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Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 7:12 pm
by Driller
My 242 is about the same length and close to the same profile. The thing I like about the boat most is that no one gets wet. Even in pretty rough weather very little spray come into the boat. My sunglasses stay spotless.
Rides nice too.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:04 pm
by cmattj
BobRae99 wrote: Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:52 pm
I’ve started a more serious search for a new leftover R3 or a lightly used R3 to replace my 210. One dealer I contacted said the R3 handles differently than the 210, which is sportier.
It got me thinking what will all the pluses of the larger R3 be and are there any negatives, aside from cost. I’m looking for one with a VP 350 DP, Bimini and premium sound system.
Any thoughts?
Hey Bob... wanted to bump your thread as the group had the rare opportunity to meet up and also Visit Cobalt Boats.
I figured I’d follow up on some findings that are in your future endeavors.
As I’m a huge proponent of big power I was educated in the process of newer V6 technology. Sure the automotive industry has brought them along strong, but I was amazed of the majority of 20-23 foot boats being produced with the V6.
Good luck if your still on your quest as it appears the V6 is still a great way to go for fuel economy and longevity.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:15 pm
by Big Block Power
Yep no need for a 350 or 380 or even a 430 Anymore. Go with the BB v6!!
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:31 pm
by cmattj
Big Block Power wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:15 pm
Yep no need for a 350 or 380 or even a 430 Anymore. Go with the BB v6!!
Seems to be the next big little thing. Who new?
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:41 pm
by Big Block Power
cmattj wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:31 pm
Big Block Power wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:15 pm
Yep no need for a 350 or 380 or even a 430 Anymore. Go with the BB v6!!
Seems to be the next big little thing. Who new?
Heck the only 380 we saw was in the corner and it was Tuscany's.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2018 12:26 pm
by Tuscany
Most of the 8 cylinders I saw were 350 hp, except for mine...

Alex said it best, different people are looking for different things. The 350 runs close to the 380, but lacks on the low end hole shot of the 6.2L.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2018 12:33 pm
by Big Block Power
Oh no don't rule out this 240ho. Rick let us pop the top to see what they were hiding under it. But he said we couldn't post pictures.

Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2018 7:20 pm
by BobRae99
cmattj wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:04 pm
BobRae99 wrote: Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:52 pm
I’ve started a more serious search for a new leftover R3 or a lightly used R3 to replace my 210. One dealer I contacted said the R3 handles differently than the 210, which is sportier.
It got me thinking what will all the pluses of the larger R3 be and are there any negatives, aside from cost. I’m looking for one with a VP 350 DP, Bimini and premium sound system.
Any thoughts?
Hey Bob... wanted to bump your thread as the group had the rare opportunity to meet up and also Visit Cobalt Boats.
I figured I’d follow up on some findings that are in your future endeavors.
As I’m a huge proponent of big power I was educated in the process of newer V6 technology. Sure the automotive industry has brought them along strong, but I was amazed of the majority of 20-23 foot boats being produced with the V6.
Good luck if your still on your quest as it appears the V6 is still a great way to go for fuel economy and longevity.
I’m not sure if you are making fun of me (the R3 comes standard with a V8/300) but I had a hard time believing a V6/280 would be enough power for my 210 after reading posts on this forum. While ignorance is bliss (I haven’t driven the boat with an older V8/270), I find the boat has great acclereation and a top end around 47 mph. Sure a V8/300 would have been better, but I bought what was available. A friend who has a 22’ Regal with a VP V8/300 SX was sceptical and was trying to steer me away from the. V6, but after I put it in the water and he drove it, he was impressed. The combination I have gets the boat on plane in 3 seconds with 5 people on board. For a first boat, I’m satisfied. If I move to an R3, I’d be looking for one with a V8/350.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2018 8:18 pm
by Big Block Power
Hey hey hey. Where have you been. You missed a great tour.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 5:50 am
by Ytmsn
cmattj wrote: Sat Dec 15, 2018 9:04 pm
BobRae99 wrote: Wed Nov 07, 2018 6:52 pm
I’ve started a more serious search for a new leftover R3 or a lightly used R3 to replace my 210. One dealer I contacted said the R3 handles differently than the 210, which is sportier.
It got me thinking what will all the pluses of the larger R3 be and are there any negatives, aside from cost. I’m looking for one with a VP 350 DP, Bimini and premium sound system.
Any thoughts?
Hey Bob... wanted to bump your thread as the group had the rare opportunity to meet up and also Visit Cobalt Boats.
I figured I’d follow up on some findings that are in your future endeavors.
As I’m a huge proponent of big power I was educated in the process of newer V6 technology. Sure the automotive industry has brought them along strong, but I was amazed of the majority of 20-23 foot boats being produced with the V6.
Good luck if your still on your quest as it appears the V6 is still a great way to go for fuel economy and longevity.
And it comes with cup holders!
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 7:23 am
by cmattj
Big Block Power wrote: Sun Dec 16, 2018 8:18 pm
Hey hey hey. Where have you been. You missed a great tour.
Yes the tour was fun. And I was just amazed of the V6 power taking its share at the Factory so you came to mind.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 9:12 am
by NautiGirl
cmattj wrote: Mon Dec 17, 2018 7:23 am
Big Block Power wrote: Sun Dec 16, 2018 8:18 pm
Hey hey hey. Where have you been. You missed a great tour.
Yes the tour was fun. And I was just amazed of the V6 power taking its share at the Factory so you came to mind.
Right - tour guide Rick and I had a little side conversation. He said "You really don't need the 6.2 in the R3 or R5 - they do just fine with the 300 or better yet 350hp engines".
I said "Yeah - weight savings, better on fuel....but come on...gotta go with the 6.2 right?"
He smiled and said "yeah...I would".
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 12:27 pm
by tgrace98
I was bored this morning and on Cobalt's site and you can get the 430hp on an R3. That would be a fun boat
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 12:38 pm
by Big Block Power
tgrace98 wrote: Mon Dec 17, 2018 12:27 pm
I was bored this morning and on Cobalt's site and you can get the 430hp on an R3. That would be a fun boat
Yes they do. That's what the Dreamsicle is speced out with


I did find a Dreamsicle seat for mine though.
Re: What Do I Gain (Lose) Going To An R3?
Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2018 2:19 pm
by tgrace98
I love the fiberglass tower on the R series. You don't see to many of them with it until you get up to the 30 or 35. So it makes the smaller ones unique with one. I understand why because it is an expensive option. But if I were to ever jump up to an R series I would love to find one with it. I guess I am a little partial to them since I have one on the ole 262
