I was launching my boat at the lake (Lake Pleasent to be exact) and got to talking with ToddW(i think). We shared a bus ride do to the docks. I currenlty have a Baja and I'm in the market soon for a new boat. I visited the AT facility in Oct and saw a new 37 foot boat that just got out of the mold (not sure who's it was). Anyway, I torn! One one hand the 37 foot is too big and on the other 32 foot is to small. That's why I started leaning toward the Sonic 35. Any insite would be great. Are the Sonic comparable to the AT? Sonics have more headroom and amenaties, right? How about the rides?

Thanks

Sparky,
I do remember the bus ride and topic came up that both of us compared the same boats (35 Sonic and 37 AT), but made opposite decisions. Well, one of us has. You implied you were leaning towards Sonic. I chose to order Active Thunder based on Style, Performance, Degree of Custom, Something I believe to be on the cutting egde, new cabin layout, reputation of ride, price, and to have the first new style 37 out West. Maybe not exactly in that order. As I remember, one of the dislikes you had for the AT was the interior and amenities. Unfortunately, that came from seeing the AT back in October. I suggested you give them another look, because amenities is what the new cabin is all about. The first new cabin is just being completed and it looks awesome. This cabin looks like it will hold its own against anything currently out there.

As for the Sonic, we really like the boat except a few details. We spent hours at the Sonic booth at the Miami boat show and toured the factory. We spent a lot of time talking to J. Ross regarding the boat. I think what made our final decision was the performance differences and the room. I know Sonics are known for their room, but I am 6'5" and did not feel comfortable in the Sonic for sleeping. There was no way I would fit the v-berth and was a little snug in the sofa area. We are buying this next boat for my wife and I and 2 kids to overnight on as well as long trips to Powell. No more houseboats In the 37 Active Thunder I will be able to sleep comfortably in the vberth or the converted "Playpen" area. This may not seem fair since we compared a 37 to a 35, oh well.

In conclusion, as this is probably my longest post ever, I don't think you can go wrong with either boat. Opportunites to get the Active Thunder now was something we couldn't pass up. Because if we waited a few years to do it, I think AT will be to the next level and out of our league.

We are very excited about our decision and look forward to its arrival.

Thanks
Todd "Monsoon"

ps- I said "reputation of ride" because we haven't riden in either a 37AVH or a 35 Sonic. When we first visited AT we were considering a 32, maybe a used 37 VEE. We demo'd the 37vee, it was great. Decided to go new and get that Lifetime warranty.

I had up until last week my 2000 38 top gun, and have sold for pmts and 1/2 down in cash my 2000 Sonic 42SS to a close friend of mine. My Cigarette was awesome, but the cabin was way to small, and the Sonic includes the swim platform 41.6 - 2.6 = 39' approx 2 foot longer than my 37 AVH. We love the Sonic, the headroom and ammenities and the workmanship is very, very, good but not up to my Cigs stds. The ride is great, the boat is heavier and I could only get 72 with 500efis, with boxes 75. No steps, but the newer models are now vaccum bagging which will be much lighter and stronger which will definetly help acceleration and top end. I am very pleased with the boat, no real complaints, other than sloppy caulking, minor. Now the A.T. is built as good as my Cig and has all the creature comforts of my Sonic. The rigging and attention to detail is actually better in some areas than my Cig, and the mold work is about the same. The difference is, Pat kicks ass on the special trick items and price wise is less than my Cig. and with same power is faster. The ride is actually better than my Cig and is slightly better than my Sonic, when the boat lands, its straight every time, does not have that banging sound and does not need trim tabs, and turns excellent. I can buy anything I want up to 300k and chose this A.T. for many quality reasons and pricewise was not an objective. Good luck to ya. You have 2 winners to pick from, best thing is to go for a ride, then make your decision.