nordic vs sonic
09-27-2009, 09:43 PM
#21
Chris
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I did like the way it rode over the water though.
Chris
09-28-2009, 06:42 AM
#22
Member #154
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Thanks Dan (Ken?), this is just my point. A practical 2 mph difference between steps on the "marketed" fastest hull vs. a high quality conventional hull.
09-28-2009, 09:32 AM
#23
Registered
Steve...the step/non-step is kinda like politics and religion...hard to change anyones mind!!
I know Reggie says 100 with 525s but I'll take real world info before Reggie, this from a Lightning owner:
I'm not sure sure everybody on here is a performance junkie either. Plenty of Cafe, Apache, Pantera, PP, conv Top Gun, et al. owners having tons of fun with their old technology boats.
And yes I believe that much of the step claims are marketing and profit driven.
Forums like this are replete with stories of accidents due to improper use of stepped hulls, they aren't for the novice boater and there are now courses on how to drive these things properly due to the many incidents. Teague and Tomlinson are at the top of the heap here and can drive the shorts off of just about anybody, but that doesn't eliminate the potential for issues with less experienced drivers.
The PP accident you referenced was a result of irresponsible driving in shallow waters not quirky handling characteristics.
I believe that high tech materials and newer laminating techniques resulting in lighter boats has much to do with increased speeds too as you referenced in your power to weight ratio comment.
In the end you like what you like, I like what I like, and that's that. I'm glad you like your Nordic, it's a fine boat for sure...in fact I think you own the boat that I ordered and Nordic F'd up by not following my color/pattern choices.
So if we're ever on the same body of water, wave as you go by...I'll be the pokey one in the old fashioned boat.
I know Reggie says 100 with 525s but I'll take real world info before Reggie, this from a Lightning owner:
I'm not sure sure everybody on here is a performance junkie either. Plenty of Cafe, Apache, Pantera, PP, conv Top Gun, et al. owners having tons of fun with their old technology boats.
And yes I believe that much of the step claims are marketing and profit driven.
Forums like this are replete with stories of accidents due to improper use of stepped hulls, they aren't for the novice boater and there are now courses on how to drive these things properly due to the many incidents. Teague and Tomlinson are at the top of the heap here and can drive the shorts off of just about anybody, but that doesn't eliminate the potential for issues with less experienced drivers.
The PP accident you referenced was a result of irresponsible driving in shallow waters not quirky handling characteristics.
I believe that high tech materials and newer laminating techniques resulting in lighter boats has much to do with increased speeds too as you referenced in your power to weight ratio comment.
In the end you like what you like, I like what I like, and that's that. I'm glad you like your Nordic, it's a fine boat for sure...in fact I think you own the boat that I ordered and Nordic F'd up by not following my color/pattern choices.
So if we're ever on the same body of water, wave as you go by...I'll be the pokey one in the old fashioned boat.
If you ever get to Nashville, look me up. You are welcome to drive "your" old boat if you want to. I'll think you'll find it's plenty exciting. BTW, I love the colors as do most people. If this isn't what you ordered, what did you order?
Who was the dealer?
I bought it from a guy in Cincinatti in Dec '03.
Regards,
Steve
09-28-2009, 09:41 AM
#24
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Indy,
If you ever get to Nashville, look me up. You are welcome to drive "your" old boat if you want to. I'll think you'll find it's plenty exciting. BTW, I love the colors as do most people. If this isn't what you ordered, what did you order?
Who was the dealer?
I bought from a guy in Cincinatti in Dec '03.
Regards,
Steve
If you ever get to Nashville, look me up. You are welcome to drive "your" old boat if you want to. I'll think you'll find it's plenty exciting. BTW, I love the colors as do most people. If this isn't what you ordered, what did you order?
Who was the dealer?
I bought from a guy in Cincinatti in Dec '03.
Regards,
Steve
I'm sure your boat is plenty fast too!!! It would probably blow what little hair I have left right off my head!! Have fun and be safe.
09-28-2009, 09:49 AM
#25
Registered
Staggered- is/are offset engine mounts
Steps are in the bottom of the hull
I believe CB is pointing out he doesn't think there is 9-10 to be gained in staggering the engine mounts (which eats up space in the boat) as another poster claimed.
UD
09-28-2009, 10:26 AM
#26
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I was referencing fountain40icbm's statement that the Fountain 35 side-by-side was an honest 90, just a couple of mph faster than my buddy's 33 525 PP which is also side-by-side.
09-28-2009, 11:42 AM
#27
Registered
Its amazing the Nordic guys blew the paint scheme you laid out. Never ever heard of that happening, but with gelcoat upside down and backwards is easier to make that mistake than with paint.
Between the 2 Id pick the Nordic.
That said I think sonic makes a nice solid rig.
(aside from the aesthetics of backwards arches with no radar or speakers in them, and the swimstep that looks like an upside down lawn chair bolted to the hull)
I wouldnt make a purchase decision either way based on a stepped hull(but would staggereds) Multitudinous 3rd party testing shows steps faster between 1 and 5MPH with identical power.
(if anyone has better data than what I posted Id love to see it)
Maybe Pantera succumbed to marketing hype, but Jo himself states a marked gain and no handling deterioration. Pantera is not my pet brand, but those guys seem pretty solid and straightforward to me.
UD
09-28-2009, 12:29 PM
#29
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Weather stunk too...I'll get there extra early next year to see the hardware.
Last edited by Indy; 09-28-2009 at 12:32 PM.
09-28-2009, 12:39 PM
#30
Registered
Yep, we sold the Glad in Jan after we bought our 35 Motion Cat. Now we have the Sutphen and Motion. Both are for sale too! If was fun running in the rain at NYC. You looking for another ride?
