Hello from Canton, MI (Detroit / SE Mich)

[tbully]

Hey Everyone -

Name here is Travis. I stopped by briefly last week on the VP vs Merc thread but thought I'd come over here.

If you recall, I had a solid deal lined up on a new 2017 R7 with the VP 430 and a ton of options (kind of strange for a stock boat, IMO). Long story short, it turns out that it was built just before the 6.2 changeover and therefore is running the 6.0.

After a lot of discussion at home and with your input here, I believe we'll be ordering, instead. (Assuming the deal is decent.) We stopped by the local boatshow on Saturday and confirmed our direction with the sales staff.

Now we wait to see what the deal will be and if it's acceptable. Afterwards, it appears we'll have to wait until the 1st of July-ish to start our boating season.

One final decision I'll have to make is if the "new" 380 will be enough or if I should just go with the 430 to limit future regrets...... 1st world problems, indeed.

Glad to be here, nonetheless..... Clearly a good group of people here!

[Table Rockin]

Well I would suggest buying the 2017, because....well....I'm doing the same thing, except mine is one year used. I'm willing to deal with whatever loss in torque I'll have with the 6.0L 430 HP vs. the 6.2L 430 HP.

Besides, if you are considering the 6.2L 380, I would think the 6.0L 430 would be roughly comparable anyway.

All that said, if you have your heart set on ordering, it sounds like the opinions are that its crazy to spend an extra $10-12k on what amounts to a few MPH top end speed. So I'd probably spend the extra money and get the 430...yes...I'm contradicting myself

[tbully]

Haha! No worries, Table. I've been contradicting myself all weekend! Thanks for the advice.

[tgrace98]

Welcome aboard! I personally wouldn't let myself spend the 10-12k on the 430hp. The 380 will be plenty to pull a loaded up boat and a tuber behind it. Not like you are buying a go fast boat. But that being said the gear head in me would want the 430 .

Either way you can't go wrong. If I were in your shoes I would sit down with the dealer this week price out a 2018 and compare that with the deal you are getting on the 2017 and see if it is worth it to you.

[Ytmsn]

Welcome again bully!

If they are telling you July 1st and you haven't ordered yet I'm thinking your dealer is more than likely overpromiseing but some other will chime in.and I think Tuscany will have the best insight..

TRs point is valid if you can get a smoking deal on the 6.0 430 horse. But I would be wanting the new motor and new technology. That being said, the selfish side of me wouldn't want to miss the season.

[tbully]

I've been "shopping" for 3-4 years so a few months doesn't mean much to me in the grand scheme of things. I guess the dealer has a "build slot" (terminology?) that he can use. The next few days will drive my final decision but it's looking like I'll order and just be jealous of everyone hitting the water in the coming weeks!

[Ytmsn]

If he has a build slot then your good, and in that case order new and get a 430 horse! GOFORIT!!

[Big Block Power]

Again welcome. I'm thinking out loud for Nauti and myself now. I don't care what you get as long as it's black and has a 430 in it and captains call. We need more of you guys to build us boats the way we want them in ten years so don't worry what you want just ask us. Were not to choosy other than what I listed. Oh and good luck. We can't wait to see what you choose for us oh skip the garbage can I hear it's not all it's talked up to be.lol
I think no matter which way you go it will be a sweet ride. Myself your paying this much you mine as well get what you want. 6.2 430 CC

[tbully]

Again welcome. I'm thinking out loud for Nauti and myself now. I don't care what you get as long as it's black and has a 430 in it and captains call. We need more of you guys to build us boats the way we want them in ten years so don't worry what you want just ask us. Were not to choosy other than what I listed. Oh and good luck. We can't wait to see what you choose for us oh skip the garbage can I hear it's not all it's talked up to be.lol
I think no matter which way you go it will be a sweet ride. Myself your paying this much you mine as well get what you want. 6.2 430 CC

Well played, BBP. In fact, I searched the used market heavily for a few years and ran in to this very problem - missing key features.

The stock 2017 has a bunch of great options but is missing the arch and captain's call. Those are two (expensive) options I'll be adding to the "built" version.

[AsLan7]

Nice job tbully.

IMHO, the latest Volvo Penta technology in the 380HP 6.2L is the perfect sweet spot between power and price. If money is no object, get the ECU software flash to unleash the full 430 ponies for an extra $8k. (bbp and nauti will be happier with that choice).

...and captain's call on either selection coupled with a wakeboard arch is a must!

[NautiGirl]

Just so we are clear... Navy is also acceptable... Hell I never thought I would have a red boat so I'll even be on with that again... But please don't put black with it... That will hurt a little LOL.

Can't wait to see how this all shakes out for you... Such Terrible problems to have...do I buy this brand new boat or custom order another brand new boat

[Driller]

Welcome from Texas tbully. Sounds to me you can't go wrong with either as long as you get the right deal. I struggled with a similar issue with my boat 8.1 Gi or 8.1 GXi. Was searching for a used boat and found a deal on the Gi. I'm happy with it. It will push the 242 faster than I want to drive it and has a good hole shot.

[Big Block Power]

Welcome from Texas tbully. Sounds to me you can't go wrong with either as long as you get the right deal. I struggled with a similar issue with my boat 8.1 Gi or 8.1 GXi. Was searching for a used boat and found a deal on the Gi. I'm happy with it. It will push the 242 faster than I want to drive it and has a good hole shot.

Ok not getting what you really want sucks. I had my 8.1gi one summer when a gxi popped up I had to jump on it. You wouldn't think 50 points would make such a diff but it does. Unleash the beast and save money in the end. Get us a 430 arch and captains call. Heck I'll even through in a down payment now to hold it for ten years.lol
Congrats on your new boat which ever one it is. 430 if this was t5550000 he already would have it in his driveway.

[EndoTiger]

I would personally love having the 380 knowing that it was a "de-tuned" version of the 430. To me, that means my engine would be operating under far less stress than it is capable of handling. However, I can also relate to the mindset of just wanting the most power possible. If that's the case and the chunk of change is no barrier, go for it!

[thunder550]

Welcome from Texas tbully. Sounds to me you can't go wrong with either as long as you get the right deal. I struggled with a similar issue with my boat 8.1 Gi or 8.1 GXi. Was searching for a used boat and found a deal on the Gi. I'm happy with it. It will push the 242 faster than I want to drive it and has a good hole shot.

Ok not getting what you really want sucks. I had my 8.1gi one summer when a gxi popped up I had to jump on it. You wouldn't think 50 points would make such a diff but it does. Unleash the beast and save money in the end. Get us a 430 arch and captains call. Heck I'll even through in a down payment now to hold it for ten years.lol
Congrats on your new boat which ever one it is. 430 if this was t5550000 he already would have it in his driveway.

Welcome to the site tbully. I'd go for the 430 personally. But I also bought a boat 2100 miles from home so I could get a 502. Nobody ever says "dang I wish my engine had less power".