I think that you'll be happy with either of them.

Sonics seem to be a better value on the front end and Donzi's seem to take the edge in the resale value.

Donzis seem to be more of a luxury performance boat than Sonics.

Just my thoughts..........


Custom Premium tier: Outerlimits, Nor-Tech, Cigarette, Apache

Semi Custom /Premium Tier: Powerplay

Mid Tier: Donzi, Formula, Fountain

Value Tier: Sonic

Entry Level Tier: Baja, Powerquest, Sunsation

And forgive me for not listing the other 2 dozen v-hull boats out there.

ROTFLMAO:D :D :D :D CAPTAIN OF THE SONIC DOESN'T LOOK HAPPY:crazy:

Is that a picture of DaveP in post #40?

I hear Bayliner customer service is top notch. :D :D

One thing with Bayliner, I bet when you go back to get service in a week, the dealer is still there....;)

The lines of a Sonic are . . . 80's . . . at best.
I think they are REALLY well-built, and are VERY good offshore. The reputation is very good.
If I was in the market for that kind of boat, and had to live with the lines, I would go Donzi. It's just a better-looking compromise. I don't think anyone would doubt that the Sonic is probably a more custom product - they're just . . . in MY OPINION. . . ugly(er). The Donzi ZR (gorgeous) should not even be considered in THIS equation. It's not what the thread-starter is looking for.
For what it's worth, I think AT's are ugly too. . . . and most Outerlimits, but for the 42 GTX. . . . sue me.

I was going to stongly disagree with DaveP, but altered my tune. I think Sonic is definately the mid-higher tier, especially with the new hull design/build technology. I also agree with having a Value asterisk beside Sonic, because I believe, apples to apples equiped boats, on average, I think a Sonic will price less expensive than Donzi/ Formula/Fountain; new or used.


Sonic's lines are well... what makes Sonic be Sonic. There is no other boat out there with the convenient walkaround like Sonic has. (AT is similar, but it is smaller and does not surround the entire boat.) Its obvious this is everyone's opinion, but I like the sharp, edgy looks of Sonic and others like it. Heck, what do I know, I pull it with an Avalanche. :D :D

Bill,

Is this comment from personal experiance with Sonic, or just a WAG??

Scott B

Actually - we looked at becoming a Sonic dealer ealier this year. ALL KIDDING ASIDE......A 386 Sonic (with their new pricing for 2004) was $20,000 more than a Donzi 38ZX dealer cost. I was like WOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! (comparing apples to apples engines, paint, options, etc)

Sonic's nitch has always been (in my eyes) the boat that was a great value for what you got. It was more money than a BAJA and was a better quality boat. But was less $$$$ than Donzi, Formula, Fountain, etc.. It was a great place in the market to be. Sonic took a HUGE price increase this year.

As for the new technology.....I would be very careful to endorse this process. Skater tried it many moons ago and it did not work. Peter is the KING when it comes to knowing laminates. I think George Linder on this board could shed some light on the new (old) technology.

Shhhhhhhhhh...I still passed my drug test! :D :D

I think (at least lately) Sonic is much more a custom builder than Fountian,Formula, or Donzi. I would be happy to have any of the four. If the Donzi is cheaper then that would be the one to pick in the donzi vs sonic question. But I wouldn't expect them to stay cheaper for long. Check out PRA mag's review of the Baja 30 Outlaw p.34: $198,600 w/525's. Dano has an '03 Sonic 31SS with 575's, custom paint and interior, and every option (I think even AC) that retailed for $197K and change. Makes the Sonic price seem reasonable. Bigger power,10+mph faster (99 on gps after dialing in), more options, higher quality.

Where is T2X when you need him???? He can always shed light on this also.

I always thought that Donzi was a much higher priced boat than Sonic:confused:

This thread has got allot of mileage. Should we start one asking if the Donzi 38ZR is just a stretched Gladiator?

Or has it already been done?

I can't wait for summer. Then we can stop all this silly crap and start boating.

Looney Tune,

Thanks for posting a picture of my 358 Sonic that used to be yours. Will take all the free advertising you have.

dont know about the Sonic but I beat the crap out of my 1988 Donzi and it is holding up great. sure do like the looks of the Sonic 31ss I have seen the one that is for sale on the board and it is one sharp looking boat.

