First Time Cobalt Owner Ordering R3 Questions

[gregj2]

Hi everyone,
We are in the market for a new boat and have settled on an R3. It will mostly be used as a pleasure craft with some skiing / wakeboarding on a small 2 mile x 4 mile lake in MN.

1. Below is the build we are thinking. Any recommended changes?
2. Is the 380hp or even 430hp Merc engines worth the added cost?
3. Our dealership is saying there is a 20% discount from MSRP which puts this build at $105,532 Is anyone else getting more than 20% off?
4. What is a rotating sunshade vs regular arch with bimini?
5. This boat will be put on a boat lift with a canopy. Does anyone know if the any of the biminis / rotating sunshades can be lowered to clear a boat lift canopy with the bimini still expanded on the arch? We don't want to break down the bimini completely every time it gets put on the lift. Hope this makes sense.

I appreciate any advice in advance.
Thank you!!


BASE MSRP$109,530
Selected EngineMercruiser 6.2 L MPI ECT-350 B3 DTS
Color PricingThree Color Custom w/Edge $1266

Selected Options
Active Trim, Merc (requires DTS) $830
Bow Tonneau Cover $403
Cockpit Tonneau Cover $868
Rudder Indicator, Merc $501
Prem Sound w/Transom Spkrs. $3036
White Arch Elec, Alum Folding w/Bimini $9897
Transom Tilt Switch $224
Bow Center Cushion Insert $759
Colored Quilted-Pattern Stitching $392
Dinette Table w/CP & Sunpad Receptacle $1264
Floor Covering, Sea Grass $1440
Sunpad Filler Cushion (w/Dinette) $582
Battery Switch, Dual w/ACR (required) $474
Drivers Rearview Mirror (W/S Mount) $449
Options Total$22,385
Total MSRP(Freight & Prep Not Included)(Prices Shown are for Model Year 2021)$131,915

[AsLan7]

.
Hey gregj2. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

You will really enjoy the R3. Consensus is the 380 is the sweet spot vs the added cost of the 430 horse.

20% off MSRP is about the most you’ll find in this seller’s market. Before the virus hit 22-30% off seemed possible at times.

Others will chime in shortly. Looking forward to your Captain’s report when it arrives. ...and add the switchable Captain’s call exhaust! Even sportier cars get that option now.

Again welcome aboard mate!

.

[sailor55330]

First, Welcome-

I am an R3 owner and the boat you have specc'd out looks like a fine choice. I'm also in MN, so curious what dealership and lake you're working with. As I haven't purchased in a few years, I'll the the others chime in on the discount piece. I'll offer my $.02, but remember, I'm a focus group of 1, so take it with a grain of salt, preferably on a Margarita..

Not a fan of the rudder indicator other than for looks. I've not been on a boat that had it, but also never been on a boat where I thought I needed it.
I would also think twice about the dinette table. The R3 is a good sized boat, but I'd want to see the table in action on actual boat before buying--my concern is it might limit space considerably, but that's an entirely personal call. Others on here my say there are better places to source a table. Do you plan on doing watersports with only 2 people? One driving, one riding? If you think you'll have more than just two, then not sure the rear view mirror would be on my list as you would have a spotter.

No matter which way you go, the R3 is a really nice platform. Congrats.

[Table Rockin]

Hi everyone,
We are in the market for a new boat and have settled on an R3. It will mostly be used as a pleasure craft with some skiing / wakeboarding on a small 2 mile x 4 mile lake in MN.

1. Below is the build we are thinking. Any recommended changes?
2. Is the 380hp or even 430hp Merc engines worth the added cost?
3. Our dealership is saying there is a 20% discount from MSRP which puts this build at $105,532 Is anyone else getting more than 20% off?
4. What is a rotating sunshade vs regular arch with bimini?
5. This boat will be put on a boat lift with a canopy. Does anyone know if the any of the biminis / rotating sunshades can be lowered to clear a boat lift canopy with the bimini still expanded on the arch? We don't want to break down the bimini completely every time it gets put on the lift. Hope this makes sense.

I appreciate any advice in advance.
Thank you!!


BASE MSRP$109,530
Selected EngineMercruiser 6.2 L MPI ECT-350 B3 DTS
Color PricingThree Color Custom w/Edge $1266

Selected Options
Active Trim, Merc (requires DTS) $830
Bow Tonneau Cover $403
Cockpit Tonneau Cover $868
Rudder Indicator, Merc $501
Prem Sound w/Transom Spkrs. $3036
White Arch Elec, Alum Folding w/Bimini $9897
Transom Tilt Switch $224
Bow Center Cushion Insert $759
Colored Quilted-Pattern Stitching $392
Dinette Table w/CP & Sunpad Receptacle $1264
Floor Covering, Sea Grass $1440
Sunpad Filler Cushion (w/Dinette) $582
Battery Switch, Dual w/ACR (required) $474
Drivers Rearview Mirror (W/S Mount) $449
Options Total$22,385
Total MSRP(Freight & Prep Not Included)(Prices Shown are for Model Year 2021)$131,915

