My boat has the 502 mag I looked at 5 before this 1 but all had 454's I boat on the del. are you ever in the penns landing area?

I have a 97 Sunsation with conventional bottom up here in Debary, FL, with twin 550hp which runs around 90. You are more then welcome to see and take for a ride. I have always liked Sonics as well for their durability, looks and cabin room, so I would never put them down. You really need to weigh out what type of boating you will be doing, location for service and more importantly history of service rendered from the manufacturer. I purchased this one used and all I can say is that they have been more then helpful, although it has only been for technical questions since I do all work myself. But, you truly need to see what fits your needs and definitely take for a ride.

I have 3 good friends locally with Sunsations, a 288 with 800HP blower motor, a 288 with 454/whipple, and a 25 with a 600+HP 502.

The Sunsation is an awesome boat. I really like design, and craftsmanship, and in some aspects they are better than my 26' Sonic. However, given the water you want to ride in, I would recommend the Sonic. My 26' has the HP500EFI, and it is pretty well darn bulletproof. I have Bennet tabs, on mine too, but I wish I had K-planes, just for more versatility.

Two weeks ago, we took a ride in consistant 3-4 footers, back to the trailers from Fairview Beach, on the Potomac. It was unreal water for the Potomac. I ran side by side with the 288 with the 454/Whipple, and he only walked me because he had more HP (prick, JK, LOL). Both boats handled the water AWESOME. We had the throttles WFO, or close, for over 5 miles. I do not think the Sunsation will let you down, but I think the Sonic may serve you better, and you definately have to weigh in that you have the best place for Sonic service, in your back yard.

Always on the Chesapeake bay/ CD canal. If you ever decide to make a run down we can meet at Schaffer's/Chesapeake Inn?

AC

Well put Brian. The backyard aspect could be the main deciding factor for these folks. As I had mentioned before, the Sonic rep is irrefutable as is Sunsation's growing notriety. It boils down to particular taste and which dealer belly's up to the best deal, after all, money is an important aspect of buying...isn't it??....

Rick

Hopefully out cutting a killer deal with somebody....

Rick
www.littlecreekregatta.org
www.HRPA.homestead.com/homepage.html
www.hrpba.topcities.com/hrpba.html

I have been stuck at work, we have had rain 14 days in a row, that might be a record for FT. Lauderdale. I'm taking a trip to Orlando to look at the 32 sunsation has 20hrs with a 500efi if that doesn't work out I'll go with the sonic. I like the freeboard, the walkaround, the cooler, and that they are local.
I'll get mine with a 496HO xz drive, transom shower , a pump out head, capt call, smartcraft gauges and no paint
Possible steering? maybe single ram. I'll keep you guys posted

Thanks for all the input!!! Crongrats to Joey, I was watching speed vision and there Joey wins the F2 races in Daytona! As for my needs I have a wife and 2 boys ages 5 & 3 so I'm not out running real hard alot I don't know if I need external sterring? I think bennet tabs will be fine. we want a boat that can take us down to the keys cruising at 50. Thanks again for all your help

hey,,thanks!...don't get the xr drive! you will not need it...put the money into the steering and then go with k planes...i'm not even sure sonic will build a boat with bennets!....a smaller boat with the hydrulic steering and k-planes will always be a better setup and handle water better than a larger one w/o...drive a boat with and then w/o!! hydrulic steering and good tabs r expensive to do after the fact....02 are these are VERY basic needs if you are going to be in your area...i have spent a TON of time there!!! keep us posted bro!

Hope this works I went local