2019 R3 review- the first 50 hours

[Kyboater]

I'm sure a lot of folks on here are already knowledgeable of the information I'm about to share, but for anyone shopping or just curious I thought I would post a review of our 2019 R3 with 6.2 Merc 300 hp, B3, 22.5 pitch.

First day on the water June 12 - Hour meter 1.6, after this past weekend we have 51+ hours and have loved every minute of them.

PERFORMANCE:
Top speed with two adults, two teenagers 3/4 tank of gas and gear, ideal conditions - 50.7
Top speed with 6 adults, full tank of gas, 100 lbs of ice, countless beverages, food and gear, rougher water - 46
My 2005 Cobalt 220 had a 6.2 320hp Merc B3 26 pitch. Top speed was mid 50s. It seemed like it would go 52- 53 no matter how it was loaded down and go 54-55 with two people no load.

The R3 is definitely quicker out of the hole, but the biggest difference is how quick it is between 30 and 40. Its gets to 40 in a blink of the eye and cruises so nice around 38. So yeah, I'd love to have the 350hp Merc, it would probably blow me away, but I'm comfortable enough in my manhood to live with the 300hp lol.

OPTIONS:
For anyone shopping for a R series these are must have options in my opinion:

Arch (waketower) - the added style, water sports bonus and leaving the bimini out all of the time (We've never even closed the bimini. We store indoors near the lake and the door is tall enough)

Table with sunpad mount - We use the table every time out in the cockpit for lunch and then move it to the sunpad a lot of times to use while I lay back and let my wife fan me and feed me grapes. Jk it is actually the other way around. Our previous Cobalt didn't have a table mount, having one has been a big plus.

Premium sound with transom speakers - I have two goals regarding music on the water, I want to hear it loud and clear while cruising down the lake and I want to hear it while in the water without blasting out the folks sitting in the boat. Having the premium sound with a sub gets me the sound I want while cruising and the transom speakers with zone control is great for swimming behind the boat and still being able to have a conversation with someone sitting in the boat. Plus the kids can hear the music while tubing if I blare the transom speakers. (Tower speakers are on the wish list, but I wouldn't consider must haves at this point)

RGB/LED interior lighting - Super cool factor at night. It's is probably border line must have, but I'm really glad I do.

Full size trash can - I stole the idea from this forum. I use the little trash can to store our air pump and installed a full size kitchen can in the same port side storage. It seems like a little thing but it is so much better than using little plastic bags.

If I had a R5 or R7 I would add windlass to the list because of friends that have them, but I think it is silly looking on a R3 IMO.

Other amazing feature on the boat that are standard are:

Garmin glass dash - It is as awesome as it looks.
Fold down swim step - Best spot to hang out and super easy for those bio breaks
Built-in coolers - we use both to their maximum capacity. Saves floor space and easy to use.
Fender clips - super easy to use.
Big storage area under the glove box - At first I thought this was an eyesore, but it has turned out to be a great place for a lot of stuff, koozies, wallets, phones, hair brushes, hats, shirts, you name it. No door, so it is easy access.
Seating - We boat most of the time with 6 adults. There is ample room and not an uncomfortable place to sit. I love the layout, it definitely maximizes that space. I know this sounds dumb, but if the R5 was offered without the head we would have probably gone that direction, but my wife hated that co-capt seat with the head door. She said she felt cramped, plus knowing that we would never use it for that purpose. I know everyone talks up the extra storage, but trust me the R3 has plenty of storage when you raise the front seat where the head would be located.

Standard trailer Options:
LED underwater trailer lights came standard on our trailer. They are great for loading at night.
Boat buckles - Super convenient tie downs.

