Hello from Middle Tennessee

[CaptBob]

A quick hello to all. We are in the middle of ordering and specing out a new R5. I've lurked a bit, got a few answers and of course have a few more.

We are in the process of downsizing. Through many (30 ish years) I went up in boats and ended up with a Carver 360 SS. (sedan bridge) While we really liked the boat, and enjoyed our time on it, we decided that a moving condo on the water was not what we wanted to do. I do however miss looking at the wake rolling off her stern when up on plane with the 8.1's swilling fuel! Part of our new plan is to be able to trailer the boat to various lakes and enjoy some time in different places. A year ago, we traded the Carver for a Sea Ray SLX 300 (on a trailer, but mostly kept in drystack) and thought that might be the answer. It wasn't. While it was trailerable, And I have moved it about, it's a bit big for comfortable towing. (twin 350's, almost 10' beam, 9K+ lbs,) I didn't quite do enough discovery there, It's a beautiful boat, and I screwed up and let emotions get in the way.

We looked at another smaller Sea Ray. 250, 230 ish size. Really disappointed in the new styling and fit and finish of new SR boats. They just do not feel like $100K boats. The styling is too angular, too trendy, and the arches are getting all herky-jerky. (Admirals comments!)

That brings us to the R5. Looked at them in the fall, shied away for a reason or another, and have now come full circle back. The quality and look we desire are there, we feel that they actually look like boats!

A big bonus in the R5 (which pretty much locked us in) was the availability of a windlass. It may sound silly, but we anchor often. I'm 5 years from retirement, I'm past tossing and retrieving anchors manually. I just ain't gonna do it.

Most of the options we have picked for solid reasons, and feel pretty confident in. Stock floor covering, as we will remove it in a couple of years and SeaDec the entire boat, swim platform and all. There is a SeaDec like option, but we like the custom touch. Mooring cover, A windless, of course. An arch, (we still kneeboard even at this age!) a 350 HP Merc (more merc service around here) trailer, and some trinkets.

The thing I have questions that I would like to pose the braintrust here is:

The Makassar Dash, What does it consist of on the 2020? Still have the sides down along the cupholders?

And a Captains Call exhaust. I've heard different opinions about it. This comes mostly from the Admiral. She is having a hard time going from twin engines to a single (the last 4 boats were twins) and she got quite handy piloting and hearing the sound of twins. (She gets a real kick out of watching big man boaters stare at a little just under 5 ft woman docking a 40 foot bridge boat, or loading a 30 ft boat on a trailer. ) So I'm wondering if the sound of the CC exhaust will help her forget there is only one engine in the hull. (I'll like it to, but just looking for an additional "sale " of the option!) I'm sure she will pick up the intricacies of single engine boating, but I'd like a nice sound also. My worries are that now boats are blessed with catalytic converters , do the cats muffle the exhaust too much? While I'm sure it's a fair amount louder than underwater, and maybe it's just the right amount of loud, not annoying like a go-fast but just a bit of boat engine noise, which is not really such a bad thing. So the actual question in all that rambling is, does it make enough difference to be appreciated?

We haven't placed the order yet. We probably will next week, after a really cold test drive. So currently I have no pics to post. (Unless you want to see the Sea Ray and Carver) I will however, post them when we have some. I promise.

Capt Bob
Admiral Elaine

[tgrace98]

Welcome captain Bob. As a fellow R series I can chime in. I do not have a merc motor in mine so cannot comment on the merc. But I have heard a new R series with the 8.2 merc and captains call and it sound amazing. Any thoughts on spending the few more bucks for the big block? Even though the r5 is only 26ft. I know it’s a little less but I’ll round up. It’s a rather heavy one for the size. So the big block will get you into the 50’s as far as top speed. Top speed might not be your thing but it will plane faster and get you a couple more mph for that ideal cruising speed. I 100% agree that the r5 is the perfect trailer boat. It can be towed by any 1/2 ton truck and is only an 8.6ft beam. Sounds like you have her well optioned.

I have the upgraded dash on my R7 and I do like the wood grain look. It’s not as noticeable on the newer models 17+ because of the dual garmins but it still adds a nice touch of luxury.

Below is a few shots of mine in the sun so you can see. It also is on the port side where the cup holders are

[Big Block Power]

Welcome back captain Bob. He'll yes we want pictures!!!!
Ok I agree 100%with tgrace. It sounds like you're not holding back on money and options here. Don't waste your money for sounds in a 350hp. Sure it will sound ok but it won't be the sound of the 8.2 and if you want your wife to be happy seeing that you took her twins away, give her power and some rumble!!!! I side give up the wood grain and other little orings to get a BB. Heck I would even give up CC for it. Ok its a must have with it

[cmattj]

Welcome from California.
Also having twins for awhile too I envision what would replace that sensation but still be well behaved in a single engine.
We do get spoiled parking twins right?

If I was replacing our 282 it would be a R5 Or R7 with a mandatory 8.2HO .. Captains call ( no mufflers.. just the silly cats for awhile),and a Windlass. I’m spoiled in that too.

The idle of the 8.2 HO merc still has its choppy idle as opposed to merc small blocks even though the exhaust cats do reduce its vigor. After warranty is past you can change that out.
Let’s take a listen to new 8.2 HO and see if you can enjoy your new idle with cats.
Of course it’s in a 22 Donzi..
.

