R6 Impressions

[BobRae99]

My dealer finally got a new R6 in and I went down yesterday to have a look. He also had a new R3 in the showroom so I was able to go back and forth between the two boats to get a feel for the differences. My impressions:

- The caramel colour on the boat interior looks really nice and the wood trim (gray) adds some warmth;

- I thought I wouldn't like the new angular interior design but it is a nice updated change. In a way, looking at the rear seat cushion and bench on the R3, it looks a bit "old fashioned";

- The quality of materials in the R6 are good and fit and finish are very good as well, but you can tell Cobalt has made some design changes to save money. The smooth bench material as opposed to the pebbled/stitched quilted detail on the R3 looks good, but clearly it saves production cost;

- I wondered whether the grab handle forward of the rear bench would bang the back of one's calves (sort of does, but not a big problem), but at 5' 8" I was surprised that when sitting on the rear bench, my feet don't touch the floor. Not a big fan of that, but it will be more comfortable for 5' 9" people and taller. Not sure what typically shorter women will say. I like having my feet on the deck to help steady me as the boat bounces through the water;

- The R6 is a bigger boat than my R3 and it is evident when you go from boat to boat. The engine cover is quite a bit heavier as well. For those who do daily engine checks or store stuff on the port side of the engine (lots of space), I'd order the electric lift;

- Speaking of the engine compartment, while there isn't as much access on the starboard side, there is a huge amount of space forward of the engine, giving very easy access to the drive belt and ancillaries so service should be quite easy;

- The gel coat finish in all areas of the inner hull really step the interior up quite a bit;

- The co pilot's seat cushion doesn't lift up the way it does on the R3/5/7, it pulls out of the way to expose a fully finished (gelcoat and carpet) area that eliminates the irritating problem of phones and other small items slipping through the seats back "slot". Much appreciated. You do lose the built in cooler though. That feature is now only under the starboard seating cushion;

- The helm is an interesting change. I love the bigger Garmin units but the steering wheel seems toy like and I wonder if the smaller gap between the top of the instrument binnacle and the window frame will make motoring less enjoyable?

- The boat I was on had the larger Garmin units. I had to turn the boat's main power on when I got on it and then turned the ignition on and it seems like it took forever for the Garmin's to boot up. I don't know if it has anything to do with just having turned on the main power (I don't think there is any power to the Garmin with the power on and ignition off) but much slower than the units on my R3. I found that pretty annoying;

- The helm seat is wider. I don't find the seat that comfortable - its pretty hard and doesn't really form to the body, but its not much different that the seat on my R3. Maybe it softens up with use as I don't find a problem with my seat;

- Under floor storage is pretty versatile. The rear and middle hatches provide access to the same long ski locker. No longer any need to crawl under the floor to reach to find an item that has shifted well forward. You can just open the next hatch. There is the third hatch in the bow area which is a separate compartment. There is also a small one at the stern walk through. That one has a drain. I didn't check the others. All of the spaces are finished with smooth gel coat making clean up easy;

- The windshield frame has stainless capping but the rest of the framing is painted black. I don't think it looks as good and suspect it is a cost saving measure. The windscreen on the surf series is much nicer looking, but you can't get that option on the stern drive version;

- The wind stop uses a different lock for the middle folding point. It's a bit fiddly until you figure out how it works. Maybe it will rattle less. The push bolt latch for the bulkhead attachment point wasn't aligned well and took some messing with to get it to slide home (early production?);

- The head area is pretty roomy although when siting on the toilet your left shoulder is right up against the centreline bulkhead. Luckily its padded so no bruising. The boat I was on had a port light but for $745.00 I think I'd skip it. There is a good light in the compartment. I know many people on the forum don't see the need for a head, but if I ordered my boat with one I'd pay the extra for an electric flush unit and get a sink. the ladies don't want someone coming down after they've done their business to show them how to clear the bowl. the electric head is just a push button affair. I guess it depends on how (and where) you boat and how long you'd have to travel to get to a washroom facility for a #2 job. As a final point, in my jurisdiction, you need a head and sink to be legal for open alcohol.

- I measured the bow area and found that it has about the same amount of length as the R3. That means that all of the added space is aft of the front windshield. The boat doesn't seem that much larger until you get off it, sit in the R3 and then come back. You can see the stretched side benches in the R6. the angle of the bow seat backs is the same as in the R3, so very comfortable;

- I'm not a big fan of the bow layout on the starboard side (R6). There is no flip out leg support (as per the R5), which is a miss as far as I am concerned. The footwell isn't that roomy (fore/aft) so the more comfortable position is with your feet up, but there isn't any support. I'm sure things are better on the R8 with more footwell space, but I think there should be a filler cushion offered for this side, even if it isn't a flip out style;

Overall, I like the boat. Would I buy one? Yes, but not without a water test. I'd like to see how snappy it feels coming out of the water and how it handles. It also has me thinking about a surf version but it is a pretty big $$ step up from my 2019 R3 and my kids aren't ready to start surfing yet. At the moment, I'm thinking I'd hang onto my boat for another year until some surf reviews are in and we have more real world experience with that boat.

I was against the angular design of the interior, but after spending some time in it (about 45 minutes), I got used to it and looking at the R3, felt it was a fresh change.

Happy Boating!

[Anesslet]

Thanks for the detailed rundown. I’m new to cobalt (CS23 on order) but I sure hope the fact cobalt is now owned by Malibu won’t affect the high end quality! I’ve also sat in an R6 and it sure seems like a nice boat, but I don’t own an R3 or R5 to compare it to.

