Our new R5

[Happycouple]

Well, long time stalker, first time poster. The wife and I took an 8hr trip to Destin, Florida to look at buying a 2015 24SD, after begrudgingly deciding the R5 that our local Cobalt dealer had was simply too expensive for its age (2013). As we were finalizing the deal on the 2015 24SD, I half-heartedly made a joke about making me a deal on one of the 5 R5s they had on the yard.

Ultimately, we now find ourselves the proud owner of a 2019 R5, solid Shale hull with a knockout red stripe. We chose to go with what's onsite, as it fit our price point, and was almost $45k under MSRP.

It's a fairly basic R5, folding white arch, VP350 and saltwater drive (Florida boat, but now sitting at a freshwater home in NC). But my wife is over the moon, and ultimately that's what's important.

We're looking for a full seadek (or similar) treatment through the cockpit. I called seadek, and they say because of the age of the boat it has to be done thru the Cobalt dealer. The Cobalt dealer passed me on towards a 3rd party installer. As an avid DIYer, I'd rather just order and install it myself. If anyone has advise on this topic, id love to hear it.

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[Jeeper]

Congratulations, beautiful boat. I have to say I do like a black Ford pulling a R5. Maybe it’s catching on.

[Happycouple]

Jeeper - thanks. Sun was setting, so a bit strange coloration. The truck is "Blue Jeans," but hopefully I still get an honorary inclusion in the 'black Ford tow vehicle' club

[Big Block Power]

Congrats on stealing that bad boy. So you bought the boat in Florida but boat is kept in NC. Umm
Yes you can get the seadek one of the members had it done on his. I'll see if I can find the post and maybe he can help you with that. You will even like the colors he did as it will look perfect in your boat. By the way congrats!! Welcome.

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[AsLan7]

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Hey congratulations on the delivery of your new baby!

So glad you found us.
Great pics too. Thanks for posting those. You’re in for some great memories with her.

Love the username too.

Welcome aboard mate!

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[Driller]

Welcome from Austin, TX. I loce the Shale with the red stripe. One good looking boat.

[Ytmsn]

Congratulations on a beautiful boat and welcome from Oklahoma!

The colors BB posted would look amazing with your color combo, just be aware that grey shows every little thing and is harder to maintain. Even bare feet will show prints from the dock. Maybe a "barefoot only" policy with a damp rug, mat or towel to wipe your feet on before boarding might be a solution.

For a DIY project, it's very easy to do. Someone will have a pattern I'm sure, but if you cant find a pattern for the R5 you can have them send a stencil kit and do it yoursel. But before they cut it out, have them send you a dry fit first and check it. Just tape it all down on the floor to make sure they have the breaks right. It will look awesome!

[tgrace98]

Welcome and beautiful r5! As we like to say around here you are going to loce it

[Islander208]

Welcome from San Antonio. That's one sharp looking boat. Congrats on your purchase. Love the color combo

[higginspa1371]

What engine do you have on the F150. How was it towing the new purchase. Congrats. My R5 is coming at the end of the month

[Happycouple]

Wow - thanks for all the nice welcomes!

@BB - thanks for that link. I had run across that, but somewhat dismissed it because of the R7 vs. R5. However, having reread it, and hopping out to SC Wake's website may solve my "issue" (is wanting to spend money an issue?). And well noted on the gray...definitely going to play around with what may look well inside there.

@higginspa1371 - That's a 5.0. I'm a Mustang guy, and even though my first car was a Mustang SVO, I can't make myself buy anything other than a V8 truck. No problems pulling it the 600+ miles back home, but with the 10 speed you certainly get some gear changes.

And yes, @tgrace, we loce it already! Pic from Sunday on our little lake. Kids even broke out the tube - water temps just over 70d.

[AsLan7]

now that looks like a happy couple (with a slight air of trepidation on that tube) !

[tgrace98]

now that is how you break in a new boat! looks like you are already getting tons of enjoyment out of it!

[Happycouple]

I'm rigorously following that VolvoPenta break-in cycle!

[cmattj]

Welcome from California! That’s a great color combination, and how nice you already have her out!
Looking forward to hearing your captains report!