[AsLan7]

.
Welcome Captain Bod and Admiral Elaine to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us! Great post. ...and totally agree with every point in the posts above. If that Donzi doesn't get your heart going for a Big Block w/ Captain's Call then we will schedule your funeral service now.

Or maybe purchase the R5 AND the Donzi. You will be our new best friends with boating benefits.

Again, welcome aboard mate(s).
.

[Lockey14s]

If you are already questioning whether you want the captains call exhaust, then that means you want it and would absolutely regret not getting it. best thing about it is its selectable! if you really hate how it sounds (and i dont think you ever will) then you just dont have to turn it on. Ill agree with the guys on this that the 8.2 will sound amazing. it will launch an R5 even better. I LOVE SPENDING OTHER PEOPLES MONEY!

[CaptBob]

You'all are rough on my checkbook! I have toyed with the idea of a big block, as I had two in the Carver and loved those motors. And now, you are trying to make me do it again. This place is hard core!

That Donzi does have the proper sound. The Admiral will be pleased with that. I will be pleased with that. Crap. Off I go to the order sheet again!

[AsLan7]

You'all are rough on my checkbook! I have toyed with the idea of a big block, as I had two in the Carver and loved those motors. And now, you are trying to make me do it again. This place is hard core!

That Donzi does have the proper sound. The Admiral will be pleased with that. I will be pleased with that. Crap. Off I go to the order sheet again!

.
It's the right choice CB.
You'll NEVER have that wish I would have got the smaller engine and non captain's call feeling. Trust me (us) on that.

.

[Big Block Power]

I think we all agreed on this add on. CB congrats on a great boat
Can I ask for the 10 year plan you get it in black

[tgrace98]

You'all are rough on my checkbook! I have toyed with the idea of a big block, as I had two in the Carver and loved those motors. And now, you are trying to make me do it again. This place is hard core!

That Donzi does have the proper sound. The Admiral will be pleased with that. I will be pleased with that. Crap. Off I go to the order sheet again!

Wow Capt Bob we didn’t have to twist your arm to hard. You will fit in just fine here

[Big Block Power]

You'all are rough on my checkbook! I have toyed with the idea of a big block, as I had two in the Carver and loved those motors. And now, you are trying to make me do it again. This place is hard core!

That Donzi does have the proper sound. The Admiral will be pleased with that. I will be pleased with that. Crap. Off I go to the order sheet again!

Wow Capt Bob we didn’t have to twist your arm to hard. You will fit in just fine here

Heck we didn't even start on the led lights yet
Let's light up that water and that platform and your tower then the cockpit baby

[CaptBob]

Ok, a slow cold Sunday. You mentioned pics, since I have none of the new Cobalt (as yet to be created) I'll add previous boats. I will post pics when it gets here next summer, and no (Sorry BBP,) it ain't gonna be black! And on a side note, I'm supposed to listen to engine advice from someone with your screen name? You think you may be a bit biased? (Worst thing, you may be correct, but I ain't gonna tell you that)

So, Here is the Carver ('04 360SS) when she left for Lake Lanier, North Georgia.

IMG_20181004_173256.jpg

Good boat, we cruised through the locks to Downtown Nashville a couple of times, cruised up river, but spent most of the time anchored and rafted up not too far away from the docks. We did watch the eclipse in a raft up. We have the itch to run up and down the river more, possibly trailer to other lakes, and in general to a bit more exploring/boating. I was nervous being out of the channel with shafts and props exposed underwater. The Cumberland River/Old Hickory Lake will go from 60' of channel to 3' of mud just outside the buoys. Not much leeway. We have two boaters here, those that have been aground, and those that lie about it. I'm of the first group.

My first attempt in the new boating mission statement.

ramaroo working hard.jpg

Another good boat. ('12 Sea Ray SLX 300 Axius Drives) This one was close, we had a year with her. Problem is we were very nervous watching the drystack procedure (she was on the upper limits of that program) and while it was technically trailerable, it was not an enjoyable ride. (that pic is behind a 1500 Ram, Most of the distance moving was with a F250.) A 10 ft beam was a little less than legal, and just under 10K lbs made for a serious load. I made the mistake of really liking the boat and letting emotions get in the way of thought.

It sorta makes sense. I moved up in boat size in increments, so I guess we drop down the same way. There were many that led up to those, and I suppose there are still several more in line.

Now back to the build sheet for the next one!

[Big Block Power]

I think you just did about that I hate to say.
The sea rat looked black let's keep the streak going. I'm ok with white and a black boot stripe too.
Or all white. Tgrace98 and I have the same taste!

[Motex2011]

Buy Me! Buy Me!

My only regret is that it is only a 380 and not a 430. Also, go out to January photos. I just posted some videos of me taking it out on Friday. You can hear it in action from idling out of the marina to WOT complete with shots of the Tach and Speedo.

I do not have the CC as I bought it used (2014 model) and it didn't have it, but would love to have that option.

[Big Block Power]

Buy Me! Buy Me!

My only regret is that it is only a 380 and not a 430. Also, go out to January photos. I just posted some videos of me taking it out on Friday. You can hear it in action from idling out of the marina to WOT complete with shots of the Tach and Speedo.

I do not have the CC as I bought it used (2014 model) and it didn't have it, but would love to have that option.

Boy my captains call would have fit perfectly on your boat. It was cheap too. It's on ebay still but there is a bid on it till tonight at 9. Go get it
For get it Mines for a Volvo.