Big fan in the market

[ALowe]

I wanted to introduce myself. I have spent my whole life on boats and a friend’s 242 sticks out as a boat that doesn't fit the adage of "break out another thousand". In the 10 years they have had it, outside of preventative maintenance, they have only needed to change one of the batteries. If you compare that to our 40’ Catalina, you save on fuel but there is always a major system failing in some way that cost sus a weekend, a bunch of money, or both! I think an R3 Surf or R5 surf fits the bill as we enjoy watersports but live on the rough part of the lake and need a smoother ride than that a surf boat can provide. I’m still trying to decide if the R5 has enough additional capability to justify the extra cost. I’m glad I found this site as this resource is great when considering a new Cobalt.

ALowe

[Big Block Power]

Always go bigger if you can afford to. Or buy a year old one.

[tgrace98]

If you are in rough water the r5 will produce the better ride as well. Longer and heavier. Biggest difference between the 3 and the 5 is the 5 has a head compartment. On my r7 we removed the porta-potty and use it for dry storage. So for all the girls beach bags, purses etc.

I’m with BBP on this. Always go bigger if you can afford it. I debated last spring between the r5 and R7 and no regrets that I went with the r7. But for water sports I would for sure stay in the r5. They claim it produces the best wake. Also you might want to wait a few days and see the new r6. They are bringing the malibu surf gate over to them and I’m sure a few more features

[AsLan7]

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Hey ALowe. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Yes R5 is most likely the size you want vs an R3. Boats tend to look big behind your tow rig but quickly become small on tougher bodies of water.

If you go surf, remember trimming the forward facing prop outdrive up will actually drive your props lower. If you do any beach or shore boating this can be an issue. If your lake is deep right to the edges of land then a forward facing Surf drive will work fine.

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[MnLakeBum]

Welcome and I agree with the bigger is better. We own an R5 Surf but I certainly would recommend going with the R7 if you are on big water, used if needed to fit your budget. We have a Marker One M27 that is 6,000 pounds dry that fills our needs on large group days or if we just want to go on a super stable cruise to dinner or watch the sunset. Otherwise we would have gone with the R7 Surf.