R6 or R8 surf

[cptotr]

I have sold our Malibu 25 LSV and looking for our next boat. I have owned multiple surf and wakeboard boats over the past decade and thinking about something different this time. I feel like I want something that I can travel the lake in more comfort and especially in the chop that the main channel sometimes gets. I also think I will like the walkthrough and layout of the R6/8. My biggest concern is the surf wave. I don’t need it to have the best surf wave out there, but also need it to have enough push and length to actually be able to do more than just surf without the rope. I am really intrigued by the R8 surf, but am reluctant to pull the trigger on one without a demo. Both of my dealers who are roughly the same distance from me do not have any stock. I am also considering the R6, but think I would prefer the R8 and extra length. However, if there was a compelling reason to go to an R6 such as a better surf wave, I’d be happy to save the money and live with the smaller boat. I didn’t know if the ballasts with the R8 are larger than the R6 and are they able to sink the larger boat enough to produce a better wave? Does anyone have any experience or insight on that?

I am less concerned about this, but we also still wakeboard from time to time. Has anyone been able to get a relatively clean wakeboard wake at any speed in the 18-22 mph range? Preferably at the slower end of that range.

I appreciate any help you guys can give. I am excited to possibly get back in a Cobalt. I haven’t owned one in nearly 15 years. Cobalt 220 was my last one.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us cp….

I’m afraid I can’t be much help in the R6 versus R8 wake surfing debate, but hopefully others will chime in shortly.

And welcome aboard mate.

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[Lfeni]

I currently surf and slalom ski behind an R5 Surf boat. I tried out an R8Surf, and the surf wake was awesome, but I did not like the wake for skiing. (But I’m a 60 year old grandma, so I’m a little picky…..) When I crossed the wake on my slalom ski on the R8 Surf, I became almost airborne as my entire ski came out of the water. And I was not trying to jump! I think you might actually love it for wakeboarding, but this old lady didn’t like it for skiing. But the R8 Surf wave was awesome!

[AsLan7]

I currently surf and slalom ski behind an R5 Surf boat. I tried out an R8Surf, and the surf wake was awesome, but I did not like the wake for skiing. (But I’m a 60 year old grandma, so I’m a little picky…..) When I crossed the wake on my slalom ski on the R8 Surf, I became almost airborne as my entire ski came out of the water. And I was not trying to jump! I think you might actually love it for wakeboarding, but this old lady didn’t like it for skiing. But the R8 Surf wave was awesome!

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That’s great input. Thanks for sharing that lfeni.

[painkiller]

If you can't demo, go R8 for versatility; if pure surf performance is your priority, consider the R6.

[ikucera]

We had a 2008 malibu 23 LSV and 2016 cobalt A28. Sold both and bought an R8 surf this spring. The surf wave is amazing, we had looked at the Malibu 25 LSV and the wave is definitely comparable. We went with the Cobalt because of ease of getting in and out of the boat (we have several grandparents that sometimes toodle around the lake with us). We have tried to ski behind the R8 and it is difficult to flatten out the wake, but filling the front tank does help, but obviously I don't think it was really designed to ski behind, haven't tried wake boarding.

[BobRae99]

I wouldn't buy an R8 Surf @ $350,000+ USD (or any boat in that price range) without a water test - period. Everyone on this forum will have an opinion about wave quality, ride and handling, but it is just that, their opinion.

If you can afford the boat, you can afford to have your dealer contact a sister dealer (or Cobalt) to arrange a water test. I'm sure you can arrange flights and an overnight hotel for $2,000. After a water test, you will know if it is the right boat for you. Then, you can return to the hotel, have a nice steak dinner, relax overnight and then fly home the next day and place an order with your dealer (or not).

That is what I would do. Good luck.

[jhnmdahl]

One advantage you'll have with a Cobalt is that they're pretty heavy for a given length, such that a 25' Cobalt will likely weigh more than a 25' ski or wakeboard boat. That plus a steep deadrise and a lot of freeboard compared to a ski or surf boat make them better for choppy water and potentially for making wake or waves, but less desirable perhaps for skiing.

Depending on your thoughts on a used boat, budget, and needs, I'd still consider an R7 in good shape as a very high value per dollar option, too.