So I am trying to get back into a offshore after selling my Center console. I have some interest in 2 different Sonics, a 386 with trip 500 and a 42 with 2 700's. What are the good, bad and ugly with these 2? I know very little about Sonic so I am looking for education on the products. I have had offshores from 25 to 34 ft with speeds in the triple digits so these 2 sonics may work as my wife wants a usable cabin. Looking for thoughts about fit, finish, quality of boat and ride

Couple random thoughts:

A 358 Sonic and 386 Sonic are identical from the steering wheel forward. The 386 with the TRIPLE configuration as you are looking at does have a smaller cockpit than a twin application. The 386 triple has the same size cockpit as a 358.

The 42' Sonic is a monster. If you are planning to tow it, you are going to need a significant tow rig, at least a 1-ton dually or better. (For the 386 with triples, that's a lot of tail wagging the dog, you are going want a 1-ton drw truck there too.)

What year are the boats? By the 2004-ish timeframe, Sonic had "infusion technology" or vacuum bagging integrated into all of their hull molds. As such, the boats after that time frame are a bit lighter.

What exactly is the 42 setup? Is it a 42' with 700SCi and XNT drives? Or a BBC-something, and Bravo drives? A 42' with twin Bravo derivative drives isn't going to be known for extremely long term drive life.

You must be looking at the 700/ NXT boat Randy has. That is a LOT of boat for the money,,, if you can get past the Yellow. I would take that over the trip boat all day long.

38 was a 2005, 42 was a 2008 with NXT set up.

My plan would be to get it to Michigan and leave it here. I guess I would either have it shipped here or rent a truck to bring it myself. Not that far into the looking stage to think that far ahead.

Thanks for the info

I've heard the NXT tanny is the weak link in the 700 configuration, and the trans is a weird size ( different than most other replacements ) but I have heard that BAM has a direct bolt in replacement that is stronger

Love my triple 45!
but nowadays the twin merc 700 boat must be more appealing for resale...

never had 700's but feel triple 500 or 525 are probably cheaper to maintain, more reliable with much more time between rebuilds and bravo drives much easier and cheaper to buy new or used and fix!

part of what i like from my boat!

Good luck getting anything from Bam that’s not in stock. I’m going on 9 months waiting for a pair of extension boxes I paid 50% upfront for. Can’t even get an email back with an update. If I don’t hear soon I may have to take the next step.

Makes my comment even more accurate then!

Funny, we are looking at the same boats. Don’t want triples, and that 42 sure seems like a bargain if it’s in decent shape. I really don’t want to fly these days, so maybe a long weekend road trip to put eyes on it.

Love my setup no white Knuckle driving. Rig matters Unfortunately I know from experience

sonic