Sonic not at the Miami Boat Show?
 

I was looking at the exhibitor list and don't see Frisni or Sonic on there??? How does a new company that just built a 38 hypersonic not want to preview it at the largest boating event in America? Anyone got the scoop here.

Last year they were at the in-the-water at the Marriott.
I suspect they be there this year too.

From what I understand they will not be there at all.

Just confirmed with factory.... Sonic will not be at the Miami boat show.

I was looking forward to seeing the new stepped 38!!!

Man.......what are these guys doing? A ton of Hype about the company and lots of good ideas and boats but never any showing. I don't understand why they would not be in the front and center of the worlds biggest show?

I agree... I'm extremely disappointed.... In 2 years we will be back in the market for a new boat and I was hoping to see the hypersonic 38.... I guess we just have to live with Facebook photos instead

Keeping prices down, it is not cheap to do the Miami show.

big mistake:party-smiley-004:

Makes no sense to me why a relatively local manufacture trying to make a come back in a tough market would not be at the largest and probably most popular show. Just doesn't add up......think they may need a new marketing manger, get your applications in soon!

Bad decision.

They may be tight on funds after just going into production. Tons and tons oh money before the first boat ('s) goes out the door and Miami is stupid expensive.

If you are serious about buying a 38 HyperSonic you be better off going to the factory then the Miami boat show..

A very respected member here already was, that lasted about 2 weeks and done.

Another member had issues building a new 31 and waited over 9 months over false promises to finally get his boat in hand. Now it's for sale in 1/2 less time than it took the frustrating build process.

A new company hammer down on buying one after another existing boat manufactures barely on the brink.

Biggest hi-performance boat show of the year and a no-show.

In my opinion.......hmmm hmmm

:party-smiley-004::party-smiley-004::party-smiley-004:

so easy to badmouth, makes me sick

Forget the boat show, fly to the factory and get a great deal.

Well because I am going to a show to look at and compare a lot of different boats in one day instead of flying to 5 different cities. They should be there for their customers ease in my opinion. I am a company owner/operator also so I understand there can be cost issues but to me I would want to have my new product line up in the face of thousands of potential customers with cash. I have launched several startup brands for our company and the first thing we do is book trade shows heavily then let word of mouth carry after that. I am not knocking the company I just want them to understand that there are potential customers who would love to see them there. Hopefully they pull it together for next years show.

And I'm sure if they could be there they would. Unfortunately their marketing budget is not unlimited and they have chose to spend the money elsewhere.

Exactly, bigger and better deals for the customers !!!!!

No need to fly around the country
Most people that are willing to spent that kind of cash are NOT shopping they allready have it narrowed down to what brand they like..

I don't know. I started going to the Miami Boat show in 1982.
At that time I was considering a Formula 31. I was putting two
girls through school so I didn't have the money until 1994. I always
remember Sonic being at the boat show. First they could only afford
being outside ( the cost was $10,000.00). Later they were
inside. At the 1993 boat show a Sonic salesman said I could
get into a Sonic 28ss for $65k. Wow! When the last kid graduated
in 1994 I bought my first 28ss for 75k. I loved the boat, but
I never would have bought a Sonic if I had not see one at
the Miami Boat Show!

:daz: Forget everything you know about running a company when you talk about a boat building business, has nothing to do with it.

That's the problem with boat shows. You build a showcase to show. Boat goes to the show were only 5% off the visitors are potential buyers.
Your boat has to be sold for a better price because it's the show model, or doesn't get sold because off power or color or whatever.

I understand their decision, how many they build every year?

Look how mass producers got into trouble (or are in trouble)

In a better economical environment mayby.

Who pays the boat show you think? The builder? :lolhit:
it's the customers :helmet:

Sorry about my spelling sometimes but english is my 3th language

When I worked the shows up north, most of the dealers I worked for hated doing them. Ton's of work and expense and near impossible to measure results. Most figure 6 mnths after the fact to see any results.
Most would spend their money else where if not for knowing the buying public and most of their competitors would start stories that they are in trouble ;)
Some of the smart ones scaled way back on the big shows and did multiple smaller, independent versions.
Way more bang for the buck. Open houses are great ROI shows.
Also agreed that anything at the show is expected to be "show pricing" and is never the right color,power etc.
The big shows are the best place to get press and for mfgs to release new models but still a catch 22 deal in most opinions.

I get your points and will agree to disagree. IMO if you want to be a player you need to show up to the game. Hope to meet some of you guys in Miami later in the week.