DNA-no problem, hope you are enjoying the boat. Bottom line both boats are great boats. You can spend loads of $$$$$$$ on any offshore boat some better than others. I really have enjoyed owning both of my Sonics.

OK, here is my opinion.
2nd Donzi and my customer service and ZCare has been unsurrpassed, (a couple drives, and a few other high $ issues) others have not had such luck, that I can not explain. We have received all and more that we have ask for over the last 4 years from Donzi, not always easy but they always took care of us.
The main guy at the Sonic factory sounded like a true professional too, as we spoke this summer while we shopped Sonic and Sunsation.

I also looked at the Sonics this past summer, more bang for the buck, for sure, we wanted bigger and more cuddy toys, air, heat, shore power, they have a nice enclosed head etc.,
BUT COULD NOT buy a test ride from Harry Judge at Performance Offshore in MD. (3 hours away from me), offered cash for gas and 'clean up the boat' labor money just to get a test ride! Guess my money smelt bad! (My bank letter said I could buy anything was in my hand!)
He said "come to the open house in Oct!" LOL Sure Pal!
****ty dealer in my eyes. I would not recommend them, and yes they sell Donzi and Cig.Harry lost a sale, we were ready to move up and loved the reviews Sonic got on all the boards.

We love our 26ZX, and it rates quality/ride against all single engine boats in my eyes, Donzi MSRP is overpriced, all are, (mine was $104K, I got it for mid $60's on a new trailer), it was 8 months old at purchase, take MSRP, bargin to 30 to 40% below and get a good deal. We are happy Donzi owners.
Lastly, the VAST majority of boat owners are not on this board, two sides to every story about Sonic or Donzi.
I would definately buy another Donzi, not an "everyone" has one boat, and on the other other hand neither is Sonic, a good thing as a boat owner.
Question is, who will replace Steve Simon? When we did have issues he was the MAN that could make things happen......

DAVE P, post #44 of this thread was quite interesting in my eyes. I am not sure PQ and SUNSATION are entry level, especially the bigger ones.

Bryan Tuvell

(3 years of warranty left! No longer available on their new boats though.)
Picture is the new boat for 04, now I live the best of both water worlds.... Bay or backyard!

I think I'll stay "entry level", AND stay happy. One has to keep an eye on the future and not linger in the past...:cool:

Thanks for the compliment Bryan. :D

Sure am looking forward to seeing that bigger Sunsation.....in the HRPA ;)

And size does matter! Exactly what size Donzi or Sonic are we talking about here?

I didn't want to offend anyone with the "entry level" blah blah blah.

No offense was meant to anyone, but the bottom line is "it is what it is".

There is a reason why some cars are $20k, $50k, $80k or $120k. You get what you pay for.

The $20k car is great if someone is looking for VALUE.
The $50K-$80k car is great for someone who wants superior workmanship.
The $120k car is for someone who wants THE BEST OF THE BEST!

Am I wrong?

Let me take it one step further:

New Baja 36 Outlaw = $175k
New Cigarette 38 Top Gun = $330k
New 37 Outerlimits = $425k

Different prices just because of the name? Not quite.

Again - you get what you pay for. And there is nothing wrong with owning a Baja, Powerquest, Sunsation etc. They are great boats that provide alot of VALUE for the $$$$$.

Wood sure is getting expensive these days! :D
I agree, all great boats....
Bryan

Queit Storm, The 38ZR was designed years before the Gladiator they have been working and refineing the 38ZR since 1999. And what a great riding boat it is!

Frank, you and Melissa and the kids need to plan a weekend here in VA this summer at our place!
(Tell your son's we do have a shotgun!)
The teenage boyfriend thing is killing me... :rolleyes:

Bring the boat too, maybe we will see one of the MD Sonic's on the bay and check it out.....
The HRPA would love to host you guys.

DAVEP has a point, a 38ZX is only about $270K with 525's. Good analogy overall.
Bryan

(Frank, called, got the machine, lets catch up soon.)

No offense taken Dave. I think you nailed it. I really wanted a 33ZX with HP's, but could not justify the extra $50K! Top Gun.....forgetaboutit!!

I am happy with what I have. That's all that matters.

It's a great thing to be able to do exactly the same thing and at times better, for so much less....:D