Sonic is persistent!
 

Prior to finalizing my decision on the new leftover 2005 35' Lightning, I took a trip to Florida to check out the Sonic 31SS at the Sonic factory. While down there I looked at a used 2004 31SS with 496HO's and a new 2008 31SS with 496HO's.

I've been getting emails consistently with them inquiring on what boat I've decided on because I told them I was looking at the Lightning with 525's. I have not told them that the deal on the Fountain has been finalized, but I did tell them I don't want the 496HO's.

Today I get an email from the guy at the factory offering an 08 31SS with 525's for under $180,000 well equipped. It is one that is being built and can be customized per the buyer's requirements.

Although I paid much less than that for the new 05 Lightning, It's a good thing the deal is closed or this may have really confused me because the wife and kids definitely liked the larger cabin in the Sonic.

I've heard all kinds of opinions on the Sonics.

My $.02 having never owned either.....Sonic is a "brick chithouse". Fountains are built from the remaining "foundations" of those "houses". :eek: :D

You're supposed to help a newbie feel better about the choice! :D

No comparison there Vipe. The 31 Sonic cannot hold a candle to the 35 lightning or the 35 EX. Friend of mine traded his 31 Sonic in on a 35 EX and has been smilin ever since. The Sonics porpoise and slam - I know this from personal experiance. Enjoy your new 35, the lightning is a smokin rig.

There's the reassurance I was looking for! :drink:

We'll have to meet up sometime. Where do you boat?

:D I said I had no experience with either model. I've ridden in a 42 Sonic and a late 80's 38 Fountain that had been completely re-rigged from a bare hull. The guy with the 42 Sonic had a 29 Fountain and it went back to the factory twice to have the hull fixed from minor delamination (it was an 04). Seems to me Fountain does everything they can to make the hulls faster but sacrifice the longevity of the entire structure. This issue only comes into play 8-10 years from now assuming I'm even correct. Notice you like the "bigger cabin" in the 31 Sonic compared to a 35 Fountain (whick is 4 ft longer???)

BTW: I like the looks of the boats and Congrats......for your sake I hope I'm wrong.

Heres my .02. With the Fountain you can sell it if you want to move up. They will bury you in the Sonic.

Two completly different boats.
Fountain..Fast, low slung slutty lookin beast. Small cabin.
Sonic...slow, big & bulky barge. Large cabin.
You made the right choice.:drink:

I like that, slutty looking. :D

Based on that, I did make the right choice! :drink:

It is always great to see Roger back online.......I will have to say he nailed that one on the head. :D

Everybody has there opinions. I test drove an 03 38 Fastech on sunday night because I was thinking about changing boats. I wouldnt hit a dog in the a$$ with the way that boat rode or handeled over my current ride. It was the biggest rattle trap I have ever been on. Not that this is an opinion even the the dealer was un impressed. My 2c



RAF

I'd choose a 35 Lightning over a 31 Sonic without thinking twice. Sonic may have a bigger cabin but the Fountain has the bigger cockpit and I think much better access to the engines. I've never been impressed with the Sonics, the ones I've been in had Faria gauges, cheap looking upholstry, etc. Their hulls may be solid but IMO they finish them out with cheap materials. I could be wrong about this because there aren't many around here but the ones I have seen didn't do anything for me.

35 w/ 525's?? :D

find a 31, run him down, say hello, and hit the sticks, answer to your question, have fun :p

And the OSO crew comes through for fellow member's insecurities! :cool:

Now if I can just get Coty Marine to get my trailer in, I can bring the damn thing home! The Chesapeake has been calling my name! :evilb:

Here is the Lightning I bought:

http://www.offshoreonlyclassifieds.c...o16838-en.html

That is one dope ride!

remember, no high speed turns!! nice ride and fast.

Got it. :D

Driving/owning a Sonic is like taking an baby oil bath with a fat chick....
1) You have no idea which way she is gonna go no matter how hard you try to "steer" her
2) You don't want anyone to ever see you.....ever!

Sweet!!!!!!!

Take your time learning how to turn and trim it!!!

Good choice. I think the efficiency of the fountain hull and the quality materials will save you a ton of maintenance/repairs in the long run over the sonic. Fountains hold their value for a reason.

Vipe - I looked at the pictures of your new Fountain and I coulnt spit the word Sonic out of my mouth when I saw your new ride. Man, how could you possibly be concerned about a 31 sonic when looking at your boat. Try not to look down your nose when you meet up with one of those owners this summer and dont hurt his feelings too bad when you push on those sticks. I boat on the Chesapeake, mainly around Kent Narrows, St Michaels, Annapolis, Baltimore Bnner Harbor. Come down this way and well hunt down some 31 Sonics together.

Thanks man. :drink:

I will be launching from Secretary, MD into the Choptank or out of Bivavle, MD into the Tangier Sound.

We'll be in Kent Island often. I'll PM you my cell number.

:evilb: :evilb: :evilb: LOL

I always feel safe in my fountain, not that bouncy flailing all over the place deal that comes with "several other" boats!

It's kinda like my Harley,,,, if you have to explain......

Enjoy!!

Go rap your fist down the side of a Fountain and look at the hardware...you have a well built boat!

Nice choice! :D Been watching that one for a while myself. Congrats!!! :cool: Should be a great running boat, like you can go wrong with a Fountain.

Thanks for the all the positive feedback and congrats.

I finally got the boat home yesterday and took it out today.

DAMN!!! :evilb: This boat is too much fun! The kids had a blast as well!

My 42 Sonic drove great, crushed big waves and docked itself, but if I see a 31, I'll run him down, say hello and hit the sticks.
Hi, Dave.