28SS ? again

Shooter · 02-26-2002, 04:49 PM

Looks like there are no owners of the 28ss on this board. I spoke to an owner that has one with twin 350s. To my surprise this boat has ALPHAS and is only good to 62mph. Is this really true? Is performance really that stinky in the older Sonics. I have to be at least 72mph. Can I get this with 7.4s or do I need to stick with 454magnums and more. Looks like I can't get a real baseline outta you Sonic owners...

Thanks for any info...

bn · 02-26-2002, 08:39 PM

It is my understanding that having 7.4's in the 28 is not the way to go - too heavy. That is why they are offering it with twin 350's now. Almost the same horsepower, but less weight. I never heard of one with twin 454 mags. Look for one with twin 350 mpi's, I bet that would be a nice setup. Or look for a 31.

Good Luck!

Lake Front · 02-27-2002, 10:32 AM

If you go to the boat trader web site, there is a 1996(?) 28 SS with twin 454's out of Rhode Island for just under $50k.

I've also been interested in the 28 SS with twin 454's, and was wondering about the performance as well?

Dano · 02-27-2002, 11:43 AM

The 28SS has been around along time. It has been available in single BBC, twin SBC and twin BBC.

IMHO the best set-up is the twin SBC/Bravo combo. It provides the best weight/power combination along with ride quality. The additional weight of the BBC twin causes some additional driver interface (ie K planes) that are not required when using the SBC package.

As far as a boat (any boat) runing SBC and Alpha's that is simply indicative of the age of the boat. Manufacturers used the Alpha in BBC applications as well.

With any hull the newer it is the faster it is whether full strake, ventilated etc simply based on the material enhancements made in hull layup.Coupled with the increased fuel consumption and minimal speed gain from the BBC (assuming stock Merc power plants) most manufacturers including Sonic use SBC. The new 6.2MPI's are the ticket

Shooter · 02-28-2002, 09:52 AM

Here's the issue...

The guys with the 28ss that does 62 has 350s (mags I suppose) with the Alphas and is 1 1994

Another boat I'm looking at is a 1995 28ss with 7.4s and the owner says he does 67 with full gas an people (150gals) and will nip over 70 with 2 people half-tank.

You can see why I can't really get a baseline here...

I'd like a 31 but is 2 feet really worth 15K more for the boat?

GO4BROKE · 02-28-2002, 09:04 PM

Yes, as I understand it that 2 feet extra also provides a very different ride than the 28. Spend it now or you will regret it later!

03-01-2002, 03:54 PM

Never been in a 28'. Only 26' and 31'

Dano's 2002 31' rides reallllly nice!!!!!! T500EFI!!

Dano · 03-02-2002, 08:30 PM

Agreed, if you can swing it get the 31 better all around ride and BBC motors. The 28 w/SBC a lot less cost and maint. both have great options/room etc cabins are very similar but the 31 is a boat that will crush the wake. The 28 is very sweet but you will notice a difference for sure. Hull length = there is no substitute (at least with quality made hulls)...

Shooter · 03-03-2002, 06:27 PM

I was just over at Offshore Perf in Grasonville MD, Friday. They have some nice Sonics. I got a chance to look at the 28 with twin 350 mag MPIs. I like the boat. Moving from a Baja to a Sonic whether 28 or 31 would be night and day. I'd have to come to grips with the speed (or cost of upgrading). And I'm not asking for much 70 - 75. I think I'm going to wait this year out and save my sheckles for a 31 next year. This year is shaping up better for business and looks like the 31 will offer more of what I and the family wants. Damn, they're just slow though - gotta slap some whipples on em... Of course I'm biased because I'm in a 4400# boat right now. Tell you what, though, all dealers lie their asses off regarding top end. Even when you tell them to do the math.... Motor HP, RPM, and prop pitch... 75 my ass!