New R8 Surf

[Big Block Power]

I've written to Volvo Penta but they just won't provide the information for the 6.2. Has Mercruiser published its information? I notice that the torque curve for the 430 (6.0 above) is reasonably flat with about 90% of the max available at 2,000 RPM.

The V8 300/350 5.3 torque curves are exactly the same until 4,600 RPM at which point the 300 drops off and the 350 continues to climb some. That indicates to me that the 300 and 350 powered boat will have the same time to plane but the 350 will show snappier mid range and a higher top speed (assuming the same props).

The question is whether the 380/430 follow the same power/torque profile as the smaller engines? If they do, with the same props, there should be no difference between the two engines getting up on plane or pulling a skier up or moving the boat through water at low speeds fully ballasted, again showing snappier mid range, especially with a loaded boat. Perhaps that is why my dealer advised me to get a 380 on the R6 Surf.

Somehow on the R8, I'd be inclined to give Cobalt the $10,000 for the 430 just to erase any lingering doubt.

You can't compare the 6.0 to the 6.2 two totally different animals.
I'm just saying if you can afford it get it. Who cares what the Salesperson or magazine says. It's your boat. Plus you will get most of that back when you trade it in a year later or 2.
Get the power. It's there for a reason. And that ecu is worth every dime.

[Lifelongbtr]

I’ve been looking used and it seems I have numerous options on a 380hp R7 surf. I’m curious if the ecm can be swapped, even if it’s $10k after the fact, is this even possible?

My boat will be loaded 90% of the time, 12-15 people, that’s what I’m most concerned with. My current boat does about 55 at 120’ elevation, about 45 at 6200’ with 1-2 people. Add in the people and those numbers drop about 8mph.

Any experience with loaded down R7 surfs with the 380?

Another question, I was told years ago that Cobalts were ordered with “high altitude injectors” as an option at the local dealer….thus don’t buy anywhere else as they don’t order them this way. This was before the new gen engines. I’m not sure if this is a thing, or was, has anyone heard of this? I will use the boat at 6200’ loaded down, not sure if the 430 will help getting to plane or not. I don’t need to go faster than 40-45 loaded down.

[Big Block Power]

You won't be able to buy the 430 ecu just saying.
The 380 will do everything you need it to. No one has complained in 3 years that the 380 wasnt enough. If you look at the specs the 380 is better. Ok I didn't say that they did
Ok back to reality. No you can't buy HA injectors. Go buy it and enjoy your summer!

[Ezed63]

Quick question:
What % off list did the dealer offer?

[bcv_23]

I put an order for an R8 Surf on last November and after a lot of delays the dealer confirmed me that the production was starting 4/13/21, does anybody know how much time it takes to complete the build?

I was told by a Cobalt sales manager they are still able to produce a boat in 8-10 weeks once it is started. The problem is the backlog not the actual process if that makes sense

[2018R7Surf]

Happy to share my build sheet. I would always get the cheapest pump[ out head at a minimum for resale. We did most options. We did not order the table as we have had it on the last 3 cobalts and never use it. We also didn't do the sink or the transom shower. Dont order the soft cooler as you can buy exact one from mulesoft for $220. I also dont order the inflator anymore as they sell on amazon for 1/2 the price. If you want a complete lounger seat on the starboard bow, you must order the entire bow filler option. My r7 surf allowed you to order the lounge fill cushion w/o the middle one.

We did experiment with a new option for us and we ordered the heater. Love to hear if anyone esle has ordered a heater in a cobalt as i have a few weeks to remove this if it is worthless.

[Sierra588]

Heater is great for the captain, but not worth the cost IMO. There’s only 1 extension hose in cockpit and family said it didn’t do much.

[2018R7Surf]

Heater is great for the captain, but not worth the cost IMO. There’s only 1 extension hose in cockpit and family said it didn’t do much.

Ty