[AsLan7]

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Yes...great write up BR99. Hopefully others will find this helpful.. Thanks for posting it!

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[Big Block Power]

Thanks Bob with that new 430 8.2 merc big Block you will fall in love! Just do it!

[mdadgar]

Nice write-up, Bob. Thanks.

[BobRae99]

Thanks Bob with that new 430 8.2 merc big Block you will fall in love! Just do it!

The boat I viewed had a VP380 DP. I think 90% + of my dealer’s factory orders will have this setup. The 430 is almost $10,000 and with the minimal performance gain, I’m thinking many people would opt for luxury options. Having said that, the extra torque must do something. I note the surf boat in the Cobalt promo video has a 430.

[Big Block Power]

Thanks Bob with that new 430 8.2 merc big Block you will fall in love! Just do it!

The boat I viewed had a VP380 DP. I think 90% + of my dealer’s factory orders will have this setup. The 430 is almost $10,000 and with the minimal performance gain, I’m thinking many people would opt for luxury options. Having said that, the extra torque must do something. I note the surf boat in the Cobalt promo video has a 430.

I've been saying it for 5 years! So until I finally convert you, you won't know but when you do you will thank me

[BobRae99]

Thanks Bob with that new 430 8.2 merc big Block you will fall in love! Just do it!

The boat I viewed had a VP380 DP. I think 90% + of my dealer’s factory orders will have this setup. The 430 is almost $10,000 and with the minimal performance gain, I’m thinking many people would opt for luxury options. Having said that, the extra torque must do something. I note the surf boat in the Cobalt promo video has a 430.

I've been saying it for 5 years! So until I finally convert you, you won't know but when you do you will thank me

I like the boat but I think I'll stay with my R3 for this year until the reports come in on the R6 Surf. Cost wise, with a 430 and options the R6 Surf is a big cost step up. For now I have a great boat and good things to look forward to (R6 Surf).

[Big Block Power]

The boat I viewed had a VP380 DP. I think 90% + of my dealer’s factory orders will have this setup. The 430 is almost $10,000 and with the minimal performance gain, I’m thinking many people would opt for luxury options. Having said that, the extra torque must do something. I note the surf boat in the Cobalt promo video has a 430.

I've been saying it for 5 years! So until I finally convert you, you won't know but when you do you will thank me

I like the boat but I think I'll stay with my R3 for this year until the reports come in on the R6 Surf. Cost wise, with a 430 and options the R6 Surf is a big cost step up. For now I have a great boat and good things to look forward to (R6 Surf).

Bob now is the time to get the most out of your boat at trade in. Next year easy 10k less which is the 430 upgrade. Come on do it! It makes sense

[cmattj]

My visual impression is spot on with you Bob. I do notice the rear transom/ platform seem to ride high ,and slightly too level or up? We’re they planning full ballast tanks??

A 8.2HO would put it in the sweet spot for me

[liquid]

No head/no sink/no alcohol? Easy answer here Bob. Buy it!

That R3 is old news. I’ll take it off your paws for 40k.

Also, what do you guys think about robot pool vacuums? I’ve been kicking the idea around but the good ones are super expensive! I hate doing it manually. Feel like there’s better ways to spend my time around the pool than vacuuming right?

Anyway, here’s the model I’m thinking about:

https://www.premierrobotic.com/

I appreciate all your input. TIA

[thunder550]

Also, what do you guys think about robot pool vacuums? I’ve been kicking the idea around but the good ones are super expensive! I hate doing it manually. Feel like there’s better ways to spend my time around the pool than vacuuming right?

Pool vacuums are overrated. You're paying extra for the name. Just use your normal household vacuum, they will reach the bottom just fine.

[liquid]

Also, what do you guys think about robot pool vacuums? I’ve been kicking the idea around but the good ones are super expensive! I hate doing it manually. Feel like there’s better ways to spend my time around the pool than vacuuming right?

Pool vacuums are overrated. You're paying extra for the name. Just use your normal household vacuum, they will reach the bottom just fine.

T5billion,

While I appreciate your consideration, the advice is ludicrous! How can I possibly reach the bottom of a 10 ft pool with a household Dyson? Am I to lean into the pool arms fully extended? Am I supposed to fashion some sort of extension pole?

What would the guests think observing???

I’d like you to rethink your submission and reply at your convenience.

[thunder550]

T5billion,

While I appreciate your consideration, the advice is ludicrous! How can I possibly reach the bottom of a 10 ft pool with a household Dyson? Am I to lean into the pool arms fully extended? Am I supposed to fashion some sort of extension pole?

What would the guests think observing???

I’d like you to rethink your submission and reply at your convenience.

You failed to mention that you required maintaining a hand grip on the vacuum. That is a critical piece of missing information. The solution I provided fits the provided requirements of reaching the pool bottom. Toss it in, it will reach the bottom in short order. I guarantee it.

Unless you are talking about vacuuming the pool deck, in which case you can maintain hand contact without an extension. I'm confused on where the problem lies in either scenario.

[thunder550]

Back to the original topic, sans the pool talk. I really like the design of the R6, seems very sleek. I had never heard of Puppyoo before tonight, but I'm glad I looked it up. Might have to order one of these. Hopefully they have updated the app since this review was written.

www.zdnet.com/google-amp/product/puppyo ... ot-vacuum/