2024 R8 - Security/Theft
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 3:14 pm
A few months ago, I left the R8 key fob at home and was planning a return trip. Fortunately, my wife didn't know this and started the boat right up without issue!
After back/forth with the dealer they kept telling me:
- there may be a setting to turn the key usage off (but didn't know how)
- a fob within 50 feet will still allow the vessel to start
I contacted Cobalt directly and was informed an R8 equipped with dual Yamaha outboards will always start with - or without a fob. I questioned why I was provided fobs and why a $250K boat would not be able to "lock" and they are looking into it.
In the meantime, does anyone have a solution to secure your vessel when at a transient dock, etc?
After back/forth with the dealer they kept telling me:
- there may be a setting to turn the key usage off (but didn't know how)
- a fob within 50 feet will still allow the vessel to start
I contacted Cobalt directly and was informed an R8 equipped with dual Yamaha outboards will always start with - or without a fob. I questioned why I was provided fobs and why a $250K boat would not be able to "lock" and they are looking into it.
In the meantime, does anyone have a solution to secure your vessel when at a transient dock, etc?