Complaints -

1. Having to unsnap the walk through soft-trac in order to access the engine compartment is my biggest complaint.
2. I wish there was more room between the front seat cushion and the cup holders. We have to remove Yeti cups from cup holders if we access the front storage. They will lift up but run the risk of catching the edge of the seat vinyl when closing. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

Overall we are obviously very pleased with our R3. So for you folks out contemplating between all the wonderful Cobalts out there (and they are all wonderful boats) that is my two cents on the R3. Don't be afraid to pull the trigger if the right R3 comes along. With that being said the R5 with the same options would be that much better and the R7, well in my mind that is just the perfect boat. Maybe the next one......

[akorcovelos]

Great review! Should help lots of folks here as this seems to be a pretty common topic.

[Big Block Power]

Very cool. Let's add some pictures to this review. It's a Dreamsicle right

[tgrace98]

Very nice review!

I don’t have the table in mine but we rarely eat in the boat. Maybe because I’d be watching everyone to see if they drop a crumb

I have the vp 380 in my boat and from your review very similar. Only difference is I can hit 50 mph with just me in the boat and 1/4 tank of gas or 49.4 fully loaded up. I think it’s just a slow hull meant to make a comfy ride. But like you said it will hit 40 in the blink of an eye.

If we trailered often I probably would have gotten the r5. Mainly because I could document an r5 and save on taxes in Missouri and not have numbers on the boat. The r7 where I’m at I wouldn’t want to pull with a 1/2 ton as it’s about 8500-9k on the trailer

To me not much difference in interior space between the 3 and 5. The 5 just has the head

[Kyboater]

Very cool. Let's add some pictures to this review. It's a Dreamsicle right

Of course it’s a Dreamsicle!
I’ve been too busy enjoying the boat to take any good pics. I hope to change that this weekend. Here is one of my co-captain/professional boat loader.

[Big Block Power]

Very cool. Let's add some pictures to this review. It's a Dreamsicle right

Of course it’s a Dreamsicle!
I’ve been too busy enjoying the boat to take any good pics. I hope to change that this weekend. Here is one of my co-captain/professional boat loader.

Looks very sharp!! Hats off to the boat loader!!
Maybe next boat will be a Dreamsicle!

[BobRae99]

I'm sure a lot of folks on here are already knowledgeable of the information I'm about to share, but for anyone shopping or just curious I thought I would post a review of our 2019 R3 with 6.2 Merc 300 hp, B3, 22.5 pitch.

First day on the water June 12 - Hour meter 1.6, after this past weekend we have 51+ hours and have loved every minute of them.

PERFORMANCE:
Top speed with two adults, two teenagers 3/4 tank of gas and gear, ideal conditions - 50.7
Top speed with 6 adults, full tank of gas, 100 lbs of ice, countless beverages, food and gear, rougher water - 46
My 2005 Cobalt 220 had a 6.2 320hp Merc B3 26 pitch. Top speed was mid 50s. It seemed like it would go 52- 53 no matter how it was loaded down and go 54-55 with two people no load.

The R3 is definitely quicker out of the hole, but the biggest difference is how quick it is between 30 and 40. Its gets to 40 in a blink of the eye and cruises so nice around 38. So yeah, I'd love to have the 350hp Merc, it would probably blow me away, but I'm comfortable enough in my manhood to live with the 300hp lol.

OPTIONS:
For anyone shopping for a R series these are must have options in my opinion:

Arch (waketower) - the added style, water sports bonus and leaving the bimini out all of the time (We've never even closed the bimini. We store indoors near the lake and the door is tall enough)

Table with sunpad mount - We use the table every time out in the cockpit for lunch and then move it to the sunpad a lot of times to use while I lay back and let my wife fan me and feed me grapes. Jk it is actually the other way around. Our previous Cobalt didn't have a table mount, having one has been a big plus.

Premium sound with transom speakers - I have two goals regarding music on the water, I want to hear it loud and clear while cruising down the lake and I want to hear it while in the water without blasting out the folks sitting in the boat. Having the premium sound with a sub gets me the sound I want while cruising and the transom speakers with zone control is great for swimming behind the boat and still being able to have a conversation with someone sitting in the boat. Plus the kids can hear the music while tubing if I blare the transom speakers. (Tower speakers are on the wish list, but I wouldn't consider must haves at this point)

RGB/LED interior lighting - Super cool factor at night. It's is probably border line must have, but I'm really glad I do.