2. For an R3 I'd get the 380 but I'm sure others will contend the 350 or lower is fine. And they may be, but I like torque. Some personal preference here. Also bigger engine demands higher resale if you need justification for added up front expense. And no its not dollar for dollar.
3. Doesn't seem out of line from what I know discounts were in my area as of last year. This has truly been a remarkable year for boat sales. Record setting. That said, I've never purchased new so take that for whats it worth.
4. I think the big difference is the rotating sunshade can shift around (forwards and backwards).....not 100% sure here. It may be a benefit to those who use the tower for tow sports rather than packing away the bimini for that. Actually see below.
5. Yes the towers themselves fold down. You have to option this but it is available. Either manual or powered tilting. For this to work without rolling up your bimini I think you need the rotating sunshade. Otherwise your bimini will likely have to be packed away and then your tower lowered. Your right that would suck. The sunshade just folds down on the tower level with the boat.

[mdadgar]

Not a fan of the rudder indicator other than for looks. I've not been on a boat that had it, but also never been on a boat where I thought I needed it.

I think the rudder indicator is a no-brainer if you ever plan to tow people behind the boat (skis, wakeboards, tubes, etc). It really sucks not knowing where the prop is pointed when you take off.

I wish my boat had it every single time I pull someone.

- Mark

[Table Rockin]

I just purchased the table this summer for my R7. I like it but may be a bit cramped on an R3. This is entirely personal preference.

Get the RGB lighting. I have the blue only and its killer. Wish I had the RGB. If you do any boating at night its a must IMO. Underwater lights too

[BobRae99]

I have an R3 and think the 350 is perfect for your purposes. Given that you are on a 4 mile long lake, cost for additional top speed would be wasted. In fact, if you look at the power and torque curves for the VP 300/350 (I know you are looking at Merc), you will see the same power and torque until you are at around 4,000 rpm, so the time to plane and mid range power of both 300/350 are pretty similar. You might get away with a 300. Having said that, my dealer told me at purchase that the 350 was the "sweet spot" in this model. I also called Cobalt to ask and they said the same thing.

I think the rest of your options are well thought out. I went with the carpet because I didn't really like the feel of the Seagrass, but that , of course, is a personal choice. Given that you are on a small lake that probably doesn't blow up much, do you think you might enjoy some late evening cruises (I notice you have listed a table and bow cushion so you plan to hang out on the boat)? If so, you might consider docking lights and some RGB interior lights. If the water is clear, maybe the underwater lights at the transom?

The rotating sunshade is a more permanently deployed shade on a substantial frame that rotates to stay horizontal as you lower the arch. With the standard setup, you do get a bit more coverage but when you tip the arch forward, the Bimini will tilt downward at the front and contact the windshield (ultimately).

I'm not sure how much overheard clearance you have but if you don't have to constantly lower the arch for clearance, I'd stick with the folding arch and Bimini.

As to discount, I wasn't able to do much better than 22% when I bought my boat in March 2019. Some people say they have gotten 25% off or more, but no one has posted pictures of their invoices so who knows. You just do the best you canned then enjoy your boat when it arrives.

[Big Block Power]

Not a fan of the rudder indicator other than for looks. I've not been on a boat that had it, but also never been on a boat where I thought I needed it.

I think the rudder indicator is a no-brainer if you ever plan to tow people behind the boat (skis, wakeboards, tubes, etc). It really sucks not knowing where the prop is pointed when you take off.

I wish my boat had it every single time I pull someone.

- Mark

I agree with Mark here. I do wish I had this indicator. No Brainer for water sports. From what I here the manual tower is really easy to lower. I might go this route VS electric only because you will be lowering it everytime it goes on the lift. Waiting for the power one would drive me nuts. But maybe not having to bring it down all the way to put the cover on a electric one would be the best. Just saying. I would get the rotating one because you want to leave it up all the time. I would get sea dek for flooring if I lived on a lake. Also get a mooring cover instead of the bow covers. It will keep the boat cleaner and drier. Um 350 is prefect but the 380 or 430 is even better. Just saying. Go as big as your budget will allow. Go rgb and under water.

[dustinm]

Not a fan of the rudder indicator other than for looks. I've not been on a boat that had it, but also never been on a boat where I thought I needed it.

I think the rudder indicator is a no-brainer if you ever plan to tow people behind the boat (skis, wakeboards, tubes, etc). It really sucks not knowing where the prop is pointed when you take off.

I wish my boat had it every single time I pull someone.

- Mark

I agree with Mark here. I do wish I had this indicator. No Brainer for water sports. From what I here the manual tower is really easy to lower. I might go this route VS electric only because you will be lowering it everytime it goes on the lift. Waiting for the power one would drive me nuts. But maybe not having to bring it down all the way to put the cover on a electric one would be the best. Just saying. I would get the rotating one because you want to leave it up all the time. I would get sea dek for flooring if I lived on a lake. Also get a mooring cover instead of the bow covers. It will keep the boat cleaner and drier. Um 350 is prefect but the 380 or 430 is even better. Just saying. Go as big as your budget will allow. Go rgb and under water.

