R3 with 300hp Volvo Penta - Top Speed 48.5 mph

[D16RR]

Figured I would put this out there as I have not seen any info on the 300hp motor . I was able to get out on the lake today as everyone seems to be working and kids are back in school here in Georgia. Minimal people on the lake for sure.

With the lake \ somewhat flat today and minimal wind, I figured I would try and open the boat up a bit and see if I could get a good top speed run.

The boat is a 2018 R3 with the Volvo Penta 300hp EVC with Dual Prop and no trim tabs. I had the engine trimmed out to about 16 degrees and three adults with a full tank of gas and about 20 hours on the engine.

Was able to hold 48 to 48.5 mph consistently for the majority of the stretches. Sometimes I would see a 47 or a 49 here or there, but for the most part, held strong in the 48s.

Hope this helps anyone who is considering the 300hp. Boat ran strong all day...starting to break in nicely now.

[cmattj]

Just reading the post DCL had as comparison. These are some strong running small blocks.
Do you know your gear ratio on the outdrive and what prop set is on?

I see a 220 Vs R3 face off coming

Great numbers for 300hp!!

[Fun2Fish]

Love the mid - range power of the new 300hp. Feels a lot stronger than the 7.4 454 310hp we had in our 226.

[Southernboatman]

Sweet D16!

[sailor55330]

While I haven't done a true "speed run", I would say that those numbers are pretty realistic. I have seen upper 40's easily. I think 50 may be a little out of reach unless perfect conditions and minimal load on board--but you have to remember, these boats have a fair amount of weight to them. We're pushing close to 5,000 through the water. Out of the hole, it bites hard and will definitely knock you off your feet if you aren't holding on. At 20-30, it's got a serious punch. It continues to climb steady till the low to mid 40's, topping out much as D16 indicates.

I don't particularly care for the exhaust note---it's a little loud for me and higher pitched than I care for.

[BobRae99]

Do you think the R3 would break the 50 mph mark with a VP 350 DP?

[sailor55330]

Do you think the R3 would break the 50 mph mark with a VP 350 DP?

I'm taking a pure guess here, but yes. it's pretty darn close to 50mph now. I'd say the question is not whether the R3 will break 50mph with the VP 350, but rather is 1.5 mph worth $6500 plus tax? Tough call for me. I guess there would be bragging rights, but without instrumentation, that would not be noticeable by the seat of the pants. I think I could find $6k of options that I probably liked more than 1 mph.

Only my .02

[BobRae99]

Do you think the R3 would break the 50 mph mark with a VP 350 DP?

I'm taking a pure guess here, but yes. it's pretty darn close to 50mph now. I'd say the question is not whether the R3 will break 50mph with the VP 350, but rather is 1.5 mph worth $6500 plus tax? Tough call for me. I guess there would be bragging rights, but without instrumentation, that would not be noticeable by the seat of the pants. I think I could find $6k of options that I probably liked more than 1 mph.

Only my .02

I'm just trying to figure all this stuff out. I have a 2016 210 with a V6/280 DP and many people were of the opinion that it might be underpowered when loaded, but for my use, carrying 6 adults and pulling a 180 lb skier out of the water on a wakeboard, the boat has more than enough power. Speed wise, It tops out around 45. I never cruise at that speed anyway, usually around 30 mph. Still, they sell the R3 with a V8/300 standard with power options up to 430. So, if speed isn't much different between a 300, 350 and 380, etc. why does one opt for the larger engine. Not being critical, just trying to understand. I really like my boat, but wonder whether an R3 might not be a better boat for us - just a bit more room and freeboard. I'm considering trading up next moth if I find the right deal.

[Big Block Power]

Do you think the R3 would break the 50 mph mark with a VP 350 DP?

I'm taking a pure guess here, but yes. it's pretty darn close to 50mph now. I'd say the question is not whether the R3 will break 50mph with the VP 350, but rather is 1.5 mph worth $6500 plus tax? Tough call for me. I guess there would be bragging rights, but without instrumentation, that would not be noticeable by the seat of the pants. I think I could find $6k of options that I probably liked more than 1 mph.

Only my .02

I'm just trying to figure all this stuff out. I have a 2016 210 with a V6/280 DP and many people were of the opinion that it might be underpowered when loaded, but for my use, carrying 6 adults and pulling a 180 lb skier out of the water on a wakeboard, the boat has more than enough power. Speed wise, It tops out around 45. I never cruise at that speed anyway, usually around 30 mph. Still, they sell the R3 with a V8/300 standard with power options up to 430. So, if speed isn't much different between a 300, 350 and 380, etc. why does one opt for the larger engine. Not being critical, just trying to understand. I really like my boat, but wonder whether an R3 might not be a better boat for us - just a bit more room and freeboard. I'm considering trading up next moth if I find the right deal.

