kathycool

Looking to get a 31 or 35 Sonic. Considering a 1989 34' with 454/420's, bravos. Any idea what cruise and top speed would be? What about compared to a 31 with 502's as far as fuel burn, ride, driveability, etc.? Top speed isn't main goal ( sold a 90 mph cat ), rough water ride and weekending in the boat are now our main concern.....wife still likes speed though! Any opinions, suggestions, experiences would be appreciated!

P.S. Live on a river 20 mins. (40mph!) from big lakes...Maurepas and Ponchatrain, 30 more mins to Gulf of Mexico.

Sonicdriver

I had a '92 34' with 454's it would run 68-70 wot. Cruise at 55 depending on what rpm you like to cruise at. I can't comment on the 31.

East Coast B

If your moving up to get weekending capabilities and can afford the 35', you won't get a better cabin!!! We're in the same arena, looking to move up to this range. We love the 35', but have backed off only due to issues with towing in our hilly region and getting around tight areas. If I lived in flat country closer to water, I'd be in the 35 or 38 without question. On a trailer, it's 42-43' long, height is 9' plus a couple of inches. That was measurement on a Rocket trailer. We're going to look at the 31' ourselves to see what the cabin is like.

bn

I have a '95 35 with 454 Mag MPI's. The rough water ride is AWESOME! I had it up to 67 MPH on GPS in fresh water. I was impressed a couple of weekends ago when a friend in a 36 Baja Outlaw with 502's was running only about 1 mph faster (if that).

We spend weekends on it frequently. It does not have the 6' headroom like the 358's, but the cabin seems to have plenty of room. The cockpit has more than enough space to move around and have guests. We can turn a cooler sideways and put in between the back of the bolster and the bench seat.


I have never actually ridden in a 31, but I know a lot of people that have them. I don't think that you can go wrong with either boat.

GO4BROKE

iTrader: (1)

Your only choice is speed or cabin. Both boats dominate rough water, and both have great cabins. I have a 31 so of course I want a 35, or 38, or 42, or 45....

bn

GO4BROKE - I'll give you a great deal on mine. You know the boat inside and out!

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

No doubt, go for the 35. The biggest difference between stock prepared 35s and 38s, is the engine room. You gain the majority of the additional length there; from what I am told. Since ALL Sonics handle like counter manufacturers boats of 2-3 feet longer, (5-6 in Fountain's case, LOL), you will have a boat with 38 foot characteristics. without having to tow and pay for all that length.

You would also like the 31. The day I bought my 26, the previous owners stepped up to a 31. I plan to skip the low 30s-footer, and go directly to the upper 30s. I think one of the major hindrances on the 31 is the walk rail goes all the way around the engine compartment, and it cramps working on the motors, especially BBCs. The 35 & up Sonics drop the walk rail around the motors for more access.

dyno

I run a 31 with 330's on steroids it runs 74mph on Gps...I love it but could use a little more room when on extended stays...we spend a week on board in August. Its got all the amenities including A.C and believe me you will love it! My wife and I have a 10 month old daughter and could'nt be happier with the cabin or the ride!!!but bigger is better... but the 31 is nice to trailer!Good luck!
Don

kathycool

Thanks for all the replies, think we're
gonna look more toward the 35.
Happy boating!!