My point is this...
The person thats going to pull the trigger on a 38 Sonic or a 39 Top Gun..or any other boat along those lines/price range allready knows what he wants..its NOT going to be a knee jerk desicion..

Did your boat sell on ebay???

I understand what your are saying...especially the two girl through school part..putting two girls through College myself as we speak:drink:

All Im saying is theres a big difference/price between buying a 28 and a 38..
you are shopping, kicking tires and looking at all your options when your looking at 28s..
But for the cost of a 38 Sonic now your a serious buyer.

Go Fast boats are a discretionary expenditure.
Don't get me wrong. I have and am always been a
big supporter of Sonic. I bought the first 31ss that
Sonic built when CSI took them over. The 31ss delivered
to RI was built before the current owners took over.
The current owners rigged that boat in NJ.

The ultimate decision about displaying in a boat show is a
marketing and image one. Most people, unless they have more
money than brains, do not impulse buy at the boat show.
They look around and make comparisons between brands.
Probably take some check rides, and/or make an appointment
to tour the factory and dealer. In my opinion the boat show is
not to make the sale at the show, but to introduce the product
to the potential buyer. One of my best friends used to buy
a new boat every year ($300k to 750k range). He never bought
at the show. I always took the check rides with him, and visited
the factories/dealers with him. The deal always was made
six to eight months after the show. By the way he always named
his boats: "For Awhile".

Interesting....
 

point. Never thought of it or I guess even realized that. Come to think of it, I do remember John telling my that when I was interviewing with them.

I don't think it's a matter of not wanting to show up, but more of a financial matter.

just to add to the conversation ... I went to the Boston boat show in the late 80's early 90's saw a sonic there and never forgot the plush interior I saw on a cigarette styled boat... I bought mine in 2011 because of that show. but will add that the economy the way it is today... it is very different from then. I woudl have to seriously consider spending the time and money for a show. I have a sporting goods business and have not been to the Vegas show in two years because of this. the profits do not justify the expense of the show...

Finally I feel someone understands what I'm saying. If I didn't have a booth at major trade shows and my customers are there but I am not it affects the relationship; especially if my competition is there building customer relationships and debuting new products.

Just as important is competition for attention at big events is stiff enough that a small booth could easily get lost in the crowd. Unless Sonic can afford to make a splash, it may not get noticed.

I am assuming they did a careful return on investment analysis and compared to internet marketing and media advertising and other various forms it just did not fit their budget. If they can continue to survive and generate income it may be possible in the years to come.Will you now not buy a Sonic strictly because they weren't there...doubtful. Now would the average boater unaware of Sonic not buy because they were not there..very debatable. I think customers are very well educated these days, especially with the very small market of performance boats.

As a brand loyal fan I can see how one might be disappointed that there product is not on display.

[QUOTE=Baja_man I think customers are very well educated these days, especially with the very small market of performance boats.

[/QUOTE]

Exactly, that with the internet and Great Pricing on the boats, they are right on track.

Miami would have been a great place to introduce the new step hulls. Also to show the vendetta to racers, and people thinking about racing. Good return on investment? No way to tell. But it could help build the future customer base.

why has'nt our sonic rep from the factory john c. chimed in and set this discussion to rest!!!

No matter what the decision was to be in the show or not, its a choice Frisini Motor Sports made, We have been to to factory to see all the Great builds going on. We even purchased a boat. Keep up the good work Frisini M/S.

+2

Sonic should be in Miami with the new 38 Hypersonic... It's the largest boating showcase in the world, and it seems kinda bush-league that they're not there, whatever their reasons are...

I've always liked the looks of Sonics and the new 38 Hypersonic takes it up a notch with a stepped hull, staggered motors, a redesigned cockpit with a new dash etc... This boat looks like a winner, and deserves to be on display for the World to see in Miami!

My buddy (Captain Caveman on this forum) has a Sonic 31ss and is currently in the market for a new boat in the 38' range. Obviously we're BOTH extremely disappointed that this beautiful new Hypersonic won't be there to look at. :drool1:

And I am sure that them not being there will influence his decision? common somebody spending 250,000 to 500,000 usd (or even more) is hopefully intelligent enough to take other things into consideration. On top of that with those budgets stay a day longer & go and have a tour at the factory.

Since the internet the good days off boat shows are over. People have their boatshows on their lap every single night. Up to a point were their wives are sick of boatshows :lolhit:

Perception is Reality = they have no money and are frauds.

:stupid:

in speaking with a contact from frisini I was assured that the 38 hypersonic along with all of the other frisini boats would be there...not sure what happened.