New in LA (lower AL). R5 newbie

[Southernboatman]

Bought a new 2017 R5 with Volvo 300hp to take delv soon. My 3rd Volvo and most hp to date. In 80's Had a 260hp on older boat same 25' size and almost exact 4900lb dry wt and it was super in performance, pulled skiers fine, 8-10 people in boat no problem, ran 48 mph. Never a problem with power. Are horses smaller than they used to be? Any Feedback appreciated!

[Big Block Power]

Performance in today's engines are much more superior than those engines. Technology has greatly improved them. I'm still a firm believer in getting the largest engine you can. You never hear anyone say I wish I had a smaller engine. Welcome from Wisconsin and to the forum.

[Southernboatman]

Hello big block...been reading your stuff a lot the past few days. I'm a Detroit transplant to AL. I was a get the biggest engine person but now don't feel like I need it. I do hear almost everyone complaining about cost of fuel and gophers used, especially in the biggest motors and boats (and everything else). If this 300 performs as well or better I'll be happy.

[liquid]

Welcome to the forum, should be adequately powered IMO.

[AL Boater]

Hello fellow AL boat owner. Interestingly, I took delivery of the same boat about 3 weeks ago. R5 with the 300. We've had it out three times, latest with 8 adults/kids on board. I thought the VP engine torque/hp curves were telling, and helped me better understand the trades between hp/torque/top speed/price/fuel economy. I have no regrets with the 300 for my purposes. It runs 46-48 with 4-8 people aboard. Pulls 3 tubers and is very responsive accelerating through a tight turn. Gets on plane quickly.

[Southernboatman]

Very good news and thanks! What I expect. Hope you like yours as much as expected!

[Tuscany]

Congrats. A fellow 17' owner.
I'm a little jealous that you are hitting the water!
I still have little over a month to go before my boat leaves Neodesha.

[Southernboatman]

Congrats. A fellow 17' owner.
I'm a little jealous that you are hitting the water!
I still have little over a month to go before my boat leaves Neodesha.

Thanks Tuscany. Will update with a pic soon.

[Southernboatman]

Hello fellow AL boat owner. Interestingly, I took delivery of the same boat about 3 weeks ago. R5 with the 300. We've had it out three times, latest with 8 adults/kids on board. I thought the VP engine torque/hp curves were telling, and helped me better understand the trades between hp/torque/top speed/price/fuel economy. I have no regrets with the 300 for my purposes. It runs 46-48 with 4-8 people aboard. Pulls 3 tubers and is very responsive accelerating through a tight turn. Gets on plane quickly.

Did you happen to get trim tabs?

[Southernboatman]

Welcome to the forum, should be adequately powered IMO.

What I thought too. Let you know results soon.

[AL Boater]

Did not get trim tabs. Learned after the fact the auto trim assist works well.

[Southernboatman]

Ok thanks. Me either. Knew I could add if needed.

[Big Block Power]

Hello fellow AL boat owner. Interestingly, I took delivery of the same boat about 3 weeks ago. R5 with the 300. We've had it out three times, latest with 8 adults/kids on board. I thought the VP engine torque/hp curves were telling, and helped me better understand the trades between hp/torque/top speed/price/fuel economy. I have no regrets with the 300 for my purposes. It runs 46-48 with 4-8 people aboard. Pulls 3 tubers and is very responsive accelerating through a tight turn. Gets on plane quickly.

That's all good to hear. Prices on fuel I can't complain gas is pretty cheap up here. Should be able to get ethanol free gas for around $2.50 /gal. I really think my bb is very efficient. I think it's as good as my 350 engines. It gets on plane quicker and just cruises At a lower rpm. As long as I don't hold her wot it's all good. These new DI engines are going to be even more efficient and more powerful. It's a good thing for this industry. Again the way we all boat is different and what we all think is good is all different. I wasn't overly happy with the 8.1 375hp the 420 hp is totally different. It's amazing what gear ratio, propping and only 45more hp can make.

[Tuscany]

I owned a 233 Chaparral deck boat for years with a 5.0L 240 hp Alpha. In all truthfulness, I never had a complaint, eventhough is was a small engine. We had a ton of fun with that boat, and towed my kids for hundreds of miles with no problem.
That was my first boat. My opinion may change the day I crack the throttle on our new boat...

[Big Block Power]

Maybe you can update more in here Southern how is the 380? How is the boat. likes dislikes.
Congrats on her