby S. anymore...
racing a boat has alot to do with the skill of the crew.
IMHO......

Sonics are, and have always been one hell of a boat. I was Jay's GM in 82/83. Ive seen alot of changes through the years, but one thing stands alone... JR has a creative nitch in this industry that many have tried to duplicate. I have a 45 for sale, trip hp 500's if anyone is interested.

TC

Hawk Power
www.searace.com

did you get that Sonic RS 33?
I'm in the process to rig one up is a 1988 bravo set up.

Sergiolanc, the newest post on here is 14 years old. XCAV8 hasn't been here in a decade. Enjoy your 33, they are a good boat.

rof!!

I had a 05 358 Diablo for 1.5 years with 496 HO's. It was 65-70 depending water conditions and fuel load, it was a Cadillac on the water but by far from a lead sled. It was a 9600 lb boat full of fuel with nobody in it, so for it to run the speeds I mention on a non-stepped hull was impressive. It wasn't a rocket ship for speed, but it made up for it in ride comfort and amenities. No boat in its size can come close to its cabin size and layout. Quality was was good and the walk around deck was a must have during docking, washing and waxing. It did have a known porpoise problem that was solved with swapping out bravo 1 props for Hydromotive 5 blades to lift the butt due all the weight being in the rear.
it was the best boat I ever owned and a real head turner, It was nice to go places and your the only Sonic there! Would I own one again, in a heart beat!
my .02
Mike

31 son.
 

i have been a cigarette person for years converting them to outboards. I always liked the sonic as an all around boat. Years ago I took one back from Nassau and was impressed by its ride. I went up to see JR and wanted one with outboards but he was in process of changing the cap molds and I bought a 28 cigarette instead. Recently I found an 87 sonic 30/31 ss and grabbed it. I love the cabin arrangement and step around for ease of access. I am extending the cockpit deck, back bench seat instead of sun pad, put a bracket on it, and am hanging a pair of 250 hp Mercury outboards on it. Will it fly like my cigarette, no, but it will be a great family boat with better sleeping arrangements and more cockpit space and if it does over 60mph I will be a happy camper. Great looking boat.

there is a free 31 by my shop in baton rouge Louisiana, its gutted.

he was best known in the uncensored section as your probably aware
sry im showing my age

XCAV8....wonder what happened to him....gave lots of shots of his wifes titties in the UnC section. :)

2005 sonic
 

I have a 2005 sonic 220 sportster everything I’ve read says there is only 12 built in 2005 mine has a 6.2 liter 340 hp motor in it runs mid 70s but everything I read on the 220 says it either had a 7.4 or a 5.7 not sure if anyone can help

Signature hpoffshore here on OSO stated in a post back in 2007 that they made one 6.2 with 320 hp. Topspeed 68-70 mph.

Link to a test in Boating Magazine, July 1997: https://books.google.com/books?id=M1...20boat&f=false

Here's a posted compilation of a 1997 Powerboat Magazine article.

Powerboat Magazine/ December 1997

PROPER PROPORTIONS

American Marine Industries extended the small end of its Sonic USA model line with the exciting 220 Sportster.

Downsizing remains a trend in corporate America. If you want to succeed and turn a bigger profit, trim the fat, get lean and mean. At least that's what those high-priced consultants, who come in and charge fees that are more than your company's payroll, will tell you. The folks at American Marine Industries, who own Sonic USA, have taken a different approach to downsizing. Instead of cutting its model line, they expanded it with smaller boats. The manufacturer discovered people were asking for smaller offerings they could use on lakes and rivers, so the company came full circle and returned to its small-boat origins. When J. Ross, the general manager at the company, first founded Sonic USA in 1976 (American bought in 1992), he did so with a 21' jetboat. After concentrating primarily on big boats after that, he decided to go small again in 1998 with the new 220 Sportster. The new boat measures 22' down the centerline with a beam of 8' and has a two-seater sportscar feel. At last year's Miami Boat Show, Ross came out with the closed-deck version, which he brought to our Performance Trials at Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Meyers, Fla. The boat also will be offered in an open-bow for skiing and more cruise-oriented pursuits. Ross said the ski version has sold more with a small-block, while more the sport boats have left the shop with a 454 Magnum MPI. The price difference is certainly noteworthy. Our test model with a 7.4L MPI went for $32,995, whi8le the small-block equipped boat fetches a price of $29,995. Ross said the only options offered are the different engines.

