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 CAPTAIN OF THE SONIC DOESN'T LOOK HAPPY

Is that a picture of DaveP in post #40?

I hear Bayliner customer service is top notch.

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.

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.