Cobalt Boats Forum

I am in the same situation, I will watch to see what other owners say. I’m leaning towards 380 Volvo or 430 Mercury.


I was even wondering if the VP 350 would be enough, but it's sounding like probably not.


I have the VP350 and it is more than enough. Actually, if you look at the torque ...

Richie wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:12 pm I am in the same situation, I will watch to see what other owners say. I’m leaning towards 380 Volvo or 430 Mercury.

I was even wondering if the VP 350 would be enough, but it's sounding like probably not.

Big Block Power wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 8:11 pm

Richie wrote: Fri Aug 14, 2020 5:12 pm I am in the same situation, I will watch to see what other owners say. I’m leaning towards 380 Volvo or 430 Mercury.

I like this guy!!go 430 or go home!!

Really the 350 does a good job. But do you want good or great?

I'm looking for inexpensively great!!!

We're looking to build an R3, and was wondering what engine size you recommend. I know everyone always says the largest is best, but we're not looking to be the fastest on the lake. We just want one big enough to tow skiers, tubers, wakeboarders, and have about 6 people in the boat.
Thanks!!!

I know they don't like to sell out of their territory, but I'm surprised with it being an inventory boat they wouldn't sell to you? I fully understand a new order boat. I'm sure the demand right now probably doesn't help that cause though.



I'm sure there is one out there but the first thing ...

Yes it's a good and a bad thing. It protects the dealer and the brand another reason why resale is so good. This year maybe not but sometimes they will do a dealer trade to the other dealer with no boats. You can ask your local dealer if they would buy / that other boat from the other dealer ...

I know they don't like to sell out of their territory, but I'm surprised with it being an inventory boat they wouldn't sell to you? I fully understand a new order boat. I'm sure the demand right now probably doesn't help that cause though.

Have you been out on the lake before on another boat ...

Welcome. 2 totally diff boats. You should really ride in both of them. It's like my 220 vs 222 I really didn't like the 222 at all. Felt like a grandpa boat to me. Only you can say if it's worth the extra cash. The resale of a r3 I think will always be better though.


I agree. I guess we're ...

I know they don't like to sell out of their territory, but I'm surprised with it being an inventory boat they wouldn't sell to you? I fully understand a new order boat. I'm sure the demand right now probably doesn't help that cause though.

Have you been out on the lake before on another boat ...

I know they don't like to sell out of their territory, but I'm surprised with it being an inventory boat they wouldn't sell to you? I fully understand a new order boat. I'm sure the demand right now probably doesn't help that cause though.

Have you been out on the lake before on another boat ...

Ok so let's talk about your next boat then. 😂😂
I think you just enjoyed the cs23 and found it to be a bit small. I would grab a R5 before they are gone. Man that r6 design well. It's bu's fault 👍 But get the 430.


We actually walked through the R5 today.
I think if we could have purchased from ...

Where are you going to use the boat? Big water, rough water or somewhat calmer conditions? Will you be towing or leaving it in water? Even though both are similar length the R series is a bigger boat all around. It's taller, longer and heavier and so probably a little more of a handful if towing ...

The r3 def. has a higher freeboard making it a more stable ride and will handle passengers and rough water much better I looked at both this year at the boat show and can say the r3 is alot more boat but it comes at a price.


We drove 4 hours this morning to next closest Cobalt dealer that ...

Welcome. 2 totally diff boats. You should really ride in both of them. It's like my 220 vs 222 I really didn't like the 222 at all. Felt like a grandpa boat to me. Only you can say if it's worth the extra cash. The resale of a r3 I think will always be better though.


I agree. I guess we're just ...

Welcome to the board!

The market is definitely crazy right now, dealers can't keep inventory and the used market is really high. Are you able to find another dealer within reasonable driving distance that may have either or both? Best bet is to get in both and see what you like best! Either way ...