Advice needed ~ R4 or R5?

[Jeffpam]

deciding between new r4 build or 2019 R5. Looking for reviews or opinion on the new R series vs previous. Have decided to do navy hull and frost/summit (lightest) interior if r4 to give classic look. How do feel about the new look of the cobalt r series interior? Does the r4 sit in the water as strong as an r3 or r5? It is heavier by ~400 lbs. thanks!

[stifflkd]

The R3 is more of a comparison to the R4 (no head) and R5 closer to the R6 (head). Personally, had my dealer not have one of the last R5's on the lot I probably would not be owning a Cobalt today. Too much change in the hull for my liking. They went from a 21 degree deadrise to 17 and eliminated the extended running surface. Two features that kept me in the Cobalt family for 20 years. At the end of the day it comes down to what you like, where you boat and what is important to you. Good luck with your search.

[Jeffpam]

Thanks!11 Very helpful. I am new to cobalt but have been on an R5 and it is what turned me to colbalt. We drive on a lake with chop and was thinking the increased R4 weight would have an advantage. But sounds like maybe not. Where do you see those specs on deadrise? I thought the extended running surface was still part of the R series.

With the shorter swim platform the R4 cabin feels similar size to the R5. Head not withstanding. Bow definitely much bigger on R5.

[Snowman8]

For me whatever has the biggest swim platform is what I would choose. Nobody wants to be inside the boat on a hot day. We get tied up with other boats quite often and on a hot day nobody wants to be in the boat, they want to be in or near the water. Everyone always ends up on the back of our R5 because of the size of the swim platform. A lot of the time there are 4 or 5 people on the swim step and platform, a couple on the rear facing lounger and a bunch of people floating in the water. The stainless rail around the swim platform is perfect for looping a rope around it to a floaty! My wife and I can go out on the boat and when we get tied up we can end up with 10 or more on or tied up to our boat. I know it’s the boat that attracts our friends because I don’t have that great of a personality!

[stifflkd]

Thanks!11 Very helpful. I am new to cobalt but have been on an R5 and it is what turned me to colbalt. We drive on a lake with chop and was thinking the increased R4 weight would have an advantage. But sounds like maybe not. Where do you see those specs on deadrise? I thought the extended running surface was still part of the R series.

With the shorter swim platform the R4 cabin feels similar size to the R5. Head not withstanding. Bow definitely much bigger on R5.

Here is the the trailering specs for 2021. This was published before the R4 was available but if you compare the dimensions of the R5 and R6 you will see they are more compareable in size than comparing the R4 to the R5. Plus the head is available on the R6 and not on the R4

[CobaltDeadHead]

Seems to me it's all about how you boat. The even series very much seem designed with surfing in mind. The odd series have the old lineage of being purpose built as the best bowrider in it's size on the water.

Also agree that R6 is the comp to R5

[dsthomas]

If I'm choosing between R4 and R5 I'd go R5, just saying :0)

[Jeffpam]

Thanks! We are not water sports folks. Crushing on lake. Chop sometimes. Really at crossroads. Like the look of R5 just R4 might be more “current” looking and R5 dated ? Or classic

[stifflkd]

I wouldn't say dated but I would prefer a later model w/a glass cockpit

[VTENGR]

I wouldn't say dated but I would prefer a later model w/a glass cockpit

I echo this - Newer R5 with the glass cockpit over an R4 any day, IMO. Especially if the R5 is well optioned.

[dustinm]

I dont have an R but I would prefer an R5 over a 4 any day.. Actually thats really the reason we have a CS vs R4 because when we went to order a boat R5 production was cancelled and the only R5s in stock had base engines. I didnt see any real advantage to have a non-head R (R4) over the CS.

[sailor55330]

I have an R3 and the first question I would ask is "describe the water you boat on". When we lived in MN, the R3 did everything I needed it to. It still does on the new lake, but I admit, I wish I had an R5 now.

I would go 5 over 4 all day long if the budget permits. Plus, it's a tried and true platform.