R6 Reveal Live on July 10th

[Krob1114]

I've been flamed. Has anyone got the prop chart for the R5 stern drive? I was pretty sure it said 54 mph with the 380, but I could be wrong. Anyway, to each his own. My friend has a 22' regal that he says will go 60 mph on the river. But he says that my Cobalt will beat him in light chop where his boat loses speed as it is being bounced around. I seriously don't understand what the rush is anyway. When I get to the lake for the weekend, I try to slow down and relax, not find little old ladies to race.

Ditto for me!
Well said.
Here, here.

[sailor55330]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, this is a Malibalt.... I will admit there are a few ergonomic features like not having to remove the carpet to open the hatch, maybe the extra floor locker doors, etc, that might be an improvement, but those are band-aids to me. Still think they missed on several design features such as helm station, non-flowing lines, etc. BTW, did anyone notice the forward stringers underneath the front seats in the last video? I want to see someone review the R6 impartially and compare the performance to the R5 and that just hasn't happened yet. This is pure opinion and worth nothing, I wonder if Cobalt underestimated the demographics and pulled the deadrise because, well, it's not going over well to the internet architects. It is hard for me to imagine that you can add almost 20% to the dry weight and get equal or better performance from the same powertrains.

Maybe this boat is fantastic on the water, but until someone drives one, all we can do is speculate. I had toyed with the idea of an R5/7 in the next couple of years based on relocation, but if this is the direction, it might be time to look at coastal areas and cruising sailboats again. I'm just not inspired at all by what I have seen.

[mdadgar]

Maybe this boat is fantastic on the water, but until someone drives one, all we can do is speculate.

Someone on the FB group posted last night that they took delivery yesterday. Hopefully we'll get a real review soon.

- Mark

[Table Rockin]

I dont think the exterior lines look that much different than the previous R series. And as much as i like the quilted vinyl look of previous R series I can dig this new look. I've been inside an A29 which is very similarly changed and the cobalt feel is there just a bit more trendy than in the past perhaps. I've always loved the look of the swim platform on the current R series....that it didnt go all the way across the beam. Was just a cool look. But a wider platform is not a bad thing.

The big question is performance.....come on boat test captain Steve! Get on it!

[BobRae99]

It is hard for me to imagine that you can add almost 20% to the dry weight and get equal or better performance from the same powertrains.

I had toyed with the idea of an R5/7 in the next couple of years based on relocation, but if this is the direction, it might be time to look at coastal areas and cruising sailboats again. I'm just not inspired at all by what I have seen.

The videos we've seen so far are more like "features" videos than real reviews. Given that the R6 is replacing the R5, to me, it just matters what the new boat performs and handles like, rather than which is the better boat. Within a year, unless you buy used, an R5 won't be an option.

I get how it can be hard to understand how the heavier boat can get close to the old boat in terms of performance (I assume you mean top speed) but as I've opined before, none of us here claim to be naval architects so we don't really have the information we need to understand what variables yield what performance changes. Cobalts says the new hull is more efficient with less wetted surface. I guess that is how they are getting similar performance. My question is, aside from structural rigidity, how else is the boat benefitting from the extra weight?

From your handle, I assume you are also a sailor. I am as well. I don't think I'd be moving from powerboating to sailing because of changes in the R series. Change is never easy, but it seems over the past 50 years, each new generation Cobalt boat looks different and turns out to be better than the previous one. There is a 10 year old 220 in our marina this year with the center walkthrough (er, over) and lots of round gauges on the dash, with a curved rear bench. I had a 2016 210 with a starboard side walkthrough and a straight rear bench seat - looked much more modern than the 200 in our marina. I wonder if people were complaining the new 210 was too "edgy" compared to the 200 series it replaced?

[Table Rockin]

how else is the boat benefitting from the extra weight?

Weight can be a good thing but you have to have the power to push it properly obviously. Helps ride comfort.

