Sonicator,

What is your engine package and prop. I may have some info that you would be interested in.

Also Mark in S.O., GREAT area, I traveled there several times this summer for both day and overnight trips.

502 Mag efi with bravo 1 4 blade prop (don't remember the pitch and it is in dry storage it is as it came from the factory). I have the short tabs on it and bravo 1 outdrive.

Sonicator,

I had the 496 H.O. 425hp/versus the 415hp of the 502, but in any case had the following experience. The boat was factory equipped with a 24" 4 blade, BUT would only turn 4500 rpm's. After considerable contact with the factory (J.Ross) the dealer, and Merc., they all thought a drop down in pitch would add considerably more top end. My confusion was a drop in pitch, to increase r.p.m.s would net the same speed. However, the following year (fall 0f 2003) I noticed the factory boats were using the 22" props. After speaking to Merc. at the shows, here was the key. "If the prop change would net 200 more r.p.m.s, the engine would then give another 200-300 r.p.m.s, by getting in the torque curve it was designed." Hard to believe, but they were right. I simply had my 24" worked to decrease the pitch, went to 5050 r.p.m.s, speed went from 62mph, to 67-68 (gps). Only ran the boat one time after the change, but from my experience, and all sources, make sure the prop allows the engine to turn very close to the top allowed r.p.m. range. What a difference. This also may explain the different speeds posted by some of the other owners. Moral to the story, "turn um, don't lug um!"

cigarette 30 that's the same results i got from my 1998 26 sonic with 502 efi , it came from factory with 23p mirage plus 3 blade and turned 4800rpm wot had prop labbed for 5,000rpm and boat ran 68-70gps. now i tried 24 p bravo 1 with new exhaust , k+n airfilter, msd ignit, ecu reprog ron az speed and marine , and adj. fuel reg. boat runs 4800 rpm at 66mph gps , plan on labbing prop for 300 rpm ( rev limiter set @ 5200) should get 70gps hopefully . possibly going to pro charge next if i don't get bigger boat .

Thanks for the info. I will check into having the prop worked. What was your cruising speed after you had the prop worked?

Cigarette 30,
I assume you went from sonic 260 to a cigarette 30. If so do you like the 30ft or would you recommend holding out for the 35 or 38?

Sonicator,

Your assumption is correct.

There was a world of difference in the 26' Prowler and the 30' Mystique. However, the 26' includes the 2' of swim platform, and the Cig is close to 31' true. The 5' made a big difference in ride.

Not driving the 35' or 38' yet, I am afraid to say I probably should have "held out", I am shopping already.
The Mystique is a great boat, and the workmanship is incredible.

As evidenced by my checking the Sonic site, I still think a lot of their boats and fellow owners, consider them family. I don't see your address, mine is not posted yet either, but if you are ever in the Maryland area, your welcome to ride or drive the boat.

Cigarette 30,
I will take you up on that offer next summer. I live in Northern VA. Thanks for all the info

Sonicator. Where in NoVa? I am in Woodbridge. You
coming to the party? Click below!

Cig 30, YOU TOO!!

(That pic of my boat leaping was on the Potomac not far from Woodbridge.)

cigarette 30 who did your prop work ?