Full size trash can - I stole the idea from this forum. I use the little trash can to store our air pump and installed a full size kitchen can in the same port side storage. It seems like a little thing but it is so much better than using little plastic bags.

If I had a R5 or R7 I would add windlass to the list because of friends that have them, but I think it is silly looking on a R3 IMO.

Other amazing feature on the boat that are standard are:

Garmin glass dash - It is as awesome as it looks.
Fold down swim step - Best spot to hang out and super easy for those bio breaks
Built-in coolers - we use both to their maximum capacity. Saves floor space and easy to use.
Fender clips - super easy to use.
Big storage area under the glove box - At first I thought this was an eyesore, but it has turned out to be a great place for a lot of stuff, koozies, wallets, phones, hair brushes, hats, shirts, you name it. No door, so it is easy access.
Seating - We boat most of the time with 6 adults. There is ample room and not an uncomfortable place to sit. I love the layout, it definitely maximizes that space. I know this sounds dumb, but if the R5 was offered without the head we would have probably gone that direction, but my wife hated that co-capt seat with the head door. She said she felt cramped, plus knowing that we would never use it for that purpose. I know everyone talks up the extra storage, but trust me the R3 has plenty of storage when you raise the front seat where the head would be located.

Standard trailer Options:
LED underwater trailer lights came standard on our trailer. They are great for loading at night.
Boat buckles - Super convenient tie downs.

Complaints -

1. Having to unsnap the walk through soft-trac in order to access the engine compartment is my biggest complaint.
2. I wish there was more room between the front seat cushion and the cup holders. We have to remove Yeti cups from cup holders if we access the front storage. They will lift up but run the risk of catching the edge of the seat vinyl when closing. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.

Overall we are obviously very pleased with our R3. So for you folks out contemplating between all the wonderful Cobalts out there (and they are all wonderful boats) that is my two cents on the R3. Don't be afraid to pull the trigger if the right R3 comes along. With that being said the R5 with the same options would be that much better and the R7, well in my mind that is just the perfect boat. Maybe the next one......

Great review. From a fellow R3 owner, a few thoughts:

1. Based on your performance numbers, there isn’t too much difference in performance and top speed between the 300 and 350 in this boat. Although I have the VP350 setup, my top speed numbers are only 2 mph faster than yours, so I don’t think you are missing out too much with the base engine. As Big Block has opined in the past, the larger engine helps when you have more weight in the boat. But, the mid range torque of these engines is impressive;

2. I also have premium sound but when underway, even with it turned up, I wouldn’t say the sound is very good. I considered the platinum sound but decided premium was good enough while anchored and any sound system would likely get drowned out by engine noise while underway. Tower speakers can throw hearable sound back to a surfer on the surf models, but I’m not sure a wakeboarder can hear much sound from them at the end of a 75’ rope. I think premium sound is the sweet spot system;

3. While haven’t had much use for a head, I think I’d like one on my next boat. We don’t boat close to an available washroom and while many don’t follow this rule, you can’t carry open liquor (and consume) without a head and sink;

4. If I had it to so again, I’d have ordered my boat with the windlass option. Yanking up the anchor several times a day (as we move from place to place) while keeping the 6’ of chain away from the rub rail and the mud off the anchor locker is getting a bit old;

5. I also considered an R5 and given the number of new boating friends I’ve found, for the additional $15,000 in base price I think I might have gone that way with hindsight. Of course, the 380HP engine is better suited to the R5 so there was that additional cost in the purchase decision. As someone else has posted, there isn’t that much difference in interior space, but there is an extra useful 2’ in the cockpit. Anyway, the R3 has plenty of space;

Overall, we are I nto our second season with our R3 and like you, really enjoying this boat. You can easily buy a 24’ bow rider for less money, but I get enjoyment every time I take the cover off our R3 and experience the look, fit and finish and quality that Cobalt has delivered.

