Cobalt Boats Forum

Thanks so much for the pictures and info. Wow sounds pretty scary with the shallow water situation but happy no lower unit damage!
I did a demo on a mastercraft and was able to get up on the first try surfing! I turn 50 in a month and it seems like the perfect sport for me!
Thanks again for the post.

Anyone slalom skied behind an R5 or R7? Wondering how it compares to a typical I/O.

Wow, that is one impressive boat!

On my I/O, I never have found it necessary to trim up. However, at the end of every boating season, I generally have a few rough edges on my propellers that need smoothing, but no lower unit damage (so far)!

Dealership in Nashville and Birmingham say that 350 is all they order, but my local dealer ...

Thanks for the insight. A dealer near me has a Nautique GS24. The seating and interior lay out is very impressive.

How would you rank those 3 brands- nautique, Malibu, and mastercraft- in terms of quality, comfort and resale value?

The main issue with sport boats for me is the supposed rough ...

We boat on KY Lake- often choppy waters and shallow. Wanting a multifunctional boat- slalom ski, wakeboard, tube, wake surf, but also comfortable going down main lake in rougher water with family. At least 24' length.
Considering the R5 Surf, but nervous about the forward drive. Have also considered ...

Kentucky lake. Right now water levels around my cove when we do watersports averages 10 feet. That will drop significantly over the next few weeks. The problem is that you can unpredictably run into 2-3 feet of water at any time. Also, navigating up and down the main lake to eat out, etc, shallow ...

Interesting opinions out there. Seems to be widespread concern/negativity toward the whole forward drive concept. Our water gets very shallow by late season, so I am worried. Center drives like in the mastercraft, etc, appear to have more "protection" for the prop.
Like some postings mentioned, I ...

430! Now you're talking! Trying to maintain some semblance of a budget though!

I currently have a Chaparral 257, and considering trading for an R5 surf. Anyone have any thoughts/experiences on the transition to the reversed prop on the surf boats?

Getting conflicting opinions on the best size engine for R5 -350 or 380 hp??


Also, never wake surfed before, but enjoy ...