Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

I apperciate all this info on the sonics it will help in my desicion, i think for my first boat it would be better to start small and work up because if i go big then i need a new truck and its twice the money for gas etc, etc, unless i find a deal on a 31 but will have to see, anyone with 26 or 31 sonics for sale please send any pics if possable and any other info on sonics i greatly appericiate, im glad i found this web sight thanks again and look foward to more info :D

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

Sonic31, you are on the right track.

If/when you have your 26 Sonic, and you get bored, you might have a few dollars extra to play with motors. I specifically wanted something a little more unique when I was shopping, and held out until I found one with an HP500EFI. Now the frequency of boats you see with blue motors is much higher. It was not so 4 years ago. Many boats had the 502 Mag with 415HP. Regardless of whatever you end up with, someday, you may can take out the stock power, (which I recommend, and put in a crate and save it for when you sell the boat), and build a nice NA 540 for less than $15000 with as much as 600HP or more. Key things to look for when shopping:
Obviously low hours.
Meticulous owner.
External Hydraulic Steering.
Bravo 1 XR Drive, XZ Drive, X Drive, in that order (over standard Bravo 1).
Extension box or ITS Drive System.
Pump Out Head.
Shore-power.
Kiekauffer K-Planes over Bennett Trim Tabs, (if Bennetts, the 16' tabs are best).

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

Nice pics by the way Sydwayz, thats an amazing pic. If it handles those waves the chain will be no problem. Am i better to buy a new 26 prowler and get a 500 efi or 525 right away or should i look for a used one thats say 2-3 years old, i know that its like a car when you buy new then you lose a ton of money but id have a new boat and no one elses problems, plus i can get the motor i want and be done with it. Also its hard to find one thats got a good color scem and so on, ive been oatin alot and see how people beat the you know what out of them.Did the 496 h.o. rplace the 454? And ive heard some people say they dont like the 496 h.o. just what i heard not sure if true thanks again you really are helpin me out. :cool:

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

I have twin 496HO in my new boat. I am quite happy with them.

The 496 Mag replaced all versions of the older 454 Mag.

The 496 HO replaced the 502 Mag, 415 HP.

Blue motors from Mercury are nice, but they are damn expensive. Must be the blue paint. :rolleyes:

Anyway, even if you have a new boat, chances are it will have a few gremlins. They all do. If you get one 2-3 years old, try to find one with the extended Mercury or Passport Warranty. Also, Sonic has a 5 year Hull warranty, and many parts are individually warrantied as well. You will not be so far up the river with a couple year old used boat. If you pick up one with 2 seasons on it already, chances are most of the bugs are worked out.

As for the porpoising thing mention in the General Discussion. Yeah, it may happen on your Sonic. With a full tank, and crusing speeds, the Sonic sometimes is looking for more hull at the transom, where most of the Sonics have a notched transom. The boat will bounce a little bit, searching for this missing piece of transom, and then settle down. Some of the new Sonics, like the 358, no longer have a notched transom. Also, the newer, 2003 and newer, vacuum bagged hulls are completely different since they are lighter. Once you have experience with your Sonic, you will know how to correct this. I NEVER had a complaint about porpoise on mine, full, empty, fast, or slow.

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

well thanks for all the onfo if you ever come across any for sale and look like good deals keep me in mind id appriciate it thanks

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

Sydwaz great advise it's nice to see boaters looking out for future boaters

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

Like many boats, they don't porpoise if you know how to drive them.
I've had 2 Baja's, they are alright boats, but not in the same class as Sonic. My next boat will very likely be a 38 Sonic.

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

But the Sonic you won't be disappointed. We have had 3 and would really consider another. Have had Formula, Black Thunder, Regal, Fountain, and Sonic.

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

Somebody build me a Vacume bagged Sonic 28 with a single 575EFI and a Konrad drive :D

Re: How Does Sonic Compare To Others?
 

I've got a 35SS for sale. Went from a 20 foot jet boat to this 35SS and it drives like a dream. $75K I now have a Sea Ray for the family. Love it, but will by another go fast in a year or two. Race boat that is. A Pantera would be sweet, but would consider a Sonic as a racer.