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Does anyone know what fuel efficiency looks on something like an R4 Surf vs an inboard such as a Malibu 25LSV.

It's a boat....you are pushing thousands of pounds of fiberglass through water.....Greenpeace isn't going to be thrilled w/ the fuel usage on either model.

So many variables its almost impossible to give you an answer. Does the R4 Surf have the 380hp or the 430? What engine is in the LSV? How they are driven makes a huge difference also. If I am driving our boat we can see 8-10gph fuel rates. If the wife is driving they somehow climb to 16 - 18gph like magic.

I dont want to be rude but its one of those questions where if the fuel usage of the boat is of a concern to you maybe boating isn't something you want to look at doing as a hobby. No boat in the world is "good on gas" it just isn't a thing.

I am well aware that boats are not fuel efficient. I’ve been boating for over 30 years. I also understand that there are a lot of variables to consider. I’m looking for MPG or GPH comparisons between a similarly equipped inboard wake boat to a cobalt surf. The reason for my question is because I am buying a property on the lake which is a good boat ride to some friends and family. I Just didn’t know if there is a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency going from an inboard (Malibu) to a Cobalt surf (R4).

Aha1987 wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:15 am I am well aware that boats are not fuel efficient. I’ve been boating for over 30 years. I also understand that there are a lot of variables to consider. I’m looking for MPG or GPH comparisons between a similarly equipped inboard wake boat to a cobalt surf. The reason for my question is because I am buying a property on the lake which is a good boat ride to some friends and family. I Just didn’t know if there is a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency going from an inboard (Malibu) to a Cobalt surf (R4).

Assuming we are talking current model year - They are both going to be Gen 5 GM V8 based engines.

The R4 Surf could be two different blocks depending on what HP engine you spec it with. 300/350hp are going to be a 5.3L block the 380/430 will be a 6.2 Block.

The 25LSV can be optioned /w a 430hp or 607hp V8. Obviously the 607hp engine is going to burn more fuel than a 300hp engine in an R4. I also think the 607hp engine requires premium fuel and the others dont.

The 25LSV is also considerably heavier 6,450 dry vs 5,650

And Longer than the R4 - 25ft vs 24'3''

It also has a ton more ballast - literally - 4,685lb vs 1,226lb

Its a pretty apples to oranges comparison. Different engines, different hulls, totally different length and weight. A Better comparison to a 25LSV may be an R6 Surf. Regardless based on what is a pretty big guess I would say the 25LSV would burn more fuel at the same speed than a R4 Surf.

I guess my point earlier wasnt trying to be rude it was just saying you need to pick the boat that makes you happy and throw fuel economy out the window b/c they are all going to drink gas. That of course comes from someone who searched out and purchased an 8.2L Merc.

Aha1987 wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:15 am I am well aware that boats are not fuel efficient. I’ve been boating for over 30 years. I also understand that there are a lot of variables to consider. I’m looking for MPG or GPH comparisons between a similarly equipped inboard wake boat to a cobalt surf. The reason for my question is because I am buying a property on the lake which is a good boat ride to some friends and family. I Just didn’t know if there is a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency going from an inboard (Malibu) to a Cobalt surf (R4).

I have a couple buddies that have Inboard wake boats. They don't make the trip to go to the other side of the lake like I do. Not just because of the fuel usage but also the ride quality. They tend to slow down a lot more when going over waves for example. This slow down/speed up (repeat) approach uses a lot of fuel.
I forget the numbers now but I know when we have talked about it before the put up some big numbers on the gallons burned going across the lake. How accurate they were I don't know.
I would be really surprised if the cobalt didn't give you a much better ride at a substantial decrease in fuel consumption on long boat rides.

Norris_Boating wrote: Wed Aug 28, 2024 6:18 am

Aha1987 wrote: Tue Aug 27, 2024 8:15 am I am well aware that boats are not fuel efficient. I’ve been boating for over 30 years. I also understand that there are a lot of variables to consider. I’m looking for MPG or GPH comparisons between a similarly equipped inboard wake boat to a cobalt surf. The reason for my question is because I am buying a property on the lake which is a good boat ride to some friends and family. I Just didn’t know if there is a noticeable difference in fuel efficiency going from an inboard (Malibu) to a Cobalt surf (R4).

I have a couple buddies that have Inboard wake boats. They don't make the trip to go to the other side of the lake like I do. Not just because of the fuel usage but also the ride quality. They tend to slow down a lot more when going over waves for example. This slow down/speed up (repeat) approach uses a lot of fuel.
I forget the numbers now but I know when we have talked about it before the put up some big numbers on the gallons burned going across the lake. How accurate they were I don't know.
I would be really surprised if the cobalt didn't give you a much better ride at a substantial decrease in fuel consumption on long boat rides.

Same. It's amazing how quickly our wake boat owning friends pile in the Cobalt when we are making a long run across the lake. Wakeboats just don't handle chop well.

The Cobalt Surf Series is certainly a compromise on Surf wave quality....a dedicated surf boat will give you a better wave. The Cobalt is overall a much better riding bowrider however. Guess the question is how good are you at surfing and would you notice the difference in the wave between a dedicated wake boat and a cobalt surf?

Local Cobalt dealer here also sells Malibus and has both in their rental fleet. IIRC they say the Malibu surf burns about 2x GPH what a similar size Cobalt uses, with full ballast.

Since we all agree that boats require a lot of fuel burn, the question for me would be ride quality. The Cobalt can be trimmed up out of the water making for a better ride. I have friends with ski/ surf boats , inboard powered who do not go any distance because they cant trim up and just have to plow through the waves. If you have any distance to travel I would choose the stern drive. My .02cents.