I have been looking at 45 Sonics recently. I don't know how they compare to the BT or Hustler, but they seem to be a pretty good bang for the buck. 6'2 headroom under the deck, prety good amenities, triples...

The cabin on a BT is at least a foot wider than a Sonic. The Sonic uses a molded cabin insert and the BT is stick built to the hull. The single step BT will plane at 17 MPH. The Sonic 25 degree deep vee will take more power to run the same speeds.

I couldn't believe the vast difference in usable space between my 380 Powerquest and a friend's 382 Formula. Both nearly identical looking size on trailers when they were parked right next to each other yet my cabin and cockpit felt twice as big as his. Both very close in dimensions on paper too. His cabin was much narrower and shorter than mine, and the cockpit on my old 253 checkmate was deeper than his formula. I was disappointed in the formula in person since prior to purchasing my PQ, since I looked at a ton online and considered them. I was really disappointed in the position of passenger bolster since I am 6'2" and my knees were hard against the dash, with the bolster too narrow to angle my hips any.

The layout and building method can have a huge effect on interior size.

That will be a great boat to own IMO. What's next for him?

Trip 525 on either boat is gonna be very close in speed. I'd look at creature comforts (BT will win this hands down) and aesthetics.

Long range cruising at 45 in the 3600rpm range is realistic for a twin 500 boat. Haven't owned a triple BT yet....

The boat would be a reasonable cost, the 20 skanks could cost a fortune.

This is my boat thats for sale , covers everything you are looking for.
http://47excalibur.com/

179k obo if you are interested let me know.

We would go a bit smaller if the amenities were there as well as the ride. I just want a big fast boat that handles the big water of the great Lakes. She wants to cook me breakfast in the morning and take a shower. We spent 2 weeks on our 31 ft formula and it was a blast. I heard the 43 BT likes to porpoise. I'd say 38 would be the smallest we'd go if it met all our needs and wants.

I have never heard of or ever seen a 165 mph 50' Hustler, but Coolerman on OSO and his father just ran their 46' Black Thunder 165 mph at the LOTO Shootout, Black Thunders can go very, very fast. Photo by Pete Boden at the 2016 Shootout from this thread

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/g...-matter-6.html

This may influence or not, your decision, it made a believer out of me

I'm curious who you're getting your info about BTs from? If that boat porpoises, it's in the props or driver.

BTW, a 43 and 46 hull is same running length. The length came from a more pointed bow and much longer swim platform. Both can be configured in a Extended Cockpit or Standard Cockpit layout. There were hull changes starting in 03 IIRC on the 46, then 2005, and finally 2007. Strake placement and other small items were changed as the 46 had a pronounced lean in confused water or high wind. This problem was overcome with 5 blade propellers spinning out. IMO, the 43 is the better boat running wise and the 46 is better looking. I've owned several BTs so this is what I'm basing my info on in case you were curious.