WORKMANSHIP

Like all Sonics, the 220 Sportster is built in three pieces, the hull, the deck and a liner that comprises the cockpit and cabin. (Because our test model was the prototype it didn't have the cabin, but future models will.) Additionally, the cockpit liner included the bases for the bench seat, the buckets and the throttle console. Sonic laid up the hull with a divinycell foam core and multiple layers of biaxial glass wetted with vinylester resin. Before the cockpit liner was bonded to the stringers, all open cavities were filled with floatation foam. Next, the deck was laid on, and all the components were glassed together. Given the rounded look of the foredeck, we applaud Sonic for the 220 Sportster's smooth mold work. The white gelcoat shone brightly in the Florida sun, and all the accents were done in tape. All the hardware on the boat that could be was thru-bolted, and the offshore-style rubrail was properly installed. Only a race-style fairing would work on a sport boat, and our test model sported a plastic piece inset into a molded recess in the deck. We noticed a couple of small gaps filled with silicone and chalked that up to working with a prototype. Because the manufacturer used the floatation foam under the cockpit sole, we weren't surprised to find a saddle-style fuel tank on each side of the engine compartment. Opened by a pair of hydraulic actuators, the hatch raised high to give our inspectors a good look at the powerplant in the 220 Sportster. The 7.4L MPI engine was installed with cast aluminum boxes thru-bolted to the center stringers with a reinforcing backing plate and the standard transom assembly. Run along the transom and starboard stringer, the wiring was well-supported, and a Pollack fuel value will let operators switch between tanks. Following the harness forward, we found adequate wiring behind the dash and dual-cable rotary steering on the helm.

INTERIOR

When it comes to the 220 Sportster's accommodations, what you see at the docks is what you get. Two buckets and the bench seat provided for four or five passengers. A padded sunlounge could be ordered. The fuel tanks on each side of the motor meant no stowage in the engine compartment, but there was space in a dual-opening locker in the bench-seat base, although the starboard side was cluttered with the drive trim pump, battery and battery switch. Carpeted gunwale trays were properly bulkheaded and quite spacious, which owners will appreciate. An in-sole ice chest should help save space that would have been taken up by a portable cooler, and it drained overboard. Convenience-oriented items included cupholders for the drive and co-pilot and in the armrests on the bench seat, which also sported a courtesy light in the base. We would have like to have seen a glove box or similarly sized lockable stowage. While both bucket seats adjusted fore and aft, only the co-pilot's seat to starboard swiveled. We noted some glare on the Faria gauges set in an all-white dash. The complement featured the tach and speedo, plus the usual assortment of engine-monitoring instruments and twin fuel gauges for the two tanks. All accessory switches were easily reached in a single column to the right of the wheel. A Stainless Marine mechanical trim indicator featured illuminated pointers for the tabs and drive and was centrally located so a throttleman could see it if the boat was being run by two people. Set in a molded console between the buckets, the controls were a comfortable reach from either seat. Drive- and tab-trim buttons were located just ahead. Our test model had trim buttons on the wheel. Further 220 Sportsters will feature trim on the throttle handle. You can't have a sport boat without a stereo, and Sonic obliged with an in-dash Clarion unit just below a stainless grab handle on the starboard dash and speakers in the bench-seat base. For reboarding after a dip on a hot day, the twin swim steps were set at water level. We would still like to see some type of ladder, or at least a grab handle, to ease reboarding.

PERFORMANCE

With 18-degree deadrise, the 3,600-pound 220 Sportster should be able to handle lake and river chop reasonably well. It doesn't have the freeboard of other sport boats, which made the boat feel smaller, but for enthusiasts who want that true hot rod feel, it's a kick. Given Sonic's reputation for solid construction, we were a little surprised at how much water noise we heard off the bottom when it ran through chop. The design had a 12"-wide modified-pad at the transom that tapered into the V as it extended forward. Both pairs of 2' strakes ran full length, spaced equidistant from the keel to the chine. The transom featured a small-extended pod to accommodate the drive and an 8" notch.

