R6 Surf vs Sterndrive - Engine Choices

[BobRae99]

Hi All,

I'm meeting with my dealer this week to discuss a 2023 R6 (not sure if it will be a Surf model) which I'm told would arrive this August (at the earliest).

I'd spec the boat with a minimum 380HP but am still wondering about the 430. I have the prop chart information for both 380/430 as well as the equivalent Mercruiser:

R6 VP380 DP 54.8@6100 RPM - 4.1 seconds to plane
R6 MC380 DP 52.2@5050 RPM - 4.4 seconds to plane

R6 VP430 DP 55.5@5950 RPM - 4.2 seconds to plane
R6 MC430 DP 53.9@5070 RPM - 5.7 seconds to plane

It seems to me that if you aren't bothered by the higher engine speeds, the VP is a better choice, both in top speed and time to plane (especially when looking at the MC430).

I haven't seen any published performance data for the Surf boats; VP FWD and MC FWD isn't currently available for the R6 Surf.

I'm sort of leaning towards a stern drive version. Firstly, there is someone in our boating group with a Centurion Surf boat so I always have a Surfing option, and secondly, I've yet to see an independent review of the Cobalt R6 surf wave by someone who is an experienced surfer (and not paid by Cobalt). It's one think to spend the extra money on a Surf version, but if the wave isn't great, I'd rather option out a stern drive.

Thoughts?

[Table Rockin]

I think the thought for awhile on here has been the 380 and 430 aren't much different other than top end. Thus most opt for the 380 from what I've seen (more bang for buck). Now, I could see the 430 being more advantageous with a boat full of people but how much better I have no idea.

Agreed on the new surf versions. I've looked for those too and cant seem to find anyone just posting their own recently purchased boat's review.

To be honest, from your other posts you don't seem like the kind of guy who would get much benefit for the extra thousands you'll be spending with the 430. I assure you I mean no offense....pragmatism is a lost trait these days.

[dustinm]

Bob My thoughts are the only reason to get an even R is for surfing.
As for engines the only reason to get the highest HP of each displacement (350 or 430) is if you spend a lot of time shooting for high MPH or KPH in your case on the water.

[BobRae99]

Bob My thoughts are the only reason to get an even R is for surfing.
As for engines the only reason to get the highest HP of each displacement (350 or 430) is if you spend a lot of time shooting for high MPH or KPH in your case on the water.

I'm considering R6 sterndrive, to get a bit more length (2') with the additional seating area and a head compartment, which while seldom used by most, would extend the time we could spend out on the lake without having to motor back to the marina. The Surf is getting to the top end of this year's boat budget and I'd be gutted if I discovered the wave was either too small or didn't have enough push to qualify it as a true Surf boat. In that case, I'd be happier with the sterndrive version.

[Big Block Power]

Bob
You know I just want you to get a 430 just so I can hear you say BBP you were right

Honestly I think from what I've heard and seen with the new surf model you and your family would be very happy. And if I was you I would order a 2024 and use your r3 this summer as you won't get to use the r6 anyways this year.
Hopefully by then you can get Merc power and a BB I honestly think that will be the ticket for these boats

[Table Rockin]

So I have actually found an amateur video. You tell me if it helps. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qe_pXdmAdX8

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[Krob1114]

I'd like to see someone that is 6'2", 245 lbs, and 69 years old surfing this.
(Is that too specific?)

[Big Block Power]

I'd like to see someone that is 6'2", 245 lbs, and 69 years old surfing this.
(Is that too specific?)

You need to go on a diet

[dustinm]

I'd like to see someone that is 6'2", 245 lbs, and 69 years old surfing this.
(Is that too specific?)

All I could find was 6'2", 243 lbs 69 years old.... I sure if we keep looking we'll find one

[Table Rockin]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ihlaGBOSrKI
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[Soonerfan]

I'd like to see someone that is 6'2", 245 lbs, and 69 years old surfing this.
(Is that too specific?)

I'm 6'0, 55, and 225 pounds and surfed regularly behind my R7S. I haven't had the R8S out yet but from what I hear the wake is taller and longer along with more weight in the boat and a better surf system than my previous boat. I believe these factors will only help with the wave. That wave looked a lot longer than my R7S.

[dsthomas]

I’m 6’2” and 250 and I was able to surf without a rope behind our R7S. My son and I caught a warm day last week and took out our R8S. We didn’t get in the water it was 48 degrees. But we did check out the surf wave and it’s substantially larger and longer than our old boat. Can’t wait to get out on it.

[lespaulrob]

Hey, that amateur video is MY BOAT! lol! Here's my older son who's 6'3, 250...He's 17, though. lol!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9t0MUjMos4
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I'd like to see someone that is 6'2", 245 lbs, and 69 years old surfing this.
(Is that too specific?)

[BobRae99]

Hey Les, With boat show season in full swing I've turned my attention to considering an R6 Surf again. While I like the Malibu and especially the Nautique G23, neither of those boats are suitable for the large body of water I boat on, which can often be pretty rough. We do get many evenings with calm conditions so I was thinking an R6 Surf model might be best for me. My concern is wave height, length and push. Now that you've had a full season, a more detailed experience about wave quality, handling with the FWD drive, etc would really be appreciated. Thanks, B

[dsthomas]

Hey Les, With boat show season in full swing I've turned my attention to considering an R6 Surf again. While I like the Malibu and especially the Nautique G23, neither of those boats are suitable for the large body of water I boat on, which can often be pretty rough. We do get many evenings with calm conditions so I was thinking an R6 Surf model might be best for me. My concern is wave height, length and push. Now that you've had a full season, a more detailed experience about wave quality, handling with the FWD drive, etc would really be appreciated. Thanks, B

Bob... I know you didn't ask me, and I have an R8S not an R6S so I don't know if that makes a difference not being a direct comparison to an R6. I will tell you that I've had a year with my R8S last year and after a year I'm VERY Pleased with the wave. I'm coming from an R7 Surf and Ive spent a lot of time behind a Mastercraft X23. The R7S I couldn't really surf the wave without a full boat load of people or taking time to fill an additional fat sac if there was just a few people in the boat. This R8S I can surf with just my wife and son in the boat and I don't even have the wave on the highest setting. I usually surf with 80% ballast and drive setting at 3 (I believe it goes up to 7!!). My wife and son surf with 50% ballast and 1 on the PTA. I'm 6'3 and 250 lbs. I feel like the wave really is competitive to dedicated surf boats... it's every bit as good as the mastercraft x23.

If you don't have any professional surf aspirations I really think you'll be pleased.