Same old question...
 

I'm in the process of upgrading my 2000 259 Checkmate to a 30-33 something or other. I boat primarily in upstate NY, fresh water, no big waves, etc. etc. I always see this question from other members and have a quick answer for them, but not for myself. I tried the archived topics, but I kept having to make myself another rum and coke which distracted me, so I figured I'd just post a new thread. I want something in the $110,000.00 range +/- but I have to be able to sell it if I need to and I want quality. My two thoughts are Sunsation and Sonic for this price. (Here's where I start the usual controversy) I personally (my own opinion) believe that my Checkmate is a SOLID boat, but TERRIBLE fit and finish (rusting screws staining vinyl, have to be a contortionist to get in the cabin, etc.) I boat all year with a friend that has a 2002 Baja 29 footer. I think the lines are beautiful, the ergonomics are excellent, but quality POOR (big cracks around cleats, bolsters tearing out of floor after hitting big wave etc.) PLEASE DON'T GIVE ME 1000 MESSAGES ABOUT ME BASHING-I'M NOT. JUST STATING PROBLEMS I DON'T WANT. I would love an Apache, Pantera or Powerplay (considering I could get one in this price range), but I know I could never sell it quickly. What opinions does anyone have? Also what engines? Is it worth 500EFI's instead of 496 HO's?


Thanks

Common.....
 

Someone has to have some input?!?!?! If there are any dealers looking to trade my Checkmate for the right boat- I'm interested! The snow is going to be flying soon-help....

I don't think anything you buy in the 110k +/- price range will ever be "easy" to resell if you're in a big hurry to move it, unless you really low ball the price.
If I were seriously looking at the size and price range you are, I would start with the 32 Active Thunder and would take a serious look at Audacity's. There are also several other 32 AT's for sale also on the AT website.

My opinion is for you to find a good deal on a Top Gun Cigarette:D NOTHING holds its value like a Cig.

Kurt:cool:

You need to buy a used boat right in order to be able to sell it easily. I think Audacity might be that boat and frankly there are a lot of others out there now,too. Each type of boat has a following and the more followers, the better:D In your price range there are some awful nice boats 5-6 years old.

JROMY2: You mention quality, the ability to sell it, $110,000, and 30-33 feet. You didn't mention top speed or that it had to be new so I will assume you don't need 100mph. Some thoughts:

1. There are more buyers at $20K, or $50K, or $80K, than at $110k. When you go to sell the boat it isn't only how well your boat is priced, but also, the size of the buying market.

2. Hutchinson's in ABay just became a Sonic dealer and you could talk to them about a 31SS, if you want a new boat.

3. My personal recommendation would be a 1992 to 2002 used Formula in the 30 to 33 foot range. They have great quality and you could buy one for considerably less than $110,000. Here are some examples from Trader online.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/0/32988180.htm http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/4/34754124.htm http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/9/0/34205990.htm

I'm not saying these are the exact boats you should look at but they types to look at.

Good luck

JROMY2,

I WISH I COULD HELP YOU BUT I SEEM TO BE HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM AS YOU. I CAN NOT DECIDE BETWEEN THE 32 SUNSATION, THE 31 SONIC, OR THE 32 ACTIVE.

THE ONE THING I AM DOING IS HEADING TO THE 2003 MIAMI BOAT SHOW IN FEBRUARY. THERE MABY I CAN POSSIBLY SEE ALL THREE. I HAVE ALREADY CONTACTED DAVE FROM SUNSATION AND HE IS SETTING UP FOR A 32 DOMINATOR AND A 32 INNOVATOR TO BE IN THE WATER THERE. AS FAR AS SONIC THEY SHOULD BE THERE BECAUSE THEY ARE LOCATED IN FT. LAUDERDALE. ACTIVE I DO NOT KNOW YET.


SORRY I COULDN'T GIVE YOU TO MUCH INSIGHT BUT IF YOU DECIDE GO TO MIAMI LET ME KNOW. WE CAN CHECK THEM ALL OUT.

My vote would be for the Sonic! However if your doing flatwater and not worried about ocean seas, the Sunsation will give you better performance. 31' Sonic cabin is also roomier. 31' Sonic would probably be easier to move since "in my opinion" buyers in the salt areas would want a better ride. We're buying in that same range soon as I move my 26'. Been on both boats and are going in the direction of Sonic. Cabin and ride are big factors, but love the look of the sunsation. Sunsation cabin head under the berth killed the boat for us. Easy bow access on the Sonic is fabulous. Ride of Sonic is fabulous. Both manufacturers are great, can't say one is better than the other. I believe they are both on the top of their game.... Sonic has something up their sleeve for Miami boat show.... trying to figure it out... I was at Annapolis show this weekend and he said we should come back down for a big surprise... that was it... hmmmm Got me thinking..... Always love the Miami boat show!!!! Good luck... We're going to Kent Isand Md this coming weekend for Sonic Demo weekend....

Im loyal to Bajas and I AGREE WITH YOU ON THE BAD WORKMANSHIP!!! It seems like you are set on a V hull, what is so bad about a cat?

I recently picked up a 99 '33 Outlaw (my 3rd Baja) with HP500s for $105K. No fit and finish poblems. Boat runs around 75 all day in most any kind of water. Full cabin (fridge, stove, etc.)

Just my .02

I think that's why Baja has a bad rap when it comes to fit and finish. They seem to be about 50% when it comes to bigger boats-some are put together real well and another of the same type of boat will be falling apart. I also think it is owner-dependent to a point-if you treat it right it will be a better boat. You definitely get a lot of boat for the money.

Thanks everyone for the input.
Another couple questions. I will be financing part of the money. Does anyone have a good feel for where I'll be new versus used with interest rates? Also - how many dealers are willing to take a boat in on trade of a used boat?

