Trading up to an A25 or R5 or R7? I have questions

[Table Rockin]

I agree the A series is the pinnacle of bow rider style. I own an R series cobalt and would jump through hoops backwards to own an A28. There is no modern comparison in style. Not only is the A28 a foot longer but a side by side comparison the A series wins hands down. Hopefully its not completely abandoned.

[Tuscany]

Coming from an old Chaparral, being totally clueless about current market choices, and not really knowing bo diddly about new boats, I was immediately attracted to the R series.
Although we saw an A series at the international boat show in Canada before we bought, it never gave me the same heart palpitations that others get. Of course, this is just my opinion.
The R7 almost gave me a heart attack. That and the Formula crossover which wasn’t a consideration.
The vertical lines, the quilted interior, and the flat, but very comfortable rear seating is what really sealed the deal for us.
That, and my wife who spent all of 5 minutes at the Cobalt display said “this is it, let’s go home.

[liquid]

Sounds like you are sold on an R series, but FWIW, my A25 will run 54 with 5 people, cooler, and full gas. 55 with me in it in the way to the ramp. That's w the 400hp VP.

The A25 is a sexy son of a gun. I don't know the differences between the A25, R5, or 7, or any other boat for that matter. I just know when I go by the A25 that's in our Marina it makes my motor gin!

I love the look of the A's. For a while that was the target... The surf option changes things. If $ isn't the object it's a R7 Surf all day. I have young kids and surfing isn't going away. I also live in a calm lake so the tabs are a non issue.

Just get both.

[Traveller14]

Well that was very interesting and useful - thanks Nick. I am sorry my update may disappoint. After pretty much daily back and forth last fall I finally decided to delay my purchase for a year as we were having a boathouse built and I wanted that finished first. The sun on my dock is a boat killer. Dock and boathouse are sized for up to an R7 with folding tower! I had followed this chat almost daily last year and had two impressions. First, this site has been a great source of knowledge on Cobalts and boating in general. Second, wow - what a great little community of Cobalt owners on this site. I’m impressed. Basically I hope to be ordering an R5 folding tower 430hp (with hopefully some new cool graphics this fall as our lake is already full of Cobalts.). I also need to wait for the 10% duty on boats into Canada to come off which I hope will happen this year. Hopefully I can post a picture of the order form in November

[Traveller14]

Hi I'm new to this group. I've read many threads and it's been very helpful.

Well Traveller.. hopefully your email will bring you back to this thread and give us an update.

I imagine at this point somebody might stumble across this thread when considering buying a used A25 vs R5 or R7. Having owned two different A25's (2011 and 2018) as well as an R5 (2017) I'll offer my insight on the A25

I guess I should have quoted as above. I’ll just add I like the R as much as the A or maybe a little more now. The A is elegant and the R is a little more sporty imo.

[MnLakeBum]

I like the looks of the R series better but to each his own. Our R5 Surf with the 380 hits 50mph at 1,200 foot elevation and 46+ fully loaded with 6 people and gear. I would have bought the R7 surf for the extra room but we also have a Marker One M27 which is much roomier for a dozen or more people than the R7. You will love your R5!

[Traveller14]

I like the looks of the R series better but to each his own. Our R5 Surf with the 380 hits 50mph at 1,200 foot elevation and 46+ fully loaded with 6 people and gear. I would have bought the R7 surf for the extra room but we also have a Marker One M27 which is much roomier for a dozen or more people than the R7. You will love your R5!

That’s the one I want!

[Southernboatman]

Ok Traveller see you soon! Good luck with the order and look forward to it!