Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Copy of letter I emailed Sonic yesterday about my Sonic. Lets see if they will step up to the plate!!


Joe I need to know when the 2" drive spacers will be here, you said you ordered them and its been almost two months now.… Also I need the drive showers that were taken off my boat sent to me. I also need reimbursement for the power steering issue I paid for. You've had that invoice for over a month now. I also have one for $247.00 that I had to pay for to fix a rigging problem on the AC unit. The hose from the circulating pump was doubled up in the hull and was pinched shut behind AC unit in the bulkhead. There was around 4 feet of extra hose. Also Clear Lake Power Boat is trying to get a hold of you for another rigging problem on the boat. The two hydraulic lines to one of my trim tabs were improperly run causing them to chafe completely through losing all the oil. They need two new lines sent to them and who to send the invoice to for the repair work. I am not going to keep paying for Sonic's improper rigging. So far I have spent close to $1000.00 out of my pocket.

I think I've been very patient so far but I need some feed back from Sonic on when I can expect these issues fixed. I left Sonic that night with a written and verbal agreement from you and Sonic that what ever it took to straighten out my boat it would be taken care of. I would hope that Sonic's word and reputation means something. Please call me ASAP with some news on what I can expect from Sonic this week. I hope that in good faith you will fix these issues so I can enjoy my new boat. Also if Richard Hewitt still owns Sonic I need to talk to him or the new owners that took over this month.


Sincerely,
Bill Kern
409-741-0742
409-599-5616
[email protected]

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Bill I talked to another new sonic owner this morning he has the exact same problem with the cracks in the bilge, we will see what they do about them. He also has the same frustration as we have with respect to quality control and warranty issues. See you on the lake.

Cass
Rent MoneyII

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

see what's happening to Sonic thread. I deleted a post there. In a nutshell I would not buy one after researching and examining the product closely, and my buddy (a long standing successful multiline dealer) dropped them hard for alot of reasons, many touched on in this forum. He will not tolerate dissatisfied customers, or getting screwed and lied to himself. Things that seem to be part and parcel of dealing with Sonic in the last 3 model years, from what I understand.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

It wasn't like that when Jay was there, not much of a personality, if you didnt know him, but always got the job done.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

jassman well said !! bring back jay !!!!

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Wouldn't that be ironic, Jay having to comeback and bail out the company he started and got fired from :D:D:D.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

What happened to Richard Hewitt ? Did he sell out to someone ? Damn shame to hear about all the problems people are having with Sonic, Hope it gets better. A real nice boat, hate to see em go down hill. :(

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

My 2002 has not had any of these problems, however is was built before the new infusion process.

Hope things work out for those of you that are having issues.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Here's the latest. Joe called Monday Morning (7:15 am) saying all of these issues were news to him. I want go into that one. After sending my repair invoices three times this week he got them today. On the spacers he doesn't know what happen to them. He said he would order a set and have them shipped to me. He contacted the repair shop and said he would send them the new hydraulic lines. Have had no response about the drive showers yet. They were taken off the boat when they installed the 1" spacers and have disappeared at Sonic. Wonder with 2" spacers they will fit anymore?

I really did not want to post these issues but it seems it was my only choice to get anything done. Maybe pressure from Sonic owners or the owner of Sonic read my post. It seems that while Sonic was moving it production facility to Stuart and the new owner taking over a lot of customers are being left out in the cold. The salesman we dealt with are all gone. It is my hope that I can have finality to this post soon. My suggestion is bring back Brian and Sean ASAP.

After we install the spacers and all labor cost associated to these problems is payed for I will update the post and give Sonic a passing grade.

Thanks to everybody for there thoughts on these issues

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

I hope the new owers are reading this thread. I also vote to bring back Jay and Fred, as when those two were around customer service from Sonic was astounding! What, you need new fuel tanks for your old Sonic (mine)? No problem, Fred tossed them in the truck and drove them over to Miami himself within 48 hours!!!!!

Jay spent countless hours on the phone helping my fiberglass guys and mechanics restore my boat to mint condition. Parts ordered from Florida sent to NY were on time and in perfect condition, sent in nuclear bomb proof shipping containers. Well ok, the last is a slight stretch of the truth, but talk about heavy duty plywood, that was it!

The whole company was like a big family, they knew even your old boat inside and out, and you were part of this family! Jay and Fred set the tone and everyone else followed.

That kind of committment to customer service is priceless and a big part of Sonic's success in the market.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Well said

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Buy a older one that was built by Jay...end of issues.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

The 2" spacers showed up finally. Hoses due in today. Will keep everybody updated as it happens.

Thanks

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Good luck and keep us informed :drink: :drink:

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Only update is the hydraulic hoses never showed up this week. Still nothing on drive showers.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Bring back Fred ------- You've got to be kidding!