[Big Block Power]

how else is the boat benefitting from the extra weight?

Weight can be a good thing but you have to have the power to push it properly obviously. Helps ride comfort.

Weight and power doesn't equal efficiency. Vs r7 now and the same engine package.

Also Bob each of us are so diff how we drive our boats. You want to get out and relax, I want to get out and go. I can't just putt around. Just can't. Even going 30 or 35 just only works for a bit. It's more relaxing to me to just go. That's not full throttle but the fun bursts of throttle works for me.
Is funny tgrace98 used less gas in a 5ft larger boat then myself. So the hull on the R7 and the new Volvo did something right. It was close to the same gas consumption but the size diff isn't even close.

[sailor55330]

Absolutely—first and foremost. Since I was 9 mos old. In fact I was never on a powerboat other than a jonboat or two as a kid until I moved to MN and it became the most accessible form of boating. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I was on the right body of water. Nothing against oowerboating, i guess pushing a throttle and pointing doesn’t hold my Interest for long, even on a fantastic boat like a Cobalt. I want to be able take off and explore islands and countries and deserted beaches. I want to cast off the lines and go. It’s hard to beat sunrise and sunset at anchor.

What can I say. Chances are I’ll never have a freshwater boat larger than what I have so I guess I should probably keep my opinions to myself—-lol!

[BobRae99]

From your handle, I assume you are also a sailor.

Absolutely—first and foremost. Since I was 9 mos old. In fact I was never on a powerboat other than a jonboat or two as a kid until I moved to MN and it became the most accessible form of boating. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I was on the right body of water. Nothing against oowerboating, i guess pushing a throttle and pointing doesn’t hold my Interest for long, even on a fantastic boat like a Cobalt. I want to be able take off and explore islands and countries and deserted beaches. I want to cast off the lines and go. It’s hard to beat sunrise and sunset at anchor.

What can I say. Chances are I’ll never have a freshwater boat larger than what I have so I guess I should probably keep my opinions to myself—-lol!

I'm a freshwater sailor> I started on Lake Manitoba when I was 20 learning on a Laser then graduated to a Hobie 16 and then moved activity to Lake of the Woods (Ontario/MN) on a C & C 25 and a C & C38. It was the best of times. I married a woman who gets motion sickness standing on a floating dock so a sailboat was out of the question. Once kids came along and started skiing, the Sea Doo just wasn't suitable for everyone, so we got our first Cobalt.

I have my eye on a 1985 (I think) Beneteau First 30 that was only sailed 3 seasons and then put into covered storage. I tried to make a deal with the wealthy owner's daughter 10 years ago but the father wanted double what the boat was worth so no deal could be made. I'm thinking of taking another run at it.

[ajcampen]

From your handle, I assume you are also a sailor.

Absolutely—first and foremost. Since I was 9 mos old. In fact I was never on a powerboat other than a jonboat or two as a kid until I moved to MN and it became the most accessible form of boating. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I was on the right body of water. Nothing against oowerboating, i guess pushing a throttle and pointing doesn’t hold my Interest for long, even on a fantastic boat like a Cobalt. I want to be able take off and explore islands and countries and deserted beaches. I want to cast off the lines and go. It’s hard to beat sunrise and sunset at anchor.

What can I say. Chances are I’ll never have a freshwater boat larger than what I have so I guess I should probably keep my opinions to myself—-lol!

I'm a freshwater sailor> I started on Lake Manitoba when I was 20 learning on a Laser then graduated to a Hobie 16 and then moved activity to Lake of the Woods (Ontario/MN) on a C & C 25 and a C & C38. It was the best of times. I married a woman who gets motion sickness standing on a floating dock so a sailboat was out of the question. Once kids came along and started skiing, the Sea Doo just wasn't suitable for everyone, so we got our first Cobalt.

