R3 or R5 ?

[hutchug]

hutchug • 1 minute ago
Trying to decide between an R3 and R5 - Besides the obvious and price difference, any comments or thoughts?

[tgrace98]

Really all comes down to how you plan to use it and where you will use it

Will you always be towing it?
How many people do you normally take out?
What size boats do you normally see on your lake or river?

Really the main difference is size. Obviously the r5 has more room and has more weight so it will handle larger wake.

If it’s going to be lift kept I’d go with the r5. If you are always hauling it around I’d go with the r3 because it will be easier to tow. Where I boat is in the Ozark mountains so towing my 262 is a complete pain. so I don’t even have a trailer for it and it just stays on a lift at the covered dock.

[jhnmdahl]

The big difference from my perspective is that the R5 has a toilet that can also be used as a little changing room while out and about. More similar than different apart from that, I think.

I would go sit in them and walk around in them to decide - I was sure we'd be deciding between a 22-23' model and we ended up realizing the dual captain's chairs and smaller size of the 210 was perfect for our needs.

[Big Block Power]

Get a r3 dreamsicle Wss with a 430 and captain's call. Just so I can buy it in a few years.
Great boats either way can't go wrong. Really matters on how you will be using it like the tgrace said.

[AsLan7]

Hey hutchug. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!

As others have mentioned, how you plan on using her is a big factor. Bigger water vs small. Cruising vs water sports. Just a few folks or many passengers. Etc.

You’ll have a future buyer for sure if you get a monster powered dreamsicle.

Again, welcome aboard mate!

.

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma! The solution to your problem is obvious. Get both.

[NautiGirl]

What are you currently boating with now? Are you wanting to upgrade or change size in any way? Is money not a factor? If not, go R5 as no one has ever said my boat is too big, or too fast for that matter...unless you are some of these boys that say their boat idles too fast

Go big or go home or as big as your wallet allows!

[NautiGirl]

Mr. Nauti Here -

I was squarely in the "our next boat will be an r3 camp"...which did make the wife sad after all you can't go down in boat size. Her rule not mine.

After standing on both the R3 and R5 at the boat show - no contest R5 will be our next boat. Tons more storage and the layout just works better if that makes sense. As far as towing there is only a 450lb difference in dry weight between the two so unless you are towing with a smaller SUV it shouldnt be an issue.

R5 and for God's sake get one of the larger V8's. Browse some threads around this place, no one ever says "man my boat is too fast" but there are a ton of "my boat will only hit 40mph whats wrong" threads. You can save gas by keeping your hand out of the throttle...yeah right lol.

[Bfun220]

After standing on both the R3 and R5 at the boat show - no contest R5 will be our next boat. Tons more storage and the layout just works better if that makes sense. As far as towing there is only a 450lb difference in dry weight between the two so unless you are towing with a smaller SUV it shouldnt be an issue.

+1

[BIGGUSBLOCKUS]

A good question to ask first is "What boat do you have now?"

I'd say if cost is not really a big factor, then get the R5. Very seldom does someone say they wish they got the smaller, cheaper and less powerful boat.

[Ytmsn]

Mr. Nauti Here -

I was squarely in the "our next boat will be an r3 camp"...which did make the wife sad after all you can't go down in boat size. Her rule not mine.

After standing on both the R3 and R5 at the boat show - no contest R5 will be our next boat. Tons more storage and the layout just works better if that makes sense. As far as towing there is only a 450lb difference in dry weight between the two so unless you are towing with a smaller SUV it shouldnt be an issue.

R5 and for God's sake get one of the larger V8's. Browse some threads around this place, no one ever says "man my boat is too fast" but there are a ton of "my boat will only hit 40mph whats wrong" threads. You can save gas by keeping your hand out of the throttle...yeah right lol.

Well said Jeef

[Tuscany]

If you are going to buy a brand new boat, you will be keeping it for awhile. Buy what fits your family comfortably. The couple bucks you think you are saving? You will be constantly revisiting your decision if your boat is too small.

[hutchug]

Thanks! Really some solid advice and this is helping. I think the R5 may be the way to go. Does anyone know the difference in TopSpeed between the 300 and 380 hp Volvo?

[hutchug]

Thanks everyone. I think the R5 may be the way to go based on what I’ve been reading and I was leaning that way anyway. My dealer here in Grand Rapids Michigan has the choice of a 300 or 380 hp. A little bit of a price difference but anyone know the difference in top end speed of the two engines?

[Big Block Power]

Thanks everyone. I think the R5 may be the way to go based on what I’ve been reading and I was leaning that way anyway. My dealer here in Grand Rapids Michigan has the choice of a 300 or 380 hp. A little bit of a price difference but anyone know the difference in top end speed of the two engines?

I would go with the smaller 300. The saying goes I rather a smaller engine!

There within a mile or two. Speed isn't why you buy a Cobalt.