how do these 2 compare to each other assuming both have same engines ( 500hp or 502 efi ) in cockpit room and cabin room and height etc.?

The boats are very different. Much more headroom in the 35 and a different hull design.

I have a 2000 and a 2001 31 and will be bringing in a 35 so stop down and take a look tony.
Not sure when the 35 is comming so call me first.

609-971-8800
jim

the 31 has a 23 degree bottom the 35 is a 24 or 25....I like my 31 but bigger is always better if you can afford it!!

THe 31 will ride rougher but is a great boat, I loved mine !!

The 31SS has a great ride - I loved mine. Take a look at the two that Catagory5 has. I've seen them both and they are VERY nice boats.

Ok, let's get off the 31 kick and answer his question (nothing against the 31). He's interested in the 35.

I have the 35SS and it has less headroom than the 358. It also has a bigger cockpit than the 358. My understanding is both 35s have the same hull shape, but the 358 is lighter due to the new f(x) vacuum bag process. Can anyone confirm this? I've never been in a 358, so need some help here.

The first 358's were built prior to the new bagging process.

The 35ss has a big cockpit and a decent cabin, but not much more headroom than the 31. The 358 has a smaller cockpit (about the same as a 31) but shares its cabin with the 386. Huge, cabin 6' headroom, very nice.

The 31 handles a little better and feels a little sportier.

Perhaps BN will post, he's owned both.

I have had both models a 1995 35 ss and now I have a 2002 31 ss. (The '99 35 should be the same as the '95)

As GO4BROKE said, the 35 ss has a much bigger cockpit than the 31 ss. To put it in perspective, you can easily put a normal size large cooler the long way in between the back of the bolster seats and the rear bench on the 35, the 31 will allow you to put it the short way.

The 35 has more freeboard. The 35 has a little more head room in the cabin. Both are very comfortable to spend the weekend on.

The 31 has a factory installed slide out that makes a bed out of the couches. You will have to do something custom if you want to make a bed out of the 35 ss couches.

Also the 35 ss has bigger swim platform and sun pad.

As far as handling, both are great rough water boats. I would compare the 35 and say that it rides and handles like a Cadillac and the 31 rides and handles like a Corvette.

It all depends on where you boat. Of course bigger is always better when it comes to big water, but I would go out in any conditions in my 31 that I would go out in my 35 in, you just need to "drive" a little more.

Here, see for yourself:

1995 35 ss (Love Machine's now)
http://www.powerboatusa.com/35sonic/35ss.htm

2002 31 ss (mine)
http://www.powerboatusa.com/31sonic/31sonic.html

bn thats a real nice 31 sonic you have !! did it come from the factory with the tv, ac/heat and refrig. ?i'm leaning my self toward the 31 with 496 ho's or 500efi's .the 35 is nice but not necessary for my needs.i really don't need the cabin height of the 35 because i don't use it enough just to overnite once in a while . bn how fast will your 31 run with 496 mags?