Two months after what turned out to be a successful showing at the Florida Powerboat Club’s Key West Poker Run, Sonic Powerboats has announced a major turning point for the Fort Pierce, Fla.-based V-bottom and catamaran builder—a change in ownership. Tony Canale, the owner of Canale Marine in Buford, Ga., has agreed to purchase the company from Anthony Frisina, who has owned the company since 2010. The deal, according to Frisina, happened rather quickly and became official late last week.
The new owner of Sonic Powerboats is Tony Canale of Canale Marine in Buford, Ga. Photo courtesy Florida Powerboat Club
“Tony Canale is one of the best people in the world and his excitement toward this sport and the Sonic brand is beyond words,” Frisina said from his home in New Jersey. “I’ve persevered with this company through some tough times, and now that we’re starting to see the market get stronger and a resurgence in enthusiasm for the brand thanks to the 32-foot cats, our center consoles and other new models, I figured now was as good a time as any to step away.
“I’m doing this because I have the opportunity to hand it off to someone I know will pour his heart and soul into this business,” he continued. “I hope Tony and his son, Nicholas, who is incredibly enthusiastic as well, take this company to the next level. I want the Sonic name to live on forever—and I know I’m not the only one. There are a lot of loyal Sonic customers out there and Tony Canale is the guy to create even more.”
and then