1983 Mark Twain Sonic (17ft) 175 4.3L V6??? Input Please!!!

[jmw129]

I would like to hear from people who have owned one or know people who have.

Came across a 1983 Mark Twain Sonic 175 4.3L V6 that has a 1985 4.3L in it. The exterior overall is in good shape & the interior seating is showing it's age.

Was this company a good name?

Good quality?

Ride quality in choppy water or big waves?

How did this company rate compared to other big players out there?

Thanks!

J.

 

[flintcam]

Re: 1983 Mark Twain Sonic (17ft) 175 4.3L V6??? Input Please!!!

I have a 1969 17 ft V Sonic with a 120 hp. It is built sturdy but weighs 2500 lbs. empty, 3100 with the trailer. Takes choppy water in a lake well but the seats are built like most around that era- rot under the cushions and shrinking vinyl. Had to remove the side panels to get the front panel out on a quest to clean the bow mounted gas tank- every bolt and screw were rusted just enough to make sure they wouldn't come out without a fight- other than that I don't have any complaints.

 

[wi4x4man]

Re: 1983 Mark Twain Sonic (17ft) 175 4.3L V6??? Input Please!!!

I have a 1978 Mark Twain V Sonic with the 165.

Overall, a great boat, but flintcam is correct about the interior. The crappy wood that they used fell apart very quickly. It is now my parts boat because of this.

Otherwise, she was a good boat albeit a tri-hull. Had a lot of fun in her.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 1983 Mark Twain Sonic (17ft) 175 4.3L V6??? Input Please!!!

The MT's are pretty well-built, but as was mentioned, the wood on most of the boats from the 70's/80's wasn't well protected and prone to rot. If the engine and transom are solid, then you should probably have a good boat.

 

[jmw129]

Re: 1983 Mark Twain Sonic (17ft) 175 4.3L V6??? Input Please!!!

Yeah the seller said the hull is in good shape & all the gaskets, seals, and engine mounts are solid. Interior does need a rebuild & exterior probably needs a solid waxing.

No one has said anything regarding how these boats handled really choppy water or big waves from other boats?

I used to have a 17ft 1987 Larson Citation DC & that boat handled waves really well / cutting through them but was also a heavy boat.