Still searching
 

Well, still searching for the 31 Sonic that I want. I am being quite picky with the motors and options I want.

-with twin 496mag ho's and stock labbed 4 blade 24's, what does this boat run with 4 people and 1/2-3/4 fuel? Boat does not have a/c or an arch or refrigerator or shore power.

-has anyone changed their plugs and impeller on their own in this boat (2003 model), what was that like?

-everyone is talking about how they handle rough water and big seas but I don't boat in that as nobody else does either for very long here so I want performance too. As I said before, I have to trailer so 11,500 lbs (that is what I am being told anyway), is quite a pull 3 1/2 hrs to the ramp and back and not sure the toll it will take on the f-250 4x4 6.0.

Well, to start off with, 31 Sonics are awesome in any water and are like a mini rocket ship on rails as I like to say. In my past experiences with 31s you should see right around 77-80 with 496 HOs and 4 blade B1's with a K&N air filter. Just maybe a scoash over 80(Let me refresh,with the K&N and some other changes). As far as changing the impellers, some can be a real pain in the arsss. Especially the stbd one with the stringer in the way, but it can be done. You shouldnt have to change the plugs for a few hundred hours if nothing is wrong with the engine. Raylar says close to 1000 hours I believe.

As far as the truck, that will tow just fine. I have an F250 2 wheel with 7.3 in it and its not a problem at all.

Good luck!

John S.:D

John's right about stbd impeller...it's a tough one buy I've done it...only took an hour but an hour of hell...he's wrong about the speed ... u will see 72-73 TOPS!!!No b.s.!!!I have friends with the same boat and power and that's all you'll get on the best day...4 people and fuel,70-71...gps numbers of course.Oh,the spark plugs?Have fun!!!That's the tough one:eek: Can be done,like anything...shop here charged a friend $700 to do it so it's worth doing yourself...we have 10 of these 31's in the cny area and we all talk...any questions just ask...I sold mine w the 525sc's...that was the one to buy(90mph):cool:

Thanks!
 

So, I guess there is no way to change a starter without pulling a motor! Yikes! I too heard 72gps was honest. I am sure I will have more questions..thanks for your honesty.

HMMMM, I swore some of the guys were seeing high 70's with there 31's in my area?! Maybe they were driving off a cliff! Maybe I was thinking of high 60's low 70's. I dont know anymore!

Sorry for the wrong speed info, all other info should be correct.

John

72 is an honest GPS reading. Running 26's is a great prop but just a tad overpropped. I would love to try a labbed 25 set up just to get the last top end RPM's where they should be. But who is complaining.... the 31 is a great all around boat.

I see a consistent 74MPH (26P) on my 2006 with an arch and Bimini top up. This is with no trim and the drives slightly up. This is with four people, full fuel, and water.

I an thinking about trying 28P since I hit the rev limiter in this configuration.

The speeds are of course GPS.

As far as handling goes it is like it is on rails. You just turn the wheel and hold on.

Warren

Hey Warren!
 

Thanks man! You have a beautiful boat for sure!

496Ho's should spin bigger props than 24's. I'm running labbed 24's on my 31 with 365hp 454 mags. Best speed 69.1gps 1/2 tank, 2 people at 5100 rpms. I would think 496hos would use 26's.

I use labbed 28's 4 blade on my 31 with 496 HO's