I have my eye on a 1985 (I think) Beneteau First 30 that was only sailed 3 seasons and then put into covered storage. I tried to make a deal with the wealthy owner's daughter 10 years ago but the father wanted double what the boat was worth so no deal could be made. I'm thinking of taking another run at it.

my father has a wondeful boat for sale if your interested. It is an island packet 37 I believe.

[sailor55330]

Absolutely—first and foremost. Since I was 9 mos old. In fact I was never on a powerboat other than a jonboat or two as a kid until I moved to MN and it became the most accessible form of boating. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I was on the right body of water. Nothing against oowerboating, i guess pushing a throttle and pointing doesn’t hold my Interest for long, even on a fantastic boat like a Cobalt. I want to be able take off and explore islands and countries and deserted beaches. I want to cast off the lines and go. It’s hard to beat sunrise and sunset at anchor.

What can I say. Chances are I’ll never have a freshwater boat larger than what I have so I guess I should probably keep my opinions to myself—-lol!

I'm a freshwater sailor> I started on Lake Manitoba when I was 20 learning on a Laser then graduated to a Hobie 16 and then moved activity to Lake of the Woods (Ontario/MN) on a C & C 25 and a C & C38. It was the best of times. I married a woman who gets motion sickness standing on a floating dock so a sailboat was out of the question. Once kids came along and started skiing, the Sea Doo just wasn't suitable for everyone, so we got our first Cobalt.

I have my eye on a 1985 (I think) Beneteau First 30 that was only sailed 3 seasons and then put into covered storage. I tried to make a deal with the wealthy owner's daughter 10 years ago but the father wanted double what the boat was worth so no deal could be made. I'm thinking of taking another run at it.

my father has a wondeful boat for sale if your interested. It is an island packet 37 I believe.

Beneteau First series is a nice boat. Double check the condition of the sails and if it has a diesel or atomic 4. I'd shy away from the latter, but I think those were on the earlier models.

Island Packet 37 is a fantastic boat......I'd say if IP was in the runabout game, they'd make Cobalt look like a Bayliner with their construction and finish!!! A cutter rigged IP 37 was always on my wish list. I don't think they ever made a ketch though. I'd have no qualms about setting off on IP 37----it would be a great cruising boat---especially with a 4.5ft draft....

I grew up sailing Jetwinds, Snarks, sunfish, Hobie 14 & 16, then a Starwind 27 and finally a Catalina 30 tall rig. Here's the last images I have of her...not the greatest... but I still miss her. (yeah, I know, a silly blowboat)

[Big Block Power]

I'm a freshwater sailor> I started on Lake Manitoba when I was 20 learning on a Laser then graduated to a Hobie 16 and then moved activity to Lake of the Woods (Ontario/MN) on a C & C 25 and a C & C38. It was the best of times. I married a woman who gets motion sickness standing on a floating dock so a sailboat was out of the question. Once kids came along and started skiing, the Sea Doo just wasn't suitable for everyone, so we got our first Cobalt.

I have my eye on a 1985 (I think) Beneteau First 30 that was only sailed 3 seasons and then put into covered storage. I tried to make a deal with the wealthy owner's daughter 10 years ago but the father wanted double what the boat was worth so no deal could be made. I'm thinking of taking another run at it.

my father has a wondeful boat for sale if your interested. It is an island packet 37 I believe.

Beneteau First series is a nice boat. Double check the condition of the sails and if it has a diesel or atomic 4. I'd shy away from the latter, but I think those were on the earlier models.

Island Packet 37 is a fantastic boat......I'd say if IP was in the runabout game, they'd make Cobalt look like a Bayliner with their construction and finish!!! A cutter rigged IP 37 was always on my wish list. I don't think they ever made a ketch though. I'd have no qualms about setting off on IP 37----it would be a great cruising boat---especially with a 4.5ft draft....