[Krob1114]

Great review. We have same boat, except 300 hp Volvo, and same color except Navy blue under the white stripe. Our top has never been down. We didn't think of table as a necessity. If you eating something messy, swim platform only. Didn't think we'd need tower speakers, and so far haven't really missed them. Question for you, just notice recently and took pics with phone, but I'm on computer at work and can't post pics now: Is there a differnce in space in bow where the drink holders are? I noticed my standard corksickle would not fit on the starboard side because of the speaker, but would fit in the port side.
We love our boat so much, spend time on it so much, and drive to stay cool so much, that our boat turned 112 hours already.

Make sure your wife peels the grapes....you'll feel more like a Roman emperor.

[ajcampen]

Great review. From a fellow R3 owner, a few thoughts:

1. Based on your performance numbers, there isn’t too much difference in performance and top speed between the 300 and 350 in this boat. Although I have the VP350 setup, my top speed numbers are only 2 mph faster than yours, so I don’t think you are missing out too much with the base engine. As Big Block has opined in the past, the larger engine helps when you have more weight in the boat. But, the mid range torque of these engines is impressive;

2. I also have premium sound but when underway, even with it turned up, I wouldn’t say the sound is very good. I considered the platinum sound but decided premium was good enough while anchored and any sound system would likely get drowned out by engine noise while underway. Tower speakers can throw hearable sound back to a surfer on the surf models, but I’m not sure a wakeboarder can hear much sound from them at the end of a 75’ rope. I think premium sound is the sweet spot system;

3. While haven’t had much use for a head, I think I’d like one on my next boat. We don’t boat close to an available washroom and while many don’t follow this rule, you can’t carry open liquor (and consume) without a head and sink;

4. If I had it to so again, I’d have ordered my boat with the windlass option. Yanking up the anchor several times a day (as we move from place to place) while keeping the 6’ of chain away from the rub rail and the mud off the anchor locker is getting a bit old;

5. I also considered an R5 and given the number of new boating friends I’ve found, for the additional $15,000 in base price I think I might have gone that way with hindsight. Of course, the 380HP engine is better suited to the R5 so there was that additional cost in the purchase decision. As someone else has posted, there isn’t that much difference in interior space, but there is an extra useful 2’ in the cockpit. Anyway, the R3 has plenty of space;

Overall, we are I nto our second season with our R3 and like you, really enjoying this boat. You can easily buy a 24’ bow rider for less money, but I get enjoyment every time I take the cover off our R3 and experience the look, fit and finish and quality that Cobalt has delivered.

I have a 220 and wanted sound while swim behind the boat. Was going to add tramsom speaker but decided to try tower speakers instead of cutting holes in the transom. The tower speakers (JL 7.7 plan and additional amp) blow away the rest of the speakers in the boat. While underway, we can turn them up and they sound amazing over the roar of boating while underway. A wakeboard can enjoy the sounds behind the boat easily....they throw sound way back behind the boat. I would 100% put money into tower speakers before transom speakers. Tower can fill both needs of projecting right behind the boat and completly enhancing the sound of music for the boat overall.

[Kyboater]

Great review. We have same boat, except 300 hp Volvo, and same color except Navy blue under the white stripe. Our top has never been down. We didn't think of table as a necessity. If you eating something messy, swim platform only. Didn't think we'd need tower speakers, and so far haven't really missed them. Question for you, just notice recently and took pics with phone, but I'm on computer at work and can't post pics now: Is there a differnce in space in bow where the drink holders are? I noticed my standard corksickle would not fit on the starboard side because of the speaker, but would fit in the port side.
We love our boat so much, spend time on it so much, and drive to stay cool so much, that our boat turned 112 hours already.

Make sure your wife peels the grapes....you'll feel more like a Roman emperor.

