CS23 w/ VP 280 DP - enough power?

[drekar]

I had a similar debate when purchasing my CS23. I ended up with the 280 primarily for fuel savings. I haven't pulled any tubes yet but so far I have been pleasantly surprised. Plenty of power and it doesn't use nearly as much fuel as I expected.

I've been looking but can't seem to find a fuel comparison between the 280 and 300 - do you have a link to that. I was wondering the same thing?

[Matts19]

We have the 280 and DP drive in our CS23. It is more than enough power for the boat, partly because the CS23 is really not that heavy for its length. The only reason to get the V8, IMHO, is the noise and more relaxed cruising rpm.

What do you mean more noise and relaxed cruising rpms?

Dave

The gen 5 Volvo V6 is a higher revving motor than the old ones and cruises at a higher rpm. That combined with the VP exhaust going out above the cavitation plate makes for a bit more drone than you would get with the V8.

[ajcampen]

John,

When I looked at the specs for the VP 300 and 350 DPs, which are offered in the CS23, I couldn't find any difference between the engines except for HP and top end RPM. All other specs were the same (bore, displacement, etc.). I'm guessing it's all in the engine ECU like you mentioned between the 225 and 300 5.7l V8s. That said, and if true, can the ECU be replaced to jump the 300 performance to a 350? I feel like I'm talking out of my arse because I'm so new to world.

They lock the ECUs down pretty tight - I looked into having mine reflashed too. 225 to 300 would just be a flash, whereas to go up to the 320 model would require some intake parts to be replaced in addition to the ECU.

John

Could you buy a new ecu? Maybe find someone with the right series number?

[jhnmdahl]

John,

When I looked at the specs for the VP 300 and 350 DPs, which are offered in the CS23, I couldn't find any difference between the engines except for HP and top end RPM. All other specs were the same (bore, displacement, etc.). I'm guessing it's all in the engine ECU like you mentioned between the 225 and 300 5.7l V8s. That said, and if true, can the ECU be replaced to jump the 300 performance to a 350? I feel like I'm talking out of my arse because I'm so new to world.

They lock the ECUs down pretty tight - I looked into having mine reflashed too. 225 to 300 would just be a flash, whereas to go up to the 320 model would require some intake parts to be replaced in addition to the ECU.

John

Could you buy a new ecu? Maybe find someone with the right series number?

AJ, it appears that I could, and they show up from time to time used for around $1k. I just have to want to spend the $1k knowing it really only changes things well past 4000rpm, which I rarely use anyway.

[ajcampen]

They lock the ECUs down pretty tight - I looked into having mine reflashed too. 225 to 300 would just be a flash, whereas to go up to the 320 model would require some intake parts to be replaced in addition to the ECU.

John

Could you buy a new ecu? Maybe find someone with the right series number?

AJ, it appears that I could, and they show up from time to time used for around $1k. I just have to want to spend the $1k knowing it really only changes things well past 4000rpm, which I rarely use anyway.

Thanks for the update!

[jhnmdahl]

We have the 280 and DP drive in our CS23. It is more than enough power for the boat, partly because the CS23 is really not that heavy for its length. The only reason to get the V8, IMHO, is the noise and more relaxed cruising rpm.

What do you mean more noise and relaxed cruising rpms?

Dave

The outdrive has a gear ratio that may vary between a V6 and a V8 since the V8 produces more torque, so the boat's speed at the same engine rpm of the two different engines may not be the same. If the V8 doesn't have to rev as high to generate the same torque or boat speed, it may be quieter. Also, the most fuel efficient on-plane cruising speed may be at a lower engine rpm, sich as 3000 with a V8 instead of 3500 with a V6 (made-up examples to illustrate).

[Stagdad]

We have the 280 and DP drive in our CS23. It is more than enough power for the boat, partly because the CS23 is really not that heavy for its length. The only reason to get the V8, IMHO, is the noise and more relaxed cruising rpm.

What do you mean more noise and relaxed cruising rpms?

Dave

I believe he means the V8 is not going to be working as hard as the V6 and you will be getting the melodious sound of an American V8 singing its song!

[dustinm]

I can testify the 300hp 5.3 VP offering for these boats is roughly 1000rpm higher at any given boat speed than a BB. I highly doubt the V6 will be at any higher rpm than my 5.3.. it can be annoying on big water,, so much so that i bought extra props the next size bigger to drop my rpm at table rock. Its not loud by any means but you can hear it at speed. As for fuel usage this 5.3 is very economical.
Would I get the 300 over the 280 again? Probably not, I dont see my boat bringing that much more premium over an equal 280 if any on resale. I really wished I would have listened to the 3 dealers and not a bunch of people on a website.

[BobRae99]

My 210 is a bit heavier than a CS23, so probably similar in demand placed on an engine. I found that having the dual prop outdrive made the biggest difference when I was comparison shopping, but back then the Volvo 225 and 300 were the same 5.7l V8 engine except for the ECU on the 300 being set to a higher max RPM. I towed the tube a lot last summer, and never wished for more torque or horsepower.

I know I'd be thinking about the 5.3L V8-300 if I were in the market today, but the dual prop 280 would probably also be just fine and sip gas a little more slowly.

John

I also had a new 210 in 2018 (2016 model year) with the VP280 DP and it was plenty fast and an excellent tow boat with 6 on board. It's all you need. Having said that V8's are nice to have, but in my opinion, in the CS23 not necessary.

[Kenboat]

Just picked up a 2023 CS 22 with 300 Hp DP, and found it had very fast to get on plane and hit 5300 rpm on WOT hitting 46 mph with 3 on board/full tank of gas.
Thinking it needs a higher pitch prop set, any info on prop pitch on the VP drives?
It probably has stock props as is.

[dustinm]

Just picked up a 2023 CS 22 with 300 Hp DP, and found it had very fast to get on plane and hit 5300 rpm on WOT hitting 46 mph with 3 on board/full tank of gas.
Thinking it needs a higher pitch prop set, any info on prop pitch on the VP drives?
It probably has stock props as is.

See attached its from 21. I doubt its changed much. Looks like our boats came with the same FH5s. I did buy a set of FH6s when we go to large lakes just to bring the cruise rpm down. I can feel a slight difference to plane but the way these jump out of the water it doesnt hinder at all. I have only tried to top it out once (FH6) with lack luster results - when the crew started mutiny because were going too fast.. ...

Second reading... If you only hit 5300, something is wrong - it should have no problem reaching 5900rpm its rated for. Our CS23 will.

[Alaskabound]

Had mine out this week. We have 280 VP with DP. 4 adults in boat, top end was 49, rpm was 5,720. Brother in law and his wife were “hanging on for dear life”. Plenty of power for us. Only reason going that fast was cobalt factory techs told dealer we were idling around too much.lol.

Dub