Absolutely go with a 386 Sonic with twin 525 EFIs. Please see this thread:

http://offshoreonly.com/forums/showt...ove+2003+sonic

Offshore Performance has a boat in stock as described above.

Those numbers are very difficult to believe:rolleyes:

From PowerBoat Mag.

TEST RESULTS

Hull Information
Centerline
37'9"

Beam
9'3"

Weight as tested
11,500 pounds

Pricing Information
Price As Tested
$336,023.50

Engine & Propellers
Engines
Mercury Racing HP600SC

Cubic -inch displacement/horsepower
502/550

Propellers
Bravo One 15 1/4" x 31"

Acceleration
Acceleration Zero to 20 seconds
72 mph

Top Speed At RPM Stalker Radar
83.2 mph at 5300

Manufacturer

Donzi Marine, P.O. Box 987, Tallevast, FL 34270,
(941) 727-0622, www.donzimarine.com.

PowerBoat also did an article on the 33ZX with 575's. The first article appeared in June 2002 with follow up in July 2002. Guess Donzi was not happy with the first set of test results. The June test results were a top speed of 83.6. The re-test results were 89.3 on radar and 88.3 on GPS.

As I said, from my experience in this boat and the results I have seen in PB......78-79 in a 38ZX, which should not be confused with the ZR, with anything less than 575's, is very difficult to believe :eek:

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to stir anything up. I think these boats are awesome. Great head room, amenities.....very difficult to beat. I would rate them right up there with Formula. But they are not as fast as the numbers being posted here would indicate.

What power was in the boats ?

HOLY ****!!!! (sorry for the French Steve) The Sonic 386 is $100K cheaper than a Donzi 38ZX.

Both boats had twin 525's. The guys came back and said the Donzi was running 78-79'ish while the 42 Sonic got 71'ish with anticipation of 73 max with half tank and two persons vice four big guys and 3/4 tank. The Donzi was reported nearly full as well...

Vype340 and Donziman2 was both onboard (I was gonna go myself but had to bail last second) with the potential buyer and OSO lurker, so Dave/Bob give some first hand info...

The 38 Donzi is a nice boat, but my understanding is to get on the deck you have to climb thorough the front hatch. Where the Sonic has a nice walk around.
As far as the speed you can get the Sonic in the 80's with reliable horsepower such as prochargers. Trust me I know I have one.

I use to have a 2000 42 Sonic with arch and all the toys, with 500 efi's I could all day achieve 70, the 525's is good for at least 2-3 mph, if you put boxes on this boat you can add another 2-3 mph.

My uncle owns a 2000 38 Daytona, 500 ef'is , we have managed to get that boat to 76 mph, also a great boat with over 6' headroom.

To me its very close on ride, in 5-6 footers the Sonic has the slight edge, Beam width and cockpit is nice on the Donzi, quality edge goes to the Donzi, better fit and finish in cockpit and cabin, less caulk in areas, but the bottom line most of the time is price. You personally need to take both boats out for yourself and drive them, especially if spending that coin, both great boats, have fun.:D

I say the 42 Sonic...with 500EFI's and a SC package, like maybe the Livorsi Extreme kit and it should run a solid 80mph.

BTW, I believe both had ITS boxes with those 525's....Also I don't think there will be any intention to modify outside of stock power, at least in the first couple of years...

What about the Sonic 386 comparison to the 38zx? Couldn't you step down in price and kick it back up again with 575's?...:D

I'm the one looking at both boats. the 38ZX and the 42 Sonic both had 525 with ITS. I am looking for a good ride in the lower Chesapeak which is usually 2-4 feet. I am selling my old 311 SRI (Formula) which had a pretty good ride. Both boats are equivalent in the smooth water we tested them in. Some of my concerns are:
1. Will sonic change there bottom design and make the boat obsolete? I heard a rumor at Miami that they are considering a step! I cannot confirm this.
2. Donzi has a 5 year warranty vs. 1 year on the Sonic.
3. How will both boats ride in the lower Chesapeak. The water test was disappointing since the water was so smooth.
4. Steve Simon confirmed that the 04 38 ZX will have a notched bottom with Sportmasters and 5 blade Hydromotives improving the midrange and topend. Will that be enough to help the ride in 4-5 footers?
5. The Donzi is an 04 and the Sonic is an 03. Would that effect resale.
I appreciate all of your input.
"Nauti-Props"

Greg, is the 38 Sonic not in the running? Sounds like that might be a more fair comparison.....at least speed wise.

It's an envious position you are in!