A pair of Bennett trim tabs mounted parallel to the water's surface instead of along the angle of the bottom of the boat lent an added element of control, which isn't a bad idea when you've got 310 hp in a 22' boat. The big-block was coupled to a Bravo One drive spinning a 14 1/4 x 27 Mirage stainless three-blade propeller through 1.5:1 gears. In radar runs, the 220 Sportster lived up to its slick image, hitting 74.3 mph at 4600 on the Stalker gun. The marketing-oriented speedo was pegged at 81. Running the power curve, we saw speeds of 5 mph at 1000, 7 at 1500, 21 at 2000, 34 at 2500, 42 at 3000, 53 at 3500, 63 at 4000 and 73 at 4500. As long as we didn't run wide open, where we saw a fuel usage rate of 2.8 miles per gallon, our test boat had good range. It burned 4.7 mpg at 25, 4.3 at 35 and 4.2 at 45.

Acceleration tests uncovered numbers of 13 mph in three seconds, 20 in five, 40 in 10 and 55 in 15, but throttle response suffered a little due to the big propeller. The best planing time we could achieve was 6.3 seconds with the tab deployed. We set the tabs at neutral when running at reasonably slow speeds and used them when cruising to minimize a slight porpoising tendency. The 220 Sportster tracked best at higher speeds, but was a little slippery at slower settings. In slalom turns, the 220 Sportster barely stayed on plane for the 20-mph test, but at 30 and 40, it received passing marks. In circle turns at cruising and high speeds, the boat felt better, but still seemed like it was sliding just a hair. It also performed the turns better to the left than to the right. Around the docks, on the other hand, backing into a slip couldn't have been easier. From the driver's seat, we felt that lumbar support was a little exaggerated and that the padding could have been thicker. On takeoff our visibility was compromised because of the bowrise, but when we were running, we had a pretty good look at what was coming. Our test driver did like the dash layout and thinks the trim button on the throttle will be the way to go with the 220 Sportster.

OVERALL

Downsizing may be seen as a soulless 1990s' necessity, but Sonic USA applied this trend positively with the 220 Sportster. It has more of a sportscar feel than some boats in its category, and you'll have a tough time finding a better-built offering in the class.

WORTH NOTING

Three-piece construction with the hull, deck, and inner liner is the closest you can get to unitized construction, and it improves fit and finish.

The 220 Sportster is available in open- or closed-bow configurations to please a wide variety of buyers.

A top speed of nearly 75 mph with MerCruiser's mellowest big-block is downright impressive and could keep the boat with the price range of those on a budget.

SONIC 220 Sportster
HULL INFORMATION Hull Type Semi V
Deadrise at transom 18 degrees
Centerline 22'
Beam 8'
Weight as tested 3,600 pounds

PRICING INFORMATION
Base retail $29,995
Price as tested $32,995

STANDARD EQUIPMENT: Dual-cable power steering, battery, and switch, automatic bilge pump and blower, stainless prop, electric hydraulic engine hatch, twin fuel tanks with switchover value, hydraulic trim tabs, engine flush, full instrumentation, trim and tab indicators, Kiekhaefer controls, stereo, cup holders, molded cooler with cushion, twin bucket seats, non-skid floor with lay-in carpet, molded windshield, courtesy light, tonneau cover.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT: Upgrade to MerCruiser 7.4L MPI ($3,000)

ENGINES: Model MerCruiser 7.4L MPI Cylinder type V-8 Cubic inch displacement 454 c.i. Lower unit gear ratio 1.5:1 Max. prop horsepower @ rpm 310 at 4600 Propeller Mercury Marine Mirage 14 1/4" x 27" three-blade stainless

POWERBOAT TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION: ZERO TO…
3 seconds...... 13 mph
5 seconds...... 20 mph
10 seconds.... 40 mph
15 seconds.... 55 mph

RPM VS. MPH
1000.... 5 mph
1500.... 7 mph
2000.... 21 mph
2500.... 34 mph
3000.... 42 mph
3500.... 53 mph
4000.... 63 mph
4500.... 73 mph

TOP SPEED AT RPM
Speedometer 81
Radar 74.3 mph at 4600

PLANING
Time to Plane 6.3 seconds
Min. planing speed 21 mph

SOUND LEVEL: 82 dBA (open)

FUEL ECONOMY
At 25 mph 4.7 mpg
At 35 mph 4.3 mpg
At 45 mph 4.2 mpg

FUEL CAPACITY: 70 gallons

If you can possibly get a hold of someone under the current Sonic regime, they do have 2 filing cabinets full of information (HIN, options, dealer/owner) for pre-2009 Sonics by hull number. Getting a hold of someone will likely be impossible but that would certainly offer the information your looking for.