R3 - engine size

[drekar]

Looking at a 2016 R3 - is the Volvo Penta 300HP - 5.3 (new design) enough power for the R3.
I've driven a 220 with a 300 and it's amazing but the R3 is 800lbs more.

Anybody have any experience that would be willing to chime in?

[Krob1114]

We have the 300HP in our R3. Gets on plane easily and goes as fast as we want to go. Pulls skiers and tubes out easily. I don't think about calling it amazing because we're not speed freaks. I've never even taken the Bimini down to see the top end speed.

[jhnmdahl]

I'm also in the camp that believes it should be just fine. When I drove a few boats in that range, having a duo prop outdrive seemed to make a bigger difference than 20-30 horsepower.

[stifflkd]

I have a 350 in a R5 and its plenty. Low 50's lightly loaded with plenty of torque over a wide RPM range. 300HP in a R3 should be similar.

[bruceb58]

I have a 350 in an R5 at Tahoe. With the altitude, and a 3% decline in power per 1000 feet, I get a 18% decline in power so my 350HP is really 287HP. We have no issues with that power.

[BobRae99]

I have the VP350 in our 2019 R3. It's top end is a bit higher than with the 300HP version, but if you look at the HP/Torque curves for both engines, if memory serves, they are the same up to 4,00RPM after which the 350 continues to climb and the 300 flattens out. I think you would be fine with the 300HP version.

[Bean]

Mine knocks you back in your seat. Plenty of power.

[sailor55330]

I have a 2016. It will run about 46/48 in flat water, but it gets out of the hole very well, I can't tell a big tube is behind it. Where it really shines is in the mid RPM's. If I crack the throttle at 18mph (which is just on plane) and you are standing up but not holding on, it will knock someone off their feet.

Do I wish I had more, somedays, but it's few and far inbetween and then only to run from idiots.