R5 or R7....need some opinions

[Dadof3girls]

I am currently trying to decide between an R5 and an R7. The R5 is a 2019 and has the Volvo 350 engine. The R7 is a 2020 and has the 430 engine. Other than color, they both are similarly equipped. We prefer the space on the R7 as we frequently have 8-9 people on board. The price is a big difference. The R5 is $99k and the R7 is $147k. Just not sure if the extra cost is worth it. Is the R5 with the 350 engine enough for a loaded boat? I would welcome any opinions.
Thanks

[MnLakeBum]

It’s a big difference but if you often have 8+ on board you Should really go for the R7 if it’s financially doable. I have an R5 Surf and it’s great with 6 or 7 on board but those are usually teens to college age out there for surfing. We have the 380 and I wouldn’t want less than that for 8+ people on board. If we didn’t have a 28 foot Marker One tritoon that is very comfortable even with 14 on board, I would have absolutely bought the R7.

[cmattj]

Like any upgrade it will have additional resale value in the end . So if your comfy getting the R7 it’s a must do!
We just want you to avoid the conversation later that’s says “ yeah I should’ve got the R7 with big power”

Go get her and let’s get some pics

[gdane]

3 girls go big or go home

IMG_0027.JPG

Just kidding you won't regret the R7 now or when you resale.
You should be able to cut a better deal than 147K? Especially now with all the C-19 crap.

[AsLan7]

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Hey dadof3girls. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

I’m curious if it’s the R7 Surf model with forward facing drive and the 430 horse? For the R5, that 350 is the minimum HP you want. Are you a minimum type of person?

I agree with all the other folks above given your two current choices.... R7 with 430 ponies. Plus you just don’t see the 430 hp in many of these boats. Yes. It’s expensive for basically a 380 horse engine that’s had an ECU flash to unleash it’s full 430 horse potential. (Internals are the same) But you won’t ever regret it on the water. (And if it’s a Volvo Penta, you’re getting the newer, lighter VP 6.2L small block doing that!). Powerful. Unique. Higher resale. ... and a damaged pocketbook.... for a short while.

It’s currently a buyers market. Talk them down on price or get some free services added (or both ) and Go for it. (Your three girls will thank you....and now I know you’re getting it. )

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[Table Rockin]

R7. R7. R7.......and one more time for.....the R7. I dont have 3 daughters but I have 2....and when they want to start bringing friends and what not.....R7.

[Table Rockin]

I also have the 430 but mine is the lowly 6.0 model vs. the shiny new 6.2 model. Forget the hole shot (which is nice), I just love the immediate power you get while on plane.

[akorcovelos]

$50k is a good chunk of coin to get an extra 2 people on board. Believe me, I'm all about bigger and more power, but the numbers don't work in my head based on that reasoning. If you can get around 30% off (which seems to be pretty common with Cobalt dealers) it would lessen that gap to around $8k more for the R7, in which case it's a no brainer. Otherwise, you can always look for a 2018-19 R7 that should come in closer to the $100k budgeted for the R5.

Not apples to apples but my 252 fits 9 people, but if they're all adults it is a little cramped. With 4 adults and 5 kids it's comfortable, which is the more common scenario for us.

[Table Rockin]

The large gap in pricing is in part the difference in years and the R7 power is two engine choices above the R5. Honestly the $147k can come down some but I wouldnt expect much more unless you get a pandemic deal. Havent folks said the 430 upgrade is a $12k upcharge from the 380? So what is that upcharge over the 350.....$18k? Personally I would just find a used 2018 or 2019 R7 with nothing less than the 380. The only real difference in appearance is the option for colored stitching that i think started in 2019 models. If you purchase 2018 or newer they will all have the 6.2L volvos vs. the 6.0 that got phased out during my boats build year (2017). I purchased mine in Spring 2018...its got most everything including the 430...for the same price as they are asking for the R5. Point is, if $$ is an issue, I would look used and still get what you want - just maybe a couple years older.

[Big Block Power]

Ok I'm turning over a new leaf. Buy the smaller boat and the smaller engine you won't regret it. I heard the saying that I always wished it was 2ft short and a smaller engine.
Congrats on the R7 I hoped that worked.

[AsLan7]

Ok I'm turning over a new leaf. Buy the smaller boat and the smaller engine you won't regret it. I heard the saying that I always wished it was 2ft short and a smaller engine.
Congrats on the R7 I hoped that worked.

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Whatev

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[Dadof3girls]

These are the numbers they quoted me. I am sure I could get them lower. I haven’t gotten that far yet. Someone asked if I was a minimalist...no that is not me. I am one that would rather have more than I need for the few times I need it rather than the other way around. So I would rather pay for it now, knowing I have the space and or power I need when I need it. With that said it is still a large price difference. I currently have a 24 ft Centurion that seats lots of people so sometimes the space is cramped, but we can put plenty of people on the boat. Surfing is over for us and as my girls have gotten older, we will take less people out with us (not in immediate future).

[Table Rockin]

The price difference is due to the R7 being a newer model year, having the most expensive power plant available, and the R7 is simply more expensive because its a bigger boat. A 2019 R5 with say a 380 is likely closer to $110k in asking price. If it had the 430 in it probably pushing in excess of $115,000. I dont think you are comparing apples to apples.

in any event I still say buy a slightly used R7 or negotiate down the 2020.

[AsLan7]

These are the numbers they quoted me. I am sure I could get them lower. I haven’t gotten that far yet. Someone asked if I was a minimalist...no that is not me. I am one that would rather have more than I need for the few times I need it rather than the other way around. So I would rather pay for it now, knowing I have the space and or power I need when I need it. With that said it is still a large price difference. I currently have a 24 ft Centurion that seats lots of people so sometimes the space is cramped, but we can put plenty of people on the boat. Surfing is over for us and as my girls have gotten older, we will take less people out with us (not in immediate future).

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If it is not a surf model, then is it the Merc 8.2L 430 or VP 6.2L 430?

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[tgrace98]

R7 no question. The difference between the 2 in the water is pretty substantial once you get them in the water. If you want more space get the r7.

But one question that hasn’t been asked is how will you be using it? Will you be towing it all the time? Or will it live in a covered slip? If towing you will most likely want a 3/4 ton for the r7.