R5 (2019) w/350hp Penta - mid-altitude question

[Jesse H]

New to the forum here. Love it.

I know this topic is a common one, but still not sure I'm confident in what to expect. Bought a used 2019 R5 from a dealer in Houston, and just had it delivered to our little lake place in Nebraska this past weekend (4/22/23). The lake is at about 3200ft above sea level. The only used R5 options we found, that fit our likings/budget, were either the big motor w/higher engine hours, or lower hours, but w/the 350hp. We chose the latter, after quite a bit of research.

I learned the Gen 5 Volvo Penta has solid reviews, making up for its smaller 5.3L stature with direct injection as well as the Variable Valve Timing. I also know The ECM, oxygen sensor and VVT adjust for altitude. Again, I know this topic has been beat to a pulp, but does anyone have the 350hp in an R5, and experience at a slightly higher altitude? We already bought it, so there's no going back, but I'm curious what to expect (out of the hole, top speed, etc.) when I finally/eagerly get a chance to get out there and take it for a whirl. We mostly use the boat for pleasure cruising w/friends, but certainly do pull the occasional tuber or wakeboarder/skier (it has the Cobalt tower), usually w/4-5 people in the boat, at most.

I also know there's little difference between the 300hp and 350hp, so I'm hoping that VVT helps w/torque. We're selling our 2016 Four Winns H230SS and I can't imagine that 6.2L 300hp MercCruiser would be anywhere near enough for the much heavier R5.

Thank you in advance, and glad to be a part of this forum!
Jesse

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us Jesse.

Since I have not tested those engines I can't answer your question. I'm sure someone will chime in shortly though.

Any pics of this R5?

And welcome aboard mate.
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[Jesse H]

trying to figure out how to add an image. Haha. Seems one needs to be a developer/coder to paste on this type of site. User error on my end, I'm sure. Haha! If it worked, this is it. Still have yet to see it in-person, as it was delivered to our lake spot 3hrs from Denver, where we live. Bought it by looking at pics and over the tel and internet. Fingers crossed! Dealership has a good reputation.

[Krob1114]

Welcome. Beautiful boat. Similar to our R3 except our bottom is navy blue.
I don't think altitude should affect performance that much.
Bet you're really looking forward to the summer.

[stifflkd]

I have a '21 R5 with the 350 DP and tower and a FH6 prop, but I am at sea level. Lightly loaded I hit 53 mph @ 5800 rpm. If you are in that range then you should be good. The ECM should account for any air/fuel ratio needed. The below statement was pulled from my user guide.
High Altitude Operation
Volvo Penta EFI engines have programmed altitude compensation; however, there may be a slight performance loss at altitudes above 5000 feet due to lower air density. If you are boating above 5000 feet for a short time, a lower pitch propeller will restore some of the lost performance. Long term use above altitudes of 5000 ft. may require a change in gear ratio which is not covered under the Volvo Penta Limited Warranty.

The 350 is a great engine. It has a significantly wide torque range. With the DP it gets right out of the hole and when cruising and you hit the throttle it still has some punch. Being FW cooled is a plus for me as well. The one negative is it is loud, best cruise is probably around 4,000 rpm.

[Jesse H]

Awesome reply and insight. Thank you, kindly!

[bruceb58]

I have an R5 with the 350 Mercruiser and I am running 21" Solas props. I am at 6200' at Lake Tahoe. Boat runs very well with this prop combo at this elevation. Very fast on plane.

[Jesse H]

^ Great to hear. Thank you, bruceb58!

[Jesse H]

Update- Took the boat out last weekend, with some issues (starter or battery related), as well as I was not informed the sub-surface swim deck, when in the down position, can be hit by the prop if you're in reverse and trimmed up. Learned this is a common $1000 mistake, and I made it...within 5mn of running the boat for the 1st time. Ugh. Surprising they allowed for that in the design.

All that aside, at 3500ft altitude, it seemed to have good power/torque across the spectrum (pleasantly surprised, being only 350hp w/such a heavy boat), and I hit 49.8mph w/just me in the boat, and a near-full tank.

[Krob1114]

Update- Took the boat out last weekend, with some issues (starter or battery related), as well as I was not informed the sub-surface swim deck, when in the down position, can be hit by the prop if you're in reverse and trimmed up. Learned this is a common $1000 mistake, and I made it...within 5mn of running the boat for the 1st time. Ugh. Surprising they allowed for that in the design.

All that aside, at 3500ft altitude, it seemed to have good power/torque across the spectrum (pleasantly surprised, being only 350hp w/such a heavy boat), and I hit 49.8mph w/just me in the boat, and a near-full tank.

That's a bummer. Someone should have told you something. I'm pretty sure it's in the book.