R4 430hp Volvo or Mercruiser

[ikucera]

I had the same decision when I bought my A28. I ended up with the merc 380 (not the 430) but the same engine just tuned a little differently. Great engine, but I do think the one advantage the Volvo has is it weighs several hundred lbs less and has the same HP (torque may be a little better in the merc). I’m starting to shop around for an R5 surf, and I think I will go with the Volvo 380 if possible.

[Anesslet]

For what it’s worth, my last boat was a Volvo (not a cobalt) and my CS23 from last year we went with the Merc 350. I love the Merc and am glad we went with it. It’s already been said, but definitely a better sound. And in MN there are way more Merc dealers versus Volvo….so that went into it as well.

[Big Block Power]

I had the same decision when I bought my A28. I ended up with the merc 380 (not the 430) but the same engine just tuned a little differently. Great engine, but I do think the one advantage the Volvo has is it weighs several hundred lbs less and has the same HP (torque may be a little better in the merc). I’m starting to shop around for an R5 surf, and I think I will go with the Volvo 380 if possible.

Right now in a surf boat you really only have 1 choice. Until Cobalt wakes up and offers the Merc B4 drive!