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ordered R30 with Merc twins 350's
good or is the bump to 380 worth the cost?

To be honest, you probably would never notice the difference in 60 hp with a boat that size. And that's coming from someone that has the 380hp version in his boat.
I back that up with the fact that my buddy has a 242 with a 350hp engine, and there is no noticeable difference in takeoff speed or overall top speed (within a useable distance) between his boat and mine. Loaded similarly, and propped similarly (his is a Merc, mine is Volvo).

I don't know what the additional price is though. Also, nobody ever said they wish they had less power, or they would have been just as happy with less power, so there is that to consider as well. You can always throttle down, but you can't always add power when needed.

Sorry, I just contradicted myself within a 30 second time period.

Thanks twin 350 suffice?

My vote would be twin Volvo 6.2 380 - awesome motors!

I agree, don’t think there would much difference in performance between the 350 and 380, that boat will fly with either option

Hansy wrote: Thu Apr 27, 2023 3:43 pm ordered R30 with Merc twins 350's
good or is the bump to 380 worth the cost?

Hey Hansy. So glad you found us my friend.

You are going to make some great memories on that R30.
Twin 350's should be fine. I personally prefer more horsepower but you most likely won't notice the difference in this situation.

Be sure to post pics.

And welcome aboard mate!
.

I have the twin 380s . Love the power and speed. I think it’s more a question of do you want a VP or Merc set up? The extra HP and torque are nice, i felt the torque (400 ft. Lbs per motor vs. 390 ) increase of the Volvo over the horsepower difference.

It's easy to spend other people's money, and the 380 is a bigger block than the 350 (6.2L block instead of 5.3L) which may help with things like longevity and torque curve in addition to peak horsepower. I wouldn't jump from the 380 to 430, but if I was already at a 350 I'd be thinking hard about the 380.

I have a '13 296 with twin 377 mags/Bravo III (320hp each). (Basically the older version of the R30) No issue with power even with a full load of passengers. She does an easy cruise at about 30mph at 3,000 rpm, and will do low 40s in the low 4,000 rpm range. I have not topped it out, but on glass water I know low 50s would be achieved.
One issue on the hull is weight in the rear, I would go with the lightest twin V8 package. The swim platform tends to be a bit low in the water, particularly when you hang out on the stern and boot stripe can touch the water line when the fuel tank is on the full side.
Other than that, we absolutely love the boat, great, safe feeling bow rider for rougher bodies of water.

We have a new R30 with the twin VP 350s and absolutely love our boat. I personally think that the VP 350s are the sweet spot for motors on this boat. Something else to consider is the winterization aspect of the Volvo vs Merc. This allows us the option of a late or early season ride on the water when a lot of boats have been put up for the winter.

Hap Maguire

Love my 6.2 - 380 - very torquey motor and I only have one! If the Merc doesn't have the quick drain that would be a deal breaker for me.