Recommendations for new R8 Surf Build

[dustinm]

I like the Rudder indicator also. Use it frequently, required no, helpful yes. Getting ready to take off with a surfer/skier, you can make sure your rudder is straight to make it easier for the person in the water.
Lots of mentions of softrac mat lifting up. My aftermarket seadek corner by swim platform came up once, a little acetone and it stuck right down and haven't had any issues since. I wonder if they don't do good prep when installing in the factory. Or maybe marine mat adhesive isn't as good as seadek? I have 250 hours on this seadek and have had dogs and tons of people on mine. I wouldn't trade it out for anything.

I believe ours has an air bubble in the center of the mat, from like you mentioned an improper install. Lets face it installing softrac at the factory doesnt take an engineer to do the job but does take some attention to detail, which the current person may not possess. With the other people claiming edges are lifting, I believe that is a prep issue which also a little attention to detail could cure. I am sure Cobalt is facing the same employee shortage everyone else is and workers are doing task they dont normally perform compounding issues.

[Snowman8]

I was wrong and you're right. The weight difference between those two engines is minimal to none.

I have that on mine, but with the swimdeck its as not important or useful as it was/would be with a "pre" swimdeck boat.




As for a VP430 being heavier than a VP 380 I would have to disagree as they use the same block/head design. Should be within a few lbs.

Our softtrac mat lifted the first weekend we used the boat. Its soft but if its not going to last why waste the money

I just want you to have the correct information. Maybe your dealer was confusing a Merc 430 (which is a big block) with the VP GM LS based engines?

Volvo also makes a 430hp engine also, it’s basically the same as the 380 with a different tune. Yes the Merc weights more but weight is a good thing in a surf boat too.

[Norris_Boating]

Appreciate the replies. Here's where I'm at.
As far as the motor, salesman has told me for my purposes the 380hp Volvo will be sufficient. This will be primarily for tow sports and surfing and cruising around the lake (I guess that covers all the things you'd do w such a boat). I have 230hp Sea Doos I can hop on if I want speed. Was told the 430 adds a bit of extra weight
As far as cover, I plan on having a drop down installed on my dock, so I wasn't planning on spending extra on a nicer cover.
Wireless charger is a must.
I'm planning on the Prisma elec folding arch.
Didn't plan on upgrading to larger screens for Garmin but had selected dual Garmin 742 XSV. I will have to do some more research between the available Garmins.
+Prem sound package w arch speakers
+Rear view Cam
+Flag pole
+Sea grass floor covering upgrade
+Swim platform lights
+Surf mat
+Sport black windshield

If you are doing a review camera, definitely recommend the bigger Garmin's.
Unless you are fishing on the Garmin the XSV probably isn't necessary. Unless I am missing something here.

[vpaul879]

Can somebody weigh in on the foldable bimini top on the arch versus the rotating sunshade. About 2+K difference between the two options.

[Krob1114]

For $2k, I didn't want to know. We never take our bimini top down, so it's not a problem.

[vpaul879]

What would you recommend if I'm getting the prisma arch, should i get the sunshade or the bimini?
Thanks again

Here would be my list of options:

VP380
Mooring Cover (Very quick to put on by yourself, maybe 5 minutes tops)
Glass Cockpit, Dual Garmin 8610 (I've seen a new R series with the small Garmins and it just looks weird)
Wireless phone charger
Either Platinum Sound w/Transom & Arch or Premium w/Transom & Arch (all depends on how much of an audio person you are. I have Platinum and it really rocks!)
Speaker Covers
Stereo Remote, Transom
Satellite Radio (good for just setting it and forgetting it)
Camera, Rear Facing (we use this every time someone is surfing)
Flagpole (Nice to fly your alumni flag but does get in the way of surf rope)
Wakeboard Racks, Triton
Bow Filler Cushions (Primarily got to fill in the space on the starboard side because of seating design change. Now we leave in all three pieces because three adults can stretch out when installed)
Battery Maintainer/Charger
Fire Extinguisher, Automatic
Trim Tabs

I would consider the above to be my must have. Other things to consider that I have on my R6S are:

Cobalt Lettering Satin Black (for the black out effect)
Windshield, Sport Black Alum (for the black out effect)

Underwater Lighting, RGB
Swim Platform Transom Lighting
LED Interior Accent Lighting
(have only used these 1 time in the last month. We don't do a lot of boating at night or dusk)

Transom Tilt (haven't used yet)

Beehive Interior Accent Pkg (get lots of compliments on this. Adds sporty look)
Soft-Trac Mat (My final decision on our boat. Went back and forth between this and Seagrass option. We had Seagrass on our R5. Super simply to quickly unsnap and clean with our portable vacuum we keep onboard. However coupled with the Beehive Interior option I felt like the Soft-Trac Mat really brought the whole interior together for a more sporty look.)

Windlass Anchor (Really expensive option! I'm still really nervous about getting it stuck but haven't so far. Currently there is no way to determine how much chain you have let out. Someone suggested putting a zip tie on the chain every 5-10')

If you have any additional questions on your build please feel free to send me PM.

[vpaul879]

Sorry for the duplicate question above.
Another ?
Garmin 8610 w or wo xsv? Anybody used the sonar on xsv and is it worth it? Will be on decent size lake

[tfarmer]

We opted for the sunshade because on our R5 our bimini was always up. Also the bimini was a huge pain in the rear to take on and off and fold up. We tried this 2-3 times the first year we owned the boat and decided the second year that we would just leave it up at the start of the season and only take it down when we pulled the boat out of the water at the end of the season. I've never found myself needing full sun over the driver's or passenger's sitting area any way.

[vpaul879]

Very helpful insight. Thank you.
I’ve watched some demo videos of the Bimini and that was my first thought was how many steps it took to deploy the thing and store it. I’m leaning towards the sunshade as well.

Thanks again. You guys are great.

We opted for the sunshade because on our R5 our bimini was always up. Also the bimini was a huge pain in the rear to take on and off and fold up. We tried this 2-3 times the first year we owned the boat and decided the second year that we would just leave it up at the start of the season and only take it down when we pulled the boat out of the water at the end of the season. I've never found myself needing full sun over the driver's or passenger's sitting area any way.