Viper TT

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.

t500hps

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

Viper TT

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

35 fountain

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.

Viper TT

There's the reassurance I was looking for!

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

t500hps

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.

Roger

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

epeek

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.

rush

I like that, slutty looking.

Viper TT

Based on that, I did make the right choice!