I've been on a lot of Sonics and always liked them. The only complaint (I've seen) is that they're heavy. I'm looking at the 31ss. How has the new vacuum bagging helped this, and do any owners have any other complaints?

Yeah, they are heavy and slower(not much though). But look how big they are.

Sonic is know for their amenities, big cabin, nice sleeping quarters, fully enclosed bathroom. Surperb rough water boat. It's just an all around bigger boat, and with that comes more weight and slightly slower speeds.

Naturally there are pros and cons to any boat, you just have to look at what your main priorities are.

Now for the 31ss, there is a dealer on the board here that did some testing with 575SCi's and ITS bravo XR drives on a vacuum bagged hull. He will chime in I am sure and can give you details.

So no, no complaints here because I knew what kind of boat I was getting.

Call Jay and ask him directly how much weight they shaved off each hull. He should at least tell you on the one you are interested in. I have seen the new vacuum process in person, and I can tell you there is a big difference. I am going to take a wild stab and say 10-15% lighter. That is only a SWAG, and please don't hold me to that. I know they can build each boat 20% faster now with the new process.

The old Sonic's were heavy and slow. That rep is sticking with them. Which is OK it makes it more fun when you smoke one of the "faster" boats. I would put mine against any other 30.5' boat with 365's in flat water and against anything in 6'+. Not that I'm prejudiced!

Hey you guys,

I'm getting pissed. Everyone knows that Baja is the leader in the heavy and slow catagory. I don't want you Sonic boys thinking you can take that crown away from us.

Well boys and their toys must compete! Even for the crappy titles!! Although I do think the older 36 Outlaws are probably Kings in that catagory! (heavy and slow I mean)

Hey 29, I will have to agree with you on the older Baja's. But they must have changed the hull or something on your newer one, because it has a great top speed.

To set the record straight Sonic is not vacum bagging they are using the new infusion process. I know this beacause I brought this to Jay last year. It should be a stronger and lighter boat. I don't want to tell everything and I'm sure Jay would answer any questions.

Whats the difference between infusion system vs vacuum bagging it, thanks Jeff

The basics; Vacuum bagging is covering the mold with plastic then putting a vacuum on the mold to sqeeze the excess resin out. Infusion is when you put the fiberglass in dry and plumb in resin channels in the mold, then pull a vacuum. Next you open the resin valves and the vacumm pulls in the resin and or wicks thru the glass. This way there is no extra resin and no air bubbles to weaken the glass. There also are no fumes to get into the air. This will be the future of boat building.
Hope this helps!