JROMY2,

I have a 32' Active Thunder. It's a '99 w/ 500 hps. Boat runs mid 80's and is absolutly awsome in the rough stuff. The only reason I'm considering selling is that I want to move up to a 37' AT. The boat is currently at the AT factory and is listed on their website for sale. Right now I'm looking for an off. If you've been on OSO for a while I'm sure you seen pics but if not I'll put one on here. Good luck.

That last post was actually from me (Todd) not Tracy. So if you need or want to e-mail or pm me, now you'll be able to.

Todd,
Nice looking boat. I've never had my boats in salt water. It seems like any time I look at boats that were run in the ocean, there is a certain amount of corrosion on the transom parts and pieces etc. Is this due to people not taking the time to rinse the boat or is it something that can't be avoided? What shape is yours in regarding this (please excuse my ignorance:) ?)

Also, any chance Active Thunder/someone you know considers trades? I really have to unload this current boat before I go after a new one. I realize I'm going to take a hit but it doesn't seem like I've had much luck trying to sell mine.

Thanks,
Jeremy

JROMY2, I've seen Todd's boat several times and I can say it is in PRISTINE condition. Not a mark on it. No problems on the transom as you stated.

I've also been on Audaciy at about 80 mph. Another fine AT product. Either would be a fine buy.

The only problem I would have with a 32 Sunsation is that it has less free board than the Sonic, Baja, AT, etc.... Nice boats though, I live in Michigan and see a LOT of Sunsations and know several people who own them and love them.

Have you considered the 33 Challenger Offshore? I spent an entire day on Whitey's recently (including some time at the wheel) and think that for the money, they are an awsome boat. Well built, good handling, and a HUGE cockpit and cabin. The water patrol at Lake of the Ozarks runs the 28' version of this boat and they love them (and they are quick too!).

JROMY2,

I boat all summer in fresh water. I only use the boat in the salt in the spring when I go down to pick it up and the fall when I drop it off. I have several friends who have never boated in the salt waters and they can't believe I take mine out there. Then they look at my 4 yr old boat see that if its rinsed off properly then you'd never even know I use mine in the ocean and gulf. The other factor to consider is that AT is a S. Florida builder and they use all the good stuff to avoid corrosion issues.

As far as a trade in is considered...I don't know. We could possibly work something out with Active Thunder. If the deal was run through them and I make a deal for a 37'...who knows what we could make happen. All we can do is ask the questions.

Todd,

How does the Active Thunder compare size/weight/cabin/cockpit/etc. to the Sonic 31? I like the looks and walk around deck (and it seems like everyone is happy with the finish etc.) I haven't been on one up close though. Like everyone suggested, I am a big fan of buying a slightly used boat versus new.

Also, what chances do you think there are with the factory doing anything with a trade? My Checkmate is a 2000 259 Convincer, HP 500 w/ hydraulic steering, silent choice etc., loaded. I can have my mechanic provide details on the motor-it isn't a stock Mercruiser (but close). The boat is in excellent shape (only two seasons use 5 months out of the year).

Feel free to email me at [email protected]

JROMY2,

Just sent you an email.

Todd's AT is awsome! Think of it as a sonic that has been lengthen buy 2' made lighter and made to look alittle like outerlimits(side/side helm) It's in sweeet condition except those darn bolster locks, right Tracy! The sonic is a great boat, but is a 31 and has a built-in swim platform, the AT has a bolt on so it's a true 32'.
Talk to the guys at Sonic you could get a sweet deal on a late model. Jay Ross @ Sonic has a 2002 with twin 496 HO and very low hours you can get a great deal on
Best of luck!

i may know a boat:rolleyes: ...i even know a thing or two about set up and dial in:eek:

If I wanted to spend 110K. I would stop and think TOO OLD has one hell of a sonic for sale he's done everythiing but the motor I think, get the boat run it and then pick out your power and I am sure it will not cost you more then 110 total. Just my 2 cents.


Alcohol the cause and solution to all of life's problem's.

Homer Simpson

JROMY2,

On your interest rate question, I was able to get 90% financing on the Baja at 6.9% this past July.

JROMY2,

Joe's (Audacity) AT is awsome as well. And i know he has it really dialed in. In fact Joe, I should get my 32' over to you and let you dial it in for me as well. I should be going faster but right now have too much slip. Turning 30" Bravo 1 lab finished at 5300 rpms at 83.3 in fresh water. That works out to be 18-19 % slip. I haven't tried different props or anythign else for that matter so i know that if i get the efficiency down to 10-11% i should be 88-89 mph. I just haven't bothered to spend anytime getting it dialed in. I'm usually out parting too much:D :D .

Anyways my whole point is that in my humble opinion the 32' AT is an awsome all around great boat.

well i'll be down at the lake soon and we can start there:D ...the best place is sarasota bay....i'll be spend'n a lot of time there!!! so come on down!!!

actually your boat/mine does NOT run well at 89 with the configuration we have...can it???yes can you use it.....not really!....weight distribution vs power will not allow it:rolleyes:

Joe,

are you telling me that because of the the way the boats weight distibution is set, that 83-84 mph with a really good hole shot is what I should be expecting? I was just going on the prop slip calculation and thought that if I have the right drive height and right props I should be in the upper 80's and still have good hole shot characteristics.

ActiveThunderTodd,

Any chance you talked to the factory?

Audacity - I'm very interested in the Active Thunder Boats. Like I told Todd, right now the biggest thing holding me back is getting rid of my Checkmate...know any buyers?

Jeremy

audacity
 

audacity,
care to elaborate on what you mean?
are you saying it's hard ot get on plane with your existing power & drive configuration? or it becomes unstable at this speed? or what?

ttt