R5 - R6 Performance Numbers

[BobRae99]

Can someone explain the R5 prop chart showing two different performance numbers for the same engine, gearing, and props? Catalyzed vs non?

Did I miss the explanation?

I haven’t seen one - I could ask the dealer, but I’m considering the R6 (stern drive or surf) so not too concerned about the outgoing model. No prop chart for the surf series yet, but with the same hull and +300 lbs (over the R6 stern drive) I expect the top speed of the 430 will be in the 51 x 53 mph range, which is a bit quicker than the 51 mpg my R3/350 does. That would be quick enough for me.

[BHD]

I have an R6 Surf on order with a late December build start date. I went with the 380 HP but am now wondering if I should go with the 430 HP considering the additional 300lbs over the regular R6 and 1000lbs + over the R5 Surf. New to surfing and moving from a 2007 SR 250 SLX with the 496 HO. Any insight is appreciated.

[BobRae99]

I have an R6 Surf on order with a late December build start date. I went with the 380 HP but am now wondering if I should go with the 430 HP considering the additional 300lbs over the regular R6 and 1000lbs + over the R5 Surf. New to surfing and moving from a 2007 SR 250 SLX with the 496 HO. Any insight is appreciated.

The R6 prop chart doesn’t show much of a difference in time to plane or top speed and we don’t have any power/torque charts to tell us what rpm the engine will be turning at 10.5 mph, full ballast tanks and a full complement of passengers and gear. If it is turning at a point where the 430 is producing more torque than the 380 then it might be worth considering.

You might talk to Cobalt about this although when I last spoke to them in 2019, they didn’t have the information and Volvo wouldn’t provide it, so it’s hard to make an informed decision.

A well equipped R6 Surf with sound, electric folding, electric head, windlass and trim tabs is well north of $200,000 so for another $9,000 I think I’d spec the 430. Not that is tells us anything but I notice the red/frost R6 in the features video was equipped with a 430.

[lespaulrob]

I have an R6 Surf on order with a late December build start date. I went with the 380 HP but am now wondering if I should go with the 430 HP considering the additional 300lbs over the regular R6 and 1000lbs + over the R5 Surf. New to surfing and moving from a 2007 SR 250 SLX with the 496 HO. Any insight is appreciated.

I have one on order too. My sales guy is in one of the videos they published on YouTube when he went down to test it and says the 380 is PLENTY. He said they were on one that was loaded down with people and they filled the ballasts and took it up to 46 MPH with the ballasts full. That said, I am going with the 380 as I firmly believe it will be enough for at least my case.

[BHD]

Thank you for the info. After speaking with Cobalt and my dealer, I too am going to go with the 380.

[Big Block Power]

I have an R6 Surf on order with a late December build start date. I went with the 380 HP but am now wondering if I should go with the 430 HP considering the additional 300lbs over the regular R6 and 1000lbs + over the R5 Surf. New to surfing and moving from a 2007 SR 250 SLX with the 496 HO. Any insight is appreciated.

I have one on order too. My sales guy is in one of the videos they published on YouTube when he went down to test it and says the 380 is PLENTY. He said they were on one that was loaded down with people and they filled the ballasts and took it up to 46 MPH with the ballasts full. That said, I am going with the 380 as I firmly believe it will be enough for at least my case.

He went over to table rock lake? Cool.

[lespaulrob]

He went over to table rock lake? Cool.

This was down in Orlando last weekend.

[carrera]

Thank you for the info. After speaking with Cobalt and my dealer, I too am going to go with the 380.

Same for me at Tahoe.

[NautiGirl]

Brining this one back to life. We are looking at a possible R5 upgrade. I love the idea of the big block, assuming BBP will let me join the club, I believe there is an admission process, forms to fill out, may even be a vote to get in.

That said BobRae it looks like the 8.2 Merc/Bravo 3X combo is the slowest to plane. I don't want to potentially wait that extra .7 to get up out of the water. That time is going to add up, and is time in my life I will never get back.

What do you think Bob? Is the VP 380hp the better choice? Is the Small Block club the one to be in? Those VP 380 performance numbers are attractive. Plus think of the fuel savings over the Big Block. What do you guys think?

[Big Block Power]

I say keep your old boat with the small block! Specs and boater magazine shows it's a full 1.85 secs faster on plane and a good 3.65mph faster on top end.
Jeff aka Mr Nauti to those that don't know, you will also need Auth to join the black boat brigade as well!

[NautiGirl]

I say keep your old boat with the small block! Specs and boater magazine shows it's a full 1.85 secs faster on plane and and a good 3.65mph faster on top end.

Proof or it didn't happen. I'll need you to pull the 2007 Issue of Boater Magazine out of your archives and show me the Cobalt 222 Test Results.

I'll be waiting.

[BobRae99]

Brining this one back to life. We are looking at a possible R5 upgrade. I love the idea of the big block, assuming BBP will let me join the club, I believe there is an admission process, forms to fill out, may even be a vote to get in.

That said BobRae it looks like the 8.2 Merc/Bravo 3X combo is the slowest to plane. I don't want to potentially wait that extra .7 to get up out of the water. That time is going to add up, and is time in my life I will never get back.

What do you think Bob? Is the VP 380hp the better choice? Is the Small Block club the one to be in? Those VP 380 performance numbers are attractive. Plus think of the fuel savings over the Big Block. What do you guys think?

R6 or R6 Surf?

[NautiGirl]

Brining this one back to life. We are looking at a possible R5 upgrade. I love the idea of the big block, assuming BBP will let me join the club, I believe there is an admission process, forms to fill out, may even be a vote to get in.

That said BobRae it looks like the 8.2 Merc/Bravo 3X combo is the slowest to plane. I don't want to potentially wait that extra .7 to get up out of the water. That time is going to add up, and is time in my life I will never get back.

What do you think Bob? Is the VP 380hp the better choice? Is the Small Block club the one to be in? Those VP 380 performance numbers are attractive. Plus think of the fuel savings over the Big Block. What do you guys think?

R6 or R6 Surf?

Standard R5 actually. Not sure if that changes things, I do know its a lot lighter than the R6.

[BobRae99]

Brining this one back to life. We are looking at a possible R5 upgrade. I love the idea of the big block, assuming BBP will let me join the club, I believe there is an admission process, forms to fill out, may even be a vote to get in.

That said BobRae it looks like the 8.2 Merc/Bravo 3X combo is the slowest to plane. I don't want to potentially wait that extra .7 to get up out of the water. That time is going to add up, and is time in my life I will never get back.

What do you think Bob? Is the VP 380hp the better choice? Is the Small Block club the one to be in? Those VP 380 performance numbers are attractive. Plus think of the fuel savings over the Big Block. What do you guys think?

R6 or R6 Surf?

Standard R5 actually. Not sure if that changes things, I do know its a lot lighter than the R6.

I think an R5 with a VP380 would be a great performer. The slower time to plane isn't really a big deal in itself, but it is an indicator as to how "snappy" the boat will feel. The VP is lighter than the equivalent Merc by several hundred pounds which makes a difference. The higher revving VP engines are super responsive in the mid range. My R3 with a VP350 is super quick to plane (under 3 seconds) and pushing the throttle forward while cruising at 30 mph can throw people back in the boat if they aren't prepared. There are fun engines.