I called this guy one time about a serious problem on his cell and later found out that he was mis- representing himself as still working for Sonic. He was all concerned and everything, then I called the factory,talked to Joe and he said Fred hasn't worked here for quite sometime. Oh yeah, Fred was real good! NOT! I explained to Fred during one conversation about a problem I wa experiencing (tha I paid cash for my Sonic and guys we're talking $96k) and he said I don't care what you paid for your boat
This is only one of the many problems I've had with Fred, Richard, Joe etc..
My buddy even told me that a friend of his was at a local boat show and one of Sonic's previous dealers was totally slamming Sonic's quality, customer service and the future of the company.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Steve , you called the man on his cell phone and he was concerned , you wanna ***** about the fact that he may or may not have been gone from Sonic. If the guy was concerned , he was concerned! wether or not he was working for Sonic! I can tell you that dealers who are no longer dealers ,are because they did not want to service the customers! I delt with numerous calls from customers that the factory had not sold boats to, all upset that the"dealer was not willing to assist them". If a dealer sold them the boat and made money they should take care of any assistance to the customer within reason.As for your statement of quality issues! False and whoever said it is clueless. What captwk is dealing with are not quality issues but "service issues". Lack of service does not equal lack of quality! Now go shovel your driveway! "It's all palm trees and sunshine down here!"

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

now their you ya go captbkoch doesn't work for sonic at this time and is still backing them.they must be hell of a good boat or i wounldnt just have purchased a new 2005.good luck brian

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Well, all I can say is that Fred and Jay were absolutely first rate in my dealings with them and they went well BEYOND what they merely needed to do. I think Fred taking calls after he stopped working at Sonic proves the point, those two really cared about the boats and the customers.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Captbkoch -
I would like to speak to you personally regarding the problems I've had with Sonic. I do not want to air Sonic's dirty laundry on a public forum --- yet.
Believe me when I tell you Fred was NOT and I repeat NOT concerned he was RUDE among other things.
Either leave me your number or I will leave you mine via email and we'll talk. Trust me you will understand my position when we speak directly.
I do Look forward to hearing from you.
S -
p.s Just realized your Brian (previously) from Sonic. Disregard my request.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Hey steve what kind of sonic do you have, ever on the chain?

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Brian (Captbkoch)
At least have the common courtesy to speak with me when I call you. You've got the stones to take a shot at me on this forum but then when I call you you hang up on me. I didn't appreciate your hanging up on me when I tried to talk to you. I was going to talk to you calmly and matter of fact. YOU know what Sonic pulled on me (it's a matter of record) and know that they do this type of thing to many other boat owners.
S -

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Steve, I answered my personal phone and asked who was calling. After repetedly asking and getting no responce I hung up, you acted like you were a sales call! You state that I"took shots" at you in here!?? Thats far from the truth! You have your issues and feel that you are correct and everyone else is wrong, thats your oppinion. You state that I know this is how Sonic treats its customers. False! I had nothing to do with you buying your boat but I still tried to help you with your issues!!! I guess that puts me in the same boat as Fred. You state that you dont wanna air dirty laundry in here but what were you doing saying what you said ,, mmnnnn I wonder!! You say I have "stones" to do something , naw just the balls to state whats right!

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

captbkoch so who are the new owners ?

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

B -
Nice try. I stated my full name and said "this is steve chalupka from OSO and I thought I'd respond to you personally (for the guy who was sarcastic about the comments like "now go shovel your driveway" to me that being a smart ass! You THEN hung the phone up.
S -

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Steve , you never stated who you were! I repeatedly asked , you said something like , this must be Brian. Then I hung up! I guess the temp has your humor frozen! simply a joke about the weather!! Kinda not funny now that I have had to explain it!! I actually think my fingers are beginning to freeze as the temp here is dropping rapidly!

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Boy it looks like I got some s**t started..

Anyway here's the latest:

The trim hoses showed up today. Nothing on my drive showers, nothing on payment of invoices sent to Sonic. Mechanic is about to contact Sonic on payment for installing spacers, replacing drive oil and trim hoses. Not sure if he will release boat without payment first though. He's going to contact Sonic directly this week and let me know.

One thing I want to make clear also is that I have no issues with the quality of the boat. My problems have been service related. Poor rigging and follow ups.

I must say that even though Brian is not at Sonic at this time, he has stayed in touch with me since the day I bought the boat. Asking how he can help. Thank you Brian...

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Latest on my Sonic. Spacers, trim hoses all showed up and were installed last week. Still waiting on drive showers and payment from invoices already sent to Sonic on past repair. So, thank you Joe for sending the parts. My mechanic said he talked to Joe on the repair bill for the spacers and hose changed out along with a few other warranty issues. Joe asked him to fax a copy so he could review it and did not see any problems on paying it.

I now am running 2" spacers in my XR ITS drives. The boat was delivered with 1" spacers installed. So with this new set up we took the boat out for a run across the bay to see what if any difference the 2" spacers made.

