R5 or R7....need some opinions

[Big Block Power]

Ok I'm turning over a new leaf. Buy the smaller boat and the smaller engine you won't regret it. I heard the saying that I always wished it was 2ft short and a smaller engine.
Congrats on the R7 I hoped that worked.

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Whatev

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I did it for my buddy up north. He days I don't ever recommend the snake things in life and I scare everyone away. So I'm here to help this new member or by spending less and getting less. Or is reverse psychology

[Chrispval]

Go for an R7 and negotiate a better price. I personally would not pay for a volvo 430 unless i wanted to surf. Otherwise, put the merc in, with the 8.2. Much better engine for a fully loaded boat if you plan on taking 8-10 passengers out.
A highly equipped R7 retails for 190-195k with an 8.2 merc HO, You should be able to negotiate The price down to 135-140.
Whats the sticker price on the R7 And build sheet you have available for 150 k?
I would also start to consider an A29 if your talking about retail price of 200 k.

[Dadof3girls]

Sticker shows $202,000 but that is after adding a new trailer. It does have the Volvo 430, rear facing. This is not a surf edition. We would not be trailering it but twice a year. We are not interested in surfing on the boat.

[Chrispval]

A well equipped A29 is 220 k. Unless you want the splash and stow and a hardtop. But if your ok with a bimini and an arch and forgoing the most innovative feature (Splash and stow), you gain alot with the A29 over the R7. But its easy to spend others money.
I think you should water test all 3 boats r5/7 and a29 before buying anything. And bring the crew. A water test with 2 on board isnt worthy unless thats how you boat.

[Chrispval]

Also consider this. That R7 is seriously equipped at 202 k with that engine. It likely has almost every option.
You could probably find one built with a few less options and save 10-15 k

[AsLan7]

Sticker shows $202,000 but that is after adding a new trailer. It does have the Volvo 430, rear facing. This is not a surf edition. We would not be trailering it but twice a year. We are not interested in surfing on the boat.

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The lighter VP 6.2L small block is the latest technology from VP over the older style heavier Merc big block pushing the same horses. (Unfortunately there are no torque curves published anywhere for that VP). Still an impressive feat matching Merc’s heavier big block HP.

If it were I, the R7 would be the choice between the two. I could sleep easier knowing there are no regrets with these options....especially after the pocketbook recovers.

With the R5 you’ll always have that “I wonder what could have been with that optioned out R7.”

That being said we buy all our boats and vehicles used and fully optioned out after someone else takes the depreciation hit.

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[mdadgar]

A well equipped A29 is 220 k. Unless you want the splash and stow and a hardtop. But if your ok with a bimini and an arch and forgoing the most innovative feature (Splash and stow), you gain alot with the A29 over the R7. But its easy to spend others money.
I think you should water test all 3 boats r5/7 and a29 before buying anything. And bring the crew. A water test with 2 on board isnt worthy unless thats how you boat.

If you are going to trailer at all regularly, the A29 is not super convenient with its 9' beam.

- Mark

[Dadof3girls]

With several comments about also considering the A29 as well, one consideration is we have a slip that is 10’ wide and I don’t want to do construction on our dock to be able to fit a wider boat. With a standard beam, I won’t have any issues. We were leaning towards the R7 the minute we left. I think we would enjoy the R5, but I think I would always think about the R7. So I will explore this boat more or possibly look for a ‘18 or ‘19.

[Table Rockin]

With several comments about also considering the A29 as well, one consideration is we have a slip that is 10’ wide and I don’t want to do construction on our dock to be able to fit a wider boat. With a standard beam, I won’t have any issues. We were leaning towards the R7 the minute we left. I think we would enjoy the R5, but I think I would always think about the R7. So I will explore this boat more or possibly look for a ‘18 or ‘19.

Id say good move and good luck to you sir. Boat shopping is such a fun and exciting experience.

[akorcovelos]

With several comments about also considering the A29 as well, one consideration is we have a slip that is 10’ wide and I don’t want to do construction on our dock to be able to fit a wider boat. With a standard beam, I won’t have any issues. We were leaning towards the R7 the minute we left. I think we would enjoy the R5, but I think I would always think about the R7. So I will explore this boat more or possibly look for a ‘18 or ‘19.

Id say good move and good luck to you sir. Boat shopping is such a fun and exciting experience.

Don’t worry, BB will be along to steal all the fun of finding the right boat for you.

[Dadof3girls]

Also, with the 430 what would be expected for top speed?

[Table Rockin]

Ive never made it over high 50s. Maybe the 6.2 version will get you closer to 60. Someone else im sure will know.

[cmattj]

Also, with the 430 what would be expected for top speed?

Liking where this is headed.
To me part of having more power is “ Hearing “ more power.
That’s where going with the Merc 8.2HO will give that as the dynamics of camshaft profiles are different from the base version. ( Volvo’s 6.2 is efficient in other ways with no real world sound change).
Take a listen to a video that AK shared.
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[Big Block Power]

With several comments about also considering the A29 as well, one consideration is we have a slip that is 10’ wide and I don’t want to do construction on our dock to be able to fit a wider boat. With a standard beam, I won’t have any issues. We were leaning towards the R7 the minute we left. I think we would enjoy the R5, but I think I would always think about the R7. So I will explore this boat more or possibly look for a ‘18 or ‘19.

Id say good move and good luck to you sir. Boat shopping is such a fun and exciting experience.

Don’t worry, BB will be along to steal all the fun of finding the right boat for you.

Wait What I get to search for a R7 with a 8.2 430 cc im in!!!!!

Ok done. There isn't any!

[Big Block Power]

Ok quick search. This r7 surf doesn't even have the 430 in it and it's up there. Wow.
Don't buy a salty. This is a 2018 and only 41 hours. I'm thinking Volvo doesn't have a great handle on salt if you ask me.
You can find older 2015 and 16 with a 430 but you lose all the goodies.
Maybe did you spec your own boat out to build? How much was that one?

Ok I rely like this color combo. Perfect Florida colors.