Now that you say that I think there is a slight difference in space. I know both sides will hold a regular size yeti type cup, but I believe my wife said something about one side being wedged a little and the other side not. Hmmm. I’ll check that out this weekend and take pics. My complaint is that when I lift the seat while having a cup in the cupholder it will lean over after the seat back passes and then the seat catches it on the way back down if that makes sense.

I’ll try to get some peeled grape pics too!

[sailor55330]

I have a 2016 with the 300hp VP. I don't have the tower or the RGB lights, but everything else I agree with 100%. The 300vp is pretty quick as noted between 30 and 40 and does a nice job getting out of the hole. In fact, if you crack it at 30 and someone is moving, they will likely lose their balance. Do I give up 1, maybe 2mph not having the larger engine, yeah, probably, but then again, my lakes aren't that big that it makes a difference. But, I suppose if I had a 30 mile run to make, at 52mph that would take 34:47 mins vs 36:44 mins at 49mph....so clearly, the difference in time savings is amaz...ah, wait, nevermind....

[akorcovelos]

I have a 2016 with the 300hp VP. I don't have the tower or the RGB lights, but everything else I agree with 100%. The 300vp is pretty quick as noted between 30 and 40 and does a nice job getting out of the hole. In fact, if you crack it at 30 and someone is moving, they will likely lose their balance. Do I give up 1, maybe 2mph not having the larger engine, yeah, probably, but then again, my lakes aren't that big that it makes a difference. But, I suppose if I had a 30 mile run to make, at 52mph that would take 34:47 mins vs 36:44 mins at 49mph....so clearly, the difference in time savings is amaz...ah, wait, nevermind....

Hey, I can get hooked and be through my first lemonade in those 2 minutes!

[BobRae99]

I have a 2016 with the 300hp VP. I don't have the tower or the RGB lights, but everything else I agree with 100%. The 300vp is pretty quick as noted between 30 and 40 and does a nice job getting out of the hole. In fact, if you crack it at 30 and someone is moving, they will likely lose their balance. Do I give up 1, maybe 2mph not having the larger engine, yeah, probably, but then again, my lakes aren't that big that it makes a difference. But, I suppose if I had a 30 mile run to make, at 52mph that would take 34:47 mins vs 36:44 mins at 49mph....so clearly, the difference in time savings is amaz...ah, wait, nevermind....

You are just going to aggravate Big Block with that kind of reasoning.

[Big Block Power]

I have a 2016 with the 300hp VP. I don't have the tower or the RGB lights, but everything else I agree with 100%. The 300vp is pretty quick as noted between 30 and 40 and does a nice job getting out of the hole. In fact, if you crack it at 30 and someone is moving, they will likely lose their balance. Do I give up 1, maybe 2mph not having the larger engine, yeah, probably, but then again, my lakes aren't that big that it makes a difference. But, I suppose if I had a 30 mile run to make, at 52mph that would take 34:47 mins vs 36:44 mins at 49mph....so clearly, the difference in time savings is amaz...ah, wait, nevermind....

You are just going to aggravate Big Block with that kind of reasoning.

That's not reasoning. He lives in MN and still frozen in time!

[BobRae99]

I have a 2016 with the 300hp VP. I don't have the tower or the RGB lights, but everything else I agree with 100%. The 300vp is pretty quick as noted between 30 and 40 and does a nice job getting out of the hole. In fact, if you crack it at 30 and someone is moving, they will likely lose their balance. Do I give up 1, maybe 2mph not having the larger engine, yeah, probably, but then again, my lakes aren't that big that it makes a difference. But, I suppose if I had a 30 mile run to make, at 52mph that would take 34:47 mins vs 36:44 mins at 49mph....so clearly, the difference in time savings is amaz...ah, wait, nevermind....

You are just going to aggravate Big Block with that kind of reasoning.

That's not reasoning. He lives in MN and still frozen in time!

What does that make me? I live 500 miles north of him.