hey guys lets be serious.if you were going to purchase a new boat.which one would you buy.and why 358 sonic or 37 active.whata the diffrence.
thank you

Hands down 37 Active Thunder. I was a tried and true Sonic guy. I still like them even, however, with the company in such turmoil, and ever since they started the Infusion hull process, they have been on a steady spiral since mid-2003. I EAGERLY look forward to Sonic become a serious player again. Heck, they even had a VERY dominant factory sponsored race boat 2 seasons ago.

Why I vote AT:
1. First, the 358 Sonic hull has had its issues. Some porpoise (bad), and some do not. It has to do with the notched transom; as some have them, and some do not. As of 2003 or so, the 358 has not had a notched transom. I am a firm believer that you have to know how to drive each individual boat, as any boat can have its handling quirks, but it seems as though a lot of 358s went through this.

2. The 37AT is bigger than the 358. The 37AT is just shy of 37 feet long, without including a swim platform in that measurement. The 358 Sonic is just shy of 36 feet long, and does include a molded in swim platform in that measurement, meaning the hull length in the water would be comparable to a 34 foot-something boat if you did not measure as such. More hull in the water is better. A better comparision would be the Sonic 386 vs. the AT 37AVH.


3. Step technology... The AT has it. The Sonic does not. The AT with its single step will always turn/pivot on that one step. Its something you can take to the bank. It does not create any ill handling issues. I can WRENCH my 37AVH (step) into a turn, and it comes right around beautifully. The Sonic is a straight conventional V-bottom, and will turn just as well, and handle rough water just as well. I would consider them equal in this regard of handling the rough, and turning, however, the AT is going to give you more speed.

I started in a 26' Sonic, and knew I wanted a 386 Sonic or 38 Top Gun Cigarette someday. As soon as the 37AT popped up on my radar screen, and I test drove it, I was sold. Drive both of your choices, it will be worth it. There is a new 37AT here: http://www.apmboats.com/newboatsfors...&boat_id=17781

The 33 would be a better comparison if you are really looking at apples to apples. Our LOA does not include the swim platform.

thanks guys

Pat,
Have you build a 33 yet?

What did you expect us to say!

You would probably get a different answer on the Sonic forum.

P.S. ToddW had Monsoon built for him and his family, after directly comparing the AT and the Sonic in the same week. I bought Monsoon from him when he was ready for a change of hobbies.

ToddW, I have been told that Pat has a floating 33AVH AT, but I think it is painted with invisible paint as shown below.
(Hint Pat: cough up some pics! )

Actually the 37 listed at APM has been moved back to Florida. Contact Frank Marchone through Patrick at Active Thunder. He owns the boat and has it down there with him.

Thanks Brian

I am familiar with Active Thunder

Come to think of it, I think Pat's cell phone is painted the same Invisible shade too. He may have a long trenchcoat of similar description. However, Pat and Diane have never let me down, and you were their customer, not me.