Advice on new R8 or R6

[Table Rockin]

meant to say auto rates are usually less than watercraft rates.........

[sailor55330]

Yes, that interest rate is high, but it's not out of line. It's a deterent for sure, but if you can pay off early, the up front discount on finance might be worth it.

[MnLakeBum]

I'd go R8 all day long at the same price. You never regret having more space on a boat.

[BudtheThirsty]

I think I'd find look for better financing.
What lakes will you be using?
Is Futrell your dealer?

Definitely exploring finance options with the dealer and with other lenders. We'll be using it on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas and will eventually move it over to Lake Norfork in North Central Arkansas. The dealer is Arrowhead. They have 4 or 5 locations in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

I hear Greer's Ferry is beautiful. If this boat works out perhaps we'll get down there one day.

[BudtheThirsty]

What are the colors on the R8? That is somewhat important, for example before I bought my R5, I passed on a very nice 242 only because it was that maroon color that fades like crazy.

The R8 has a black hull and side with a white or light gray stripe. The R6 is white with the light blue side. I have some pictures that the dealer sent me but they aren't great. I'm taking it for a sea trial Saturday morning. I'll get some better pictures then.

[Krob1114]

I think I'd find look for better financing.
What lakes will you be using?
Is Futrell your dealer?

Definitely exploring finance options with the dealer and with other lenders. We'll be using it on Beaver Lake in NW Arkansas and will eventually move it over to Lake Norfork in North Central Arkansas. The dealer is Arrowhead. They have 4 or 5 locations in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

I hear Greer's Ferry is beautiful. If this boat works out perhaps we'll get down there one day.

Greers Ferry is really nice. If you come, let me know and I'll show you around.
We never leave because I couldn't afford a trailer.

[Tuscany]

Hello all,

We are looking at a new 2022 R8 and a new 2023 R6. Comparably equipped, both are 380hp with the Merc in the r8 and the VP in the r6. Both are plenty big enough for our Arkansas lakes and towing either occasionally won’t be an issue. The dealer before any negotiating is about $75k off the $250k sticker on the r8. The r6 is roughly the same price again before any negotiating. I believe the dealer would have more room still on the 2022 r8. I think I know the “best deal” here but just wanted to get some thoughts from folks who have made these decisions before. I’m fully confident either boat will meet our needs. Looking to get advice on negotiating further, things I can ask for that won’t result i the dealer thinking I’m not serious or unreasonable, etc. Also curious what type of cruising speed / top end I should expect with both. Looking forward to your input!

I would definitely go with the 8. Given your choices, never underestimate the stress the second guessing a smaller boat purchase will bring. The shouda-couldas wont stop.
Speed? Both will be 50+ mile an hour boats.
Its almost funny how people anguish in trying to gain 1 or 2 MPH.
They are family boats, not Cigarette racers.

Generally, the dealer mark-up is 40%-42%. 30% off is a great deal while leaving meat on the bone. I still don't see a dealer dipping that far into profit unless they have a ton of stock available to sell..
Shoot for 33%, and see where it takes you. Have your checkbook with you. That may motivate a dealer if he feels pressure to sell.

[dsthomas]

Its almost funny how people anguish in trying to gain 1 or 2 MPH.
They are family boats, not Cigarette racers.

I've always thought this as well... my wife thinks 30 mph is WOT on our boat. I really don't like to cruise past that any how, If I get a glassy morning I'm not past putting the hammer down and seeing what I can get, and it is fun for a bit, but I wouldn't want to cruise the lake with chop like that. I think the top speed thing is mostly an ego booster :0).

[BudtheThirsty]

Thanks for all of the input each of you provided. It's truly appreciated. We decided to go with the R8. We've agreed on price and terms so we should be taking delivery in the next couple of weeks. I'll get pictures posted once it's officially ours.

We took it for a sea trial Saturday morning and loved it. I wouldn't say the boat jumps out of the water but you can really feel the power of the motor. I suspect that thing will get on plane in 4-5 seconds whether it's my wife and I or loaded down with whole family and some friends. I was really impressed with how it handled too. I was pretty heavy handed on the trial and sales person was even more aggressive showing us the handling. It was very nimble for such a big boat.

[billk2632]

Nice, I think that was the right move. Sounds like you got a pretty good deal. Can't wait to see pictures!

[Table Rockin]

Congrats! sounds like you definitely got a good deal so enjoy!

[NautiWeasel]

Congratulations!
Yes, bring on the pictures when you get them.

I like your line about the salesman being more heavy handed with the boat than you were. I found myself in a similar situation last year when we purchased. The salesman was driving our 242 harder than I drove our previous 19ft Rinker. Yet the Cobalt felt much more stable and sure footed.