Cobalt Numbering Designation

[ColinC]

Agreed. Odd way to mount them and not particularly attractive. Boat needs a JL Audio upgrade...

[NautiGirl]

Not to force a jump back on topic, but could someone explain the difference between the R and A series? Assuming Cobalt intended one to be sportier and one to be more refined luxurious but uhh they look pretty similar. Whats the deal?

[Big Block Power]

Not to force a jump back on topic, but could someone explain the difference between the R and A series? Assuming Cobalt intended one to be sportier and one to be more refined luxurious but uhh they look pretty similar. Whats the deal?

John is really good at answering these types of questions. And maybe Tuscany can as well.
It's a different model totally different hulls. Designed to do different things with the water. Different interiors. It's like going from a Chevy cavalier to camaro to a impala to a Cadillac.
Totally different.
Does that make any sense?

[Tuscany]

For me personally, I didn't even consider the "A" model. I think it's a heavier boat designed for gray haired, uptight old men. How's that for an impression?. . The swim deck tail fins? Nah, NFW, not for me.
JMO, I much prefer the modern lines of the R series. Pure boat sex when you stand and look at her lines... the interior looks much more spacious.

But that's just me.

[Table Rockin]

Not to force a jump back on topic, but could someone explain the difference between the R and A series? Assuming Cobalt intended one to be sportier and one to be more refined luxurious but uhh they look pretty similar. Whats the deal?

John is really good at answering these types of questions. And maybe Tuscany can as well.
It's a different model totally different hulls. Designed to do different things with the water. Different interiors. It's like going from a Chevy cavalier to camaro to a impala to a Cadillac.
Totally different.
Does that make any sense?

So what is the A series supposed to do? What is the R series supposed to deliver? Agreed with NautiGirl I thought the A series was just a more luxurious model.

[Tuscany]

I wouldn't be surprised if the A series days are numbered, especially with new ownership.
Looks very dated to me, and I'm not sure where "luxury" comes into play with it.
IMO, I think it's clear that the future of Cobalt has been placed squarely with expanding the R series models and features.

[jhnmdahl]

I think that's pretty close - the R series are sporty bowriders, while the A series are more classic designs (and not necessarily bowriders), with features catering perhaps to older or more affluent boaters. Cobalt doesnt' do a fantastic job of distinguishing these product lines, and I'm not sure the R3 really deserves to be in three different product lines (R, WSS, and WSS Surf) independently.

Oh well, I guess that's why I'm not in marketing

John

[Table Rockin]

I wouldn't be surprised if the A series days are numbered, especially with new ownership.
Looks very dated to me, and I'm not sure where "luxury" comes into play with it.
IMO, I think it's clear that the future of Cobalt has been placed squarely with expanding the R series models and features.

I like the look of the A series....not sure I'd pay a ton more though since the layouts look similar.....but I like the look. Not sure if there are performance differences and if so how significant they are.

[NautiGirl]

We are a fan of the A series and even though we just upgraded this year we already talk about the next one. Assuming the way we boat doesnt change we can easily see the A25 being our next boat.... I think they are gorgeous and offer all the things we look for in a boat. To each his own...

[Soonerfan]

I think the A is a beautiful boat and I really like the Sea Ray inspired hydraulic swim platform!

[Bfun220]

I think the A is a beautiful boat and I really like the Sea Ray inspired hydraulic swim platform!

Good one. Lol

[Big Block Power]

That's just bad you guys. Ok I laughed out loud.

[Tuscany]

My crystal ball time...
I would bet that there are big changes coming to Cobalt within a couple of years.
Remember the Italian design just contracted? I'm sure that happened jointly between Cobalt and BU long before the close of their deal.

When I speculate the drop of the A model, IMO, It makes no sense developing a new R bowrider to compete in the exact same segment as the older A bowrider model unless they plan on replacing it. I can understand keeping the A model around for a couple of years in order to see how well the new R sells. It's clear as day that the R has taken over. I'm still surprised the A model even is available this year.
The R30 and R35 clearly is the direction for those who want larger and more luxurious, and Ive only seen one stock A25/28 available anywhere in the country, and its at Lodders.
Since BU concentrates on water sports, it wouldn't make a lot of sense to again compete with themselves. IMO I wouldn't be surprised to see Cobalt concentrate more on the bigger stuff, and expand on the A40 model, and maybe an even larger cabin cruisers.

[jhnmdahl]

I could definitely see the R series stay the sporty bowriders while the A series moves a bit more toward a Riva or other more classic design. I can't imagine they'll turn their backs on old folks with money to burn

[liquid]

Colin aren't you in a different time zone. Quit trying to get me in trouble.

YES BBp!!! You need this!!

Come join the club brutha!

A buddy just stopped over while I was putting the just arrived Adams h2o on my boat. Judgment day tomorrow.
His parents which I know also just bought a new MasterCraft and he invited us out to surf Wednesday. Pray for good weather. I really want Max to get hooked on it so it gives me a reason to get one.lol

DO IT! You'll just have to buy a bigger house with a bigger garage to keep both boats. The wife will understand.