Only way you will know is drive one like you would use it. I couldn't imagine having a 300 in my 220. Not saying there is anything wrong with them. But I had a merc 300 hp in my 200 and it was terrible. Then the volvo 320 in the 220 was much better. Then volvo 375 in a 220 so much nicer being out of the hole. Then the volvo 420 just all around better. I would love it if some of you guys would just get the 430 and cc and help us folk out. Its worth every penny.

[cmattj]

If your ever curious about investing in more power.. you’ll find you’ll recoup a large portion of that in resale.

Let me just give you the resale on a 2014 R3. Using a snap shot from NADA.

For you R series folks I used no add ons, or trailer.. Just Engine power difference.



1 with base power.



2 with a 8.2 Mag up to HO

3D5BF41B-8083-485E-AB57-E33A7CCC5DF7.png

So is it worth it going in?? You decide..


Based on knowing your recouping a majority of the investment on the next move. Makes sence to me

[Big Block Power]

Exactly. I paid 10k more for mine 15 years later. So that bb holds it value. The thing that kills value is boat and trailer bearing issues and a divorce. Easily another 10k drop. Sailor I see maybe a 40k value

[BobRae99]

So,

I get that bigger power means better retained value later, but is it the extra few miles at the top end? Or is it the extra torque at the bottom end? I mean, if the speed difference fro 300 to 380 is 3-4mph and even the smallest engine will pull up a skier with 6 adults in the boat, why do people opt for the larger engine?

I speak to one dealer in western Canada who said that in Alberta, he was unable to sell a V6 in a boat despite the performance gains for the new series VP engines (2016+).

I guess I’m about to find out whether there is a buyer out there as I’ve listed my 210 for sale.

[cmattj]

Bob. Congratulations on trading yourself upward in only 68 days . Hey I’m glad you see the next vision clearer, and are fearless in your attempt!

One thing. Dealers order boats for stock based on price and what the market is quickly selling.

Why we don’t see a ton of 8.2HO boats or 430 6.2 versions is that the majority of the public don’t know any different or don’t care.

You bought a V6.. see my point.

Now if I’m ordering a boat.. everything changes and I’m checking boxes like a drunk sailor. ( sorry sailor)

The general public doesn’t even know what captains Call is?? Or with mufflers is more?? Naaaaah makes no sence for 5 k ..

But as you are now only 68 days in in your education.. You understand what 80 percent of first time boat owners don’t.

Looking forward to seeing your next adventure!

Be drunk sailor

[NautiGirl]

So,

I get that bigger power means better retained value later, but is it the extra few miles at the top end? Or is it the extra torque at the bottom end? I mean, if the speed difference fro 300 to 380 is 3-4mph and even the smallest engine will pull up a skier with 6 adults in the boat, why do people opt for the larger engine?

I speak to one dealer in western Canada who said that in Alberta, he was unable to sell a V6 in a boat despite the performance gains for the new series VP engines (2016+).

I guess I’m about to find out whether there is a buyer out there as I’ve listed my 210 for sale.

Why do people want larger engines /w more HP? Are we really asking that? Damn man, might as well ask why is a tree good? Why is the sunset good? Why are boobs good? Why are big American V8's in boats good? They just are...they just are.

I think you got it, extra torque, not just in the bottom end but throughout the power band is the name of the game in boating. The difference between our 190 and 222 top end is minimal, they both hit about 50mph on the somewhat optimistic speedo. Where the 6.2L shines is time to plane, and its ability to push you back in the seat anywhere in the RPM range. Drive a boat /w a proper V8 not some little 5.0 but a 6.2 or 8.1, no way you are going back to a V6 power plant.

Good luck /w the 210 sale, hopefully you can find someone who will purchase it despite the fuel vapor and power steering pump issues.

[Ytmsn]

So,

I get that bigger power means better retained value later, but is it the extra few miles at the top end? Or is it the extra torque at the bottom end? I mean, if the speed difference fro 300 to 380 is 3-4mph and even the smallest engine will pull up a skier with 6 adults in the boat, why do people opt for the larger engine?

I speak to one dealer in western Canada who said that in Alberta, he was unable to sell a V6 in a boat despite the performance gains for the new series VP engines (2016+).

I guess I’m about to find out whether there is a buyer out there as I’ve listed my 210 for sale.

Why do people want larger engines /w more HP? Are we really asking that? Damn man, might as well ask why is a tree good? Why is the sunset good? Why are boobs good? Why are big American V8's in boats good? They just are...they just are.

I think you got it, extra torque, not just in the bottom end but throughout the power band is the name of the game in boating. The difference between our 190 and 222 top end is minimal, they both hit about 50mph on the somewhat optimistic speedo. Where the 6.2L shines is time to plane, and its ability to push you back in the seat anywhere in the RPM range. Drive a boat /w a proper V8 not some little 5.0 but a 6.2 or 8.1, no way you are going back to a V6 power plant.

Good luck /w the 210 sale, hopefully you can find someone who will purchase it despite the fuel vapor and power steering pump issues.

'MErica!