Results:
Weather: 54 degrees and 10 to 15 knot winds
Boat: 150 gallons of gas and two adults ( 3/4 tank )
Props: Hydro's 26p P5X's turning out
Seas: Light chop ( less than 1 foot )
Speed: Running with the wind and seas- 74.8 mph GPS
Against the wind and seas- 72.0 mph GPS
RPMS: At 3600 rpms speed was 50 mph - gained 4 mph with the 2" spacers - rpms dropped from 4000 rpms to run 50 mph
WOT 5050 rpms @74.8 - gained 2 mph with 2" spacers, also 100 more gallons of gas
WOT against the wind and seas 4975 rpms @ 71.5 mph
Hole shot: Boat will now plane without keeping the throttles at 4200 to 4500 rpms.
I found out that with little or no tabs the boat will plane much easier now, example: I start out at idle work up to 2200 rpms here you feel a little prop slip ease it up to 3000 to 3200 rpms and the boat starts to accelerate and the bow starts to ease over. Before the spacers I had to power right through the 2200 rpm range and hold the throttles at 4200 to 4500 for quite a while before the props would bite. Sounded terrible and got strange looks from other boaters. An unfortunately the cool rooster tail has almost disappeared.
I'm going to forward my results to Throttle up and let the experts tell me what to do next. I'm thinking I would like to try 25p P5X's but don't want to loose the mid range. These 5 blade props are great for mid range. Two friends ran them on there single engine boats, a Velocity ( JimG ) and a SuperBoat ( Krackmeup ) and said the midrange was the biggest improvement they saw with a 1 to 2 mph gain at top end. I'm sure they can give you there full numbers.

So my guess is Sonic missed the X dimension by at least two inches. Maybe with the ITS drives you need to go lower than recommended. I'm not going to do it but I feel another 1/2 to 1 inch would be about perfect. When I run more fuel out of the boat I will update the findings. I'm sure with a quarter tank of gas ( 50 gallons ) and three inches less draft things will change. I hope not.

Can anyone or Sonic tell me what measurements you are using for the X dimensions on the 42's? This would help future owners what to look for. Mercury Racing maybe you can help with some input on these ITS drives X dimensions?

When I receive my drive showers and payment for invoices, I will be glad to pat Sonic on the back and say thank you and sorry I had to go public but if you would have only taken care of things better with customers issues and warranty's, people like Cass Shewbart , myself and others would be here but out bragging about Sonic boats. Sonic the balls in your hands don't fumble...

Sincerely,
Bill Kern

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Bill, I have a 2005 358 with twin 525's running Hydromotive P-5X 27 pitch. I was running P-5X 28 pitch and turning 4900 RPM's. I switched to the 27 pitch and picked up 250 to 300 RPM's and 3 MPH top end. I could really tell no difference in midrange but out of the hole it was a little stronger. I hope Sonic will follow thru and complete the warranty and service as any good company should.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

guys those of you that added spacers to your drives , how is that going to effect your factory warranty since this modifies the stock drive ? are you still covered by merc?

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

That's the 64 dollar question. I have been told by one owner he lost his warranty. On the other hand a unnamed rep told me you would not. He said it's like adding after market accessories to your car or truck. They will have to prove that the spacer caused the problem. I only have a one year warranty anyway. At one time I believe Mercury sold spacers also. And Sonic said they would warranty them since they put them on the boat.

Somebody else have any info on this?

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

CAPTWK saw you out running, nasty day for me, but the motors liked it, boat looked Great !!

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

The only problem I see is that Sonic did not install the 2" spacers. That maybe their way out of any warranty. I really hope they back their word on this one.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Good question, but they paid for the spacers and the installation. Who knows

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Was a tad on the nip-ply side. Hoping to get all the kinks out before summer. Thanks

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

The only way I can get my boat out on the water would be to tow it out on the ice!

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Sounds like you are almost there, Cap! Congrats! :D

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

It's February 14th and still no word from Sonic on my drive showers or invoices totaling to over $1500.00. Mechanic says he's not waiting to much longer before billing me.

I guess I can sell the brand new pair of Bravo 4 blade 30 pitch props in my garage that belong to Sonic. Also have a pair of brand new B-Max 1" drive spacers they want back. Any offers?

I heard Richard Hewitt holds payments for 90 days. I'm there.
But a birdie tells me he isn't anymore.... :rolleyes:

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

I'll give you $600.00 for the props.

Then you can rub there nose in it.

Re: Bill Kern's Sonic 42SS
 

Bill I'll give you a ten spot for the whole shooting match ! maybe I'l have some leverage on them !!! Oh wait I already got that! It sure is a good spot to be when your the one who is in the right!!!!! All I want to do is sell boats, treat my customers as I have always treated them. and make a living~!!! By the way where is Rhonda's Valintines picture!!!