Volvo vs. Monsoon

[fsts2k]

We are ordering a new R8 Surf in the next few days. We had an R8 Surf last year that had the Volvo with 380hp; was great. As we are ordering this new boat and it appears that there is an option for a 430 hp Monsoon engine.

I was going to upgrade to the 430 Volvo.. but are there any perspectives on one engine supplier vs. the other? I liked the Volvo.. but we only did about 20 hours on it.

Also, does anyone know what the Beehive interior option is? I can't find any detail on it.

Thanks
Kevin

[billk2632]

My dealer just got an R4 Surf, Monsoon 350 (5.3) with a Mercruisers Bravo 4 forward drive. I like the way the Monsoon package looks and how all the service items are on the front and easy to access - but have not run one so can’t speak to performance. Mercruiser outdrives are proven and reliable though.

[fsts2k]

Thanks, going to go with the Volvo.. first year with the Monsoon and not sure it makes sense to try out anything different than what worked earlier.

[stifflkd]

They both use the same base engine package; i.e. GM Gen V. Comes down to whether you prefer the VP or Merc outdrive. However as the major intent, isn't the Monsoon option a much lower cost than the VP? With that said I would tend to lean toward VP. I question how a new engine package will be economically viable with only two OEM's with one (Cobalt) transitioning to OB's.

[jhnmdahl]

Thanks, going to go with the Volvo.. first year with the Monsoon and not sure it makes sense to try out anything different than what worked earlier.

Monsoon's been around for a few years in the Malibu boat line, and is likely pretty low risk at this point. As others have mentioned, the same GM blocks are used to build the engines around, so it's largely a matter of what outdrives or added components you might prefer.

[NautiGirl]

The monsoon options are considerably cheaper, I assume two reasons - cobalt is trying to push them, and because they are an in house built option. Here is R6 pricing:

monsoon.png

My only issue is I personally don't like the 5.3 block in a boat. The 6.2 is just a better powerplant.

There is a pretty sizable gap in the monsoon offering, 350hp 5.3 is too little....430hp 6.2 is too large - I know I cant believe I said it either - but If I am considering a 430hp small block I would rather do a 8.2 Merc big block.

A 380hp 6.2 block Monsoon would be perfect, but alas it doesn't exist.

Who am I kidding, buy the Merc Big Block.