Im getting the indicator also, with kids I always worry about them getting cut on the prop and turn it away from the ladder. Which with the new swim deck/step that wont be an issue, but still helps when tubing or skiing. If you get VP its only $250.

I fiddled with towers at the dealer and agree with BBP the manuals are super easy to fold - I dont see need for slow electric fold.

[Norris_Boating]

Seems like for the most part people are in agreement!
350 HP is Plenty on the R3 unless you are that person that wants BIG engine. You won't need the power but some love to have it.
Skip the Tonneau covers and get the mooring cover. I love that I don't have snaps all over the sides of my boat.
I have the manual folding arch and it is easy to fold down and you don't need to put down the Bimini.
The RGB is great if you plan on doing night boating.
I love my rudder indicator especially for water sports.
I got no flooring in mine from the factory and put in custom seadek. Very easy to install.

[Kyboater]

As another R3 owner I think you have a well optioned boat selected.

My .02 are as follows:

I recommend the table if you plan on having lunch on the water very often. It’s easy to set up and take down. 5 adults can easily gather around it. We use our table every trip out. We set it up for lunch in the cockpit, sometimes move it to the back if we are tied up for awhile. Having the table for chips/dips and drink holders have been a hit.

I also recommend the RGB lights. Sunset cruises are that much more spectacular with the Cobalt logo lit up on your tower and the romantic blue glow.

I can’t speak to the rudder indicator. I’ve never had one and never felt the need. We do a lot of water sports too. Maybe it would come in handy but we always just idle straight and let it rip.

Any interest in docking lights? I personally like having them. I wish they were the older style but I still like how they look and we have used ours occasionally.

As for flooring. I have sof-trac and love it. We got caught in a major rain storm this summer and it was so nice to unsnap and let it dry overnight. It was good to go the next day. Carpet would have been wet for days. I like sea grass but I’ve heard it gets hot. Sea grass might wear better than sof-trac though.

Saving the most important opinion for last... I have the 300 hp Merc and I am very satisfied. The power from 30-40 mph is incredible. I like it better than the 6.2 320 hp in my 220. With that said if I was ordering one new I would select the 350Hp Merc. I think anything else would be overkill especially for that size lake. But if budget allows I would put the 430 hp Merc in it.

Good luck and enjoy! We have had the best boating summer ever on our R3.

[Big Block Power]

Man we are all pretty darn close on this r3. It's it ordered yet? Let's get to colors!

[gregj2]

Thanks everyone for their input. It has definitely helped narrowed a few items down. As for colors we are thinking navy side, red stripe, and white bottom.

[Big Block Power]

There goes Another dreamsicle dream go down the drain

[Luv2HuntAR]

Welcome. You will love your Cobalt R3. Everybody has different favorite options be cause everybody uses their boat Differently. Get what you want with your build; you can change things up on the R6 or R8 you’ll want in a few years. On your colors, that’s a standard. Love it, but I’ve seen some pretty cool/unique color combos over the past few years that make the boat really stand out .... if you’re wanting that.

My input is:
350 v 380 - either - budget consideration for me, but I’d probably opt for Volvo
Active Trim, Merc - yep
X Bow Tonneau Cover - nope
X Cockpit Tonneau Cover - nope
** Mooring cover - yep
X Rudder Indicator - nope
Prem Sound w/Transom Spkrs - yep, unless you’ll be towing folks who want to hear their music while tubing/etc
** Prem Sound w/Transom & Arch Spks - for those who want the music while on the water
White Arch Elec, Alum Folding w/Bimini - no opinion on electric v manual- I don’t have to lower mine while on the lift, but there are folks on the site who have to lower it every time they put the boat up; there’s at least one who forgot to lower it when pulling into garage. On the rotating shade, I’m not sold on its value.
X Transom Tilt Switch - nope
Bow Center Cushion Insert - yep
Colored Quilted-Pattern Stitching - yep - looks much better in the long run as opposed to white
X Dinette Table w/CP & Sunpad Receptacle - nope - we just wouldn’t use the table
Floor Covering, Sea Grass - yep - Sof-Trac good option too
** Sof-Trac on swim platform - it gets slippery and it looks great
X Sunpad Filler Cushion - nope - really doesn’t make a big difference
Battery Switch, Dual w/ACR (required) - yep
Drivers Rearview Mirror (W/S Mount) - yep - in AR, if we have a mirror, no spotter is require
** Docking Lights - we’re regular sunset booze cruisers
** RGB Lighting - really cool at night, especially after booze
** Flag - classic cobalt look

I’m a little disappointed nobody suggested a 430 + captain’s call

Best of luck. Have fun.