2019 R3 review- the first 50 hours

[Big Block Power]

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.

Bob I have nothing.

[akorcovelos]

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.

COLD. ALL. THE. TIME.

[sailor55330]

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

Well, I've only had 1 beer in 2020 (that was bought for me) so I guess I've unofficially given up drinking without realizing it.

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

I'm sure I've done worse to aggravate him....besides, I think he kind of likes it....

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

Since the boat hasn't gotten wet and likely won't get off the trailer this year at all (haven't even removed the cover), might as well be frozen in time.

It's been a lousy two summers

[Big Block Power]

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

Well, I've only had 1 beer in 2020 (that was bought for me) so I guess I've unofficially given up drinking without realizing it.

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

I'm sure I've done worse to aggravate him....besides, I think he kind of likes it....

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

Since the boat hasn't gotten wet and likely won't get off the trailer this year at all (haven't even removed the cover), might as well be frozen in time.

It's been a lousy two summers

Yes you have

Stop thinking of drilling holes in the helm!!!
Next year buddy next year. We will meet up one way or another!!!

[sailor55330]

Stop thinking of drilling holes in the helm!!!
[/quote

So this isn't good?

Big-Drill-Bit.jpg

[Big Block Power]

Stop thinking of drilling holes in the helm!!!
[/quote

So this isn't good?

Big-Drill-Bit.jpg

Thanks I'll never be able to sleep tonight.

[BobRae99]

My vote is to buy the dash face from a 2018 to newer and add a couple of 7607s. Does your boat have EVC? If the boat is a long term hold it would be a neat update.

[Big Block Power]

My vote is to buy the dash face from a 2018 to newer and add a couple of 7607s. Does your boat have EVC? If the boat is a long term hold it would be a neat update.

Ok hang on boys. I agree with Bobrae

Believe it or not they're is some on ebay. I think greatlakesskipper has some.

[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!

There is definitely a difference in space on each side of the bow seats where the cup holders are located. See pics.

[Big Block Power]

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!

There is definitely a difference in space on each side of the bow seats where the cup holders are located. See pics.

That's what they call reclaimed space. Lol

[Krob1114]

My 30 oz Yeti fits on one side, but not the other.

[Cobaltschus]

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....

Reminder the bigger motors will also guzzle the fuel. Pushing an R5 into the 60s. Though enjoyable, will run a tank down quickly.

[Brezin']

Hi everyone - I am new here but we do enjoy our 2016 R3 on both Grand Traverse Bay of N. Lake Michigan and on a lift on Lake Leelanau. We have had a problem Had a problem with a corroded transom outdrive switch detent that did not stop going up when I took my finger off it. So, it came up and hit the swim step that was down and crushed the exhaust port closed right on the anode. A marine body shop welded it back and repainted and it now looks new. The swim step was bent but I was able to bend it back into shape. There is a warning sticker that says to be cautious. The 5 and 7 seem to have more drive clearance than the 3. Dealer got me a new switch and all is well now. I did notice that with the bimini and arch up, there is a "lifting wing effect" that seems to get the hull out of the water a bit, decreasing drag and and increase the speed up to 52. I don't regret not having the 350 as it is the same engine detuned at 5000 rpm. I also don't regret the lack of a head, cause I know the kids would crap in it and as with other boats I have had with holding tanks, they can smell and you have to vacu-pump them out - somewhere. On the other hand, having one would mean we would not have to find a marina to go. Anyway, we are happy with the fit and finish and it rides great. Looking for other Cobalt boaters to take some trips with next summer !

[Big Block Power]

Hi everyone - I am new here but we do enjoy our 2016 R3 on both Grand Traverse Bay of N. Lake Michigan and on a lift on Lake Leelanau. We have had a problem Had a problem with a corroded transom outdrive switch detent that did not stop going up when I took my finger off it. So, it came up and hit the swim step that was down and crushed the exhaust port closed right on the anode. A marine body shop welded it back and repainted and it now looks new. The swim step was bent but I was able to bend it back into shape. There is a warning sticker that says to be cautious. The 5 and 7 seem to have more drive clearance than the 3. Dealer got me a new switch and all is well now. I did notice that with the bimini and arch up, there is a "lifting wing effect" that seems to get the hull out of the water a bit, decreasing drag and and increase the speed up to 52. I don't regret not having the 350 as it is the same engine detuned at 5000 rpm. I also don't regret the lack of a head, cause I know the kids would crap in it and as with other boats I have had with holding tanks, they can smell and you have to vacu-pump them out - somewhere. On the other hand, having one would mean we would not have to find a marina to go. Anyway, we are happy with the fit and finish and it rides great. Looking for other Cobalt boaters to take some trips with next summer !

Welcome and perfect way to enter the forum! Sorry about the drive. That would suck forsure! Me across the pond we will meet up

[AsLan7]

Hi everyone - I am new here but we do enjoy our 2016 R3 on both Grand Traverse Bay of N. Lake Michigan and on a lift on Lake Leelanau. We have had a problem Had a problem with a corroded transom outdrive switch detent that did not stop going up when I took my finger off it. So, it came up and hit the swim step that was down and crushed the exhaust port closed right on the anode. A marine body shop welded it back and repainted and it now looks new. The swim step was bent but I was able to bend it back into shape. There is a warning sticker that says to be cautious. The 5 and 7 seem to have more drive clearance than the 3. Dealer got me a new switch and all is well now. I did notice that with the bimini and arch up, there is a "lifting wing effect" that seems to get the hull out of the water a bit, decreasing drag and and increase the speed up to 52. I don't regret not having the 350 as it is the same engine detuned at 5000 rpm. I also don't regret the lack of a head, cause I know the kids would crap in it and as with other boats I have had with holding tanks, they can smell and you have to vacu-pump them out - somewhere. On the other hand, having one would mean we would not have to find a marina to go. Anyway, we are happy with the fit and finish and it rides great. Looking for other Cobalt boaters to take some trips with next summer !

.
Hey brezin’. Thanks for the R3 input. So glad you found us!

Sorry to hear about the damage. Great to know she’s out of the ER and motoring around again. Now let’s get a picture of this baby for others to see.

Again welcome aboard mate!

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