Engine Choice

[Ronz]

I'm trying to pick between the 380hp and the 430hp for an R8Surf. Would like the extra horsepower but heard the 430 is noticeably louder which is not preferred. Does anyone have perspective on the decision between the 2 engines?

[Zhawker30]

I’m curious to see what others have experienced with the noise. I’ve not heard that before in discussions between the 380 and 430. Everyone always just talks about how the 380 is slightly quicker to plane and just a few MPH slower on the top end when compared to the 430. I test drove an R8 surf but it only had the 380 and sounded very similar to the 380 I had in my 2020 R5 surf.

[AsLan7]

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Hey Ronz...welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

The 380 is basically a detuned 430. The internals are identical. Noise will be the same regardless.
The 380 is the sweet spot for these models but if you want bragging rights and $10k is no object then the 430 is your new friend.

Be sure to post pics and run with your Captain’s call open so others can judge too.
Again welcome aboard mate!

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[Krob1114]

Wow. In the two years I've been on this site, A7 just gave the first good advice that I've noticed that didn't boil down to " bigger is better."
It's still early on this thread though.

[AsLan7]

Wow. In the two years I've been on this site, A7 just gave the first good advice that I've noticed that didn't boil down to " bigger is better."
It's still early on this thread though.

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...scratch that...just order the 430 and please be my new friend.

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[Big Block Power]

Wow. In the two years I've been on this site, A7 just gave the first good advice that I've noticed that didn't boil down to " bigger is better."
It's still early on this thread though.

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...scratch that...just order the 430 and please be my new friend.

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I'm with everyone else go with the 380!

Ok who's kidding themselves 430 baby!

[jhnmdahl]

I went with a V8-225 instead of the identical V8-300 for the same reason - they're exactly the same engine until over 4k rpm, and I just don't run wide open much if ever. that, and BBP is keeping an eye out for the ECU to bump me up should I ever feel the need for that last few mph

[Big Block Power]

I went with a V8-225 instead of the identical V8-300 for the same reason - they're exactly the same engine until over 4k rpm, and I just don't run wide open much if ever. that, and BBP is keeping an eye out for the ECU to bump me up should I ever feel the need for that last few mph

John another trip to the factory and we will have you hooked up
Heck we gave Tuscany his free 430

[jhnmdahl]

BBP, I'd think about putting a VP 430 back there, but I want to be able to see over the bow of my 210

[BobRae99]

Without a Volvo published power and torque chart for both engines it’s hard to know what to advise. In a surf boat, I don’t think you are chasing a hole shot that is .2 seconds quicker or a 1 mph higher top speed but rather more low end torque to get a very heavy water ballast carrying boat moving and keeping it on plane at low speeds while surfing. Does the 430 do this better? At this point, who knows? But, I’ve noticed most of the dedicated surf boats out there have options running from 380 HP in the smaller boats to 600 HP plus. If it was my build, I’d spec the 430 hp engine. Let’s face it, on a $250,000 R8 surf, the option is about 4% of the cost of the boat.

[Big Block Power]

Without a Volvo published power and torque chart for both engines it’s hard to know what to advise. In a surf boat, I don’t think you are chasing a hole shot that is .2 seconds quicker or a 1 mph higher top speed but rather more low end torque to get a very heavy water ballast carrying boat moving and keeping it on plane at low speeds while surfing. Does the 430 do this better? At this point, who knows? But, I’ve noticed most of the dedicated surf boats out there have options running from 380 HP in the smaller boats to 600 HP plus. If it was my build, I’d spec the 430 hp engine. Let’s face it, on a $250,000 R8 surf, the option is about 4% of the cost of the boat.

Thank goodness after 3 years I finally got Bobrae to say that. My work is done.

[Soonerfan]

I will take the 380 side. I have a 18 R7 Surf and have loaded it up with more people and lots of ice chests full of beverages than most and the 380 has performed well from surfing to tubing, to wakeboarding, to loading up and cruising across the lake to our favorite beach to meet friends. I am thinking about ordering a R8 surf this fall and I will have no reservations with ordering the 380 again and saving the 10k to spend on other fun items. Just my .02. In fact my R7 Surf loves the load and it makes the wakes so much better when we are fully loaded vs only having 5-6 in the boat.

[dustinm]

I will take the 380 side. I have a 18 R7 Surf and have loaded it up with more people and lots of ice chests full of beverages than most and the 380 has performed well from surfing to tubing, to wakeboarding, to loading up and cruising across the lake to our favorite beach to meet friends. I am thinking about ordering a R8 surf this fall and I will have no reservations with ordering the 380 again and saving the 10k to spend on other fun items. Just my .02. In fact my R7 Surf loves the load and it makes the wakes so much better when we are fully loaded vs only having 5-6 in the boat.

hey Sooner fan (at least your not a Cowboys fan) have any action shots ... you know for proof .. its kind of slow here and at work today

[BobRae99]

I will take the 380 side. I have a 18 R7 Surf and have loaded it up with more people and lots of ice chests full of beverages than most and the 380 has performed well from surfing to tubing, to wakeboarding, to loading up and cruising across the lake to our favorite beach to meet friends. I am thinking about ordering a R8 surf this fall and I will have no reservations with ordering the 380 again and saving the 10k to spend on other fun items. Just my .02. In fact my R7 Surf loves the load and it makes the wakes so much better when we are fully loaded vs only having 5-6 in the boat.

Keep in mind the R8 is about 1,000 lbs heavier than your R7 and may also carry more ballast. But, by the time you are ready to buy, your dealer should have a unit in stock with a 380 to test. It’s interesting that the demo video boat is equipped with a 430.

[Big Block Power]

I will take the 380 side. I have a 18 R7 Surf and have loaded it up with more people and lots of ice chests full of beverages than most and the 380 has performed well from surfing to tubing, to wakeboarding, to loading up and cruising across the lake to our favorite beach to meet friends. I am thinking about ordering a R8 surf this fall and I will have no reservations with ordering the 380 again and saving the 10k to spend on other fun items. Just my .02. In fact my R7 Surf loves the load and it makes the wakes so much better when we are fully loaded vs only having 5-6 in the boat.

Keep in mind the R8 is about 1,000 lbs heavier than your R7 and may also carry more ballast. But, by the time you are ready to buy, your dealer should have a unit in stock with a 380 to test. It’s interesting that the demo video boat is equipped with a 430.

The demo boat is also a boat you can't get packaged with. Um Merc B4. BB. Enough said.
It may be heavier but they took away the deadrise. So it's all good.