I grew up sailing Jetwinds, Snarks, sunfish, Hobie 14 & 16, then a Starwind 27 and finally a Catalina 30 tall rig. Here's the last images I have of her...not the greatest... but I still miss her. (yeah, I know, a silly blowboat)

I loce it sailor!! How she powered? Bb hopefully
I was on a sloop for a dinner cruise in St Thomas and it was awesome it's so quiet.

[ajcampen]

Absolutely—first and foremost. Since I was 9 mos old. In fact I was never on a powerboat other than a jonboat or two as a kid until I moved to MN and it became the most accessible form of boating. I’d go back in a heartbeat if I was on the right body of water. Nothing against oowerboating, i guess pushing a throttle and pointing doesn’t hold my Interest for long, even on a fantastic boat like a Cobalt. I want to be able take off and explore islands and countries and deserted beaches. I want to cast off the lines and go. It’s hard to beat sunrise and sunset at anchor.

What can I say. Chances are I’ll never have a freshwater boat larger than what I have so I guess I should probably keep my opinions to myself—-lol!

I'm a freshwater sailor> I started on Lake Manitoba when I was 20 learning on a Laser then graduated to a Hobie 16 and then moved activity to Lake of the Woods (Ontario/MN) on a C & C 25 and a C & C38. It was the best of times. I married a woman who gets motion sickness standing on a floating dock so a sailboat was out of the question. Once kids came along and started skiing, the Sea Doo just wasn't suitable for everyone, so we got our first Cobalt.

I have my eye on a 1985 (I think) Beneteau First 30 that was only sailed 3 seasons and then put into covered storage. I tried to make a deal with the wealthy owner's daughter 10 years ago but the father wanted double what the boat was worth so no deal could be made. I'm thinking of taking another run at it.

my father has a wondeful boat for sale if your interested. It is an island packet 37 I believe.

Here it is sailer...make an offer. Would be an amazing Great Lakes boat too....oh and it has a bow thuster

[sailor55330]

my father has a wondeful boat for sale if your interested. It is an island packet 37 I believe.

Beneteau First series is a nice boat. Double check the condition of the sails and if it has a diesel or atomic 4. I'd shy away from the latter, but I think those were on the earlier models.

Island Packet 37 is a fantastic boat......I'd say if IP was in the runabout game, they'd make Cobalt look like a Bayliner with their construction and finish!!! A cutter rigged IP 37 was always on my wish list. I don't think they ever made a ketch though. I'd have no qualms about setting off on IP 37----it would be a great cruising boat---especially with a 4.5ft draft....

I grew up sailing Jetwinds, Snarks, sunfish, Hobie 14 & 16, then a Starwind 27 and finally a Catalina 30 tall rig. Here's the last images I have of her...not the greatest... but I still miss her. (yeah, I know, a silly blowboat)

I loce it sailor!! How she powered? Bb hopefully
I was on a sloop for a dinner cruise in St Thomas and it was awesome it's so quiet.

.

Well, BBP, officially, she's powered by the wind. LOL---sorry had to do it. Now for the letdown. A whopping 21hp Universal diesel and I have a pick to prove it..we usually burned about 3-5 gallons a year. I could spin her in her own length and with a 10'10" beam, slide her into a 13ft wide slip forwards or backwards in a 15mph cross wind, so don't be fooled by the little engine.

AJ--She's beautiful. With that boat as a cutter rig ( I think I see a self tacking jib) and an in-mast furling main and dodger, that boat is meant to go places! That boat wouldn't even get nervous until the wind got above 40, and then a quick reef and time for dinner. Love the sugar scoop transom and with a thruster---outstanding. There is just something about the IP's with the hull color and brightwork that is so distinctive. Now if she had tanbark sails, I'd be smitten. I'm still too far from even the great lakes to consider and besides, when I finally have that type of boat again, it's going to be somewhere that the only place you find ice is in the cooler.....

[BobRae99]

BB

I’m surprise you liked it. Captains Call on a sailboat consists of him shouting “ready about, hard a lee”, much different than Captain's Call on your Cobalt