2023 Cobalt R6 Surf - Issues

[Jrg98103]

Hi, my new R6 Surf was delivered a few weeks ago, and absolutely love it. However, while it’s my third Cobalt it’s the first one I’ve bought new, and I’m having a number of issues already. The platinum sound system popped (at low volume on battery) and no sound from any source comes out now; the depth finder has never worked; the waste tank indicator has never worked; trim assist doesn’t auto adjust trim (stays at -5 no matter the RPMs). Seattle Boat Company has had it back in the shop and made dock side calls and ordered multiple replacement parts, which are still on order so nothing is fixed. Just curious if new Cobalts commonly have such issues. My used 233 only ever needed a new starter in the seven years I had that. Kind of worried I got a very expensive lemon.

[Krob1114]

Hi, my new R6 Surf was delivered a few weeks ago, and absolutely love it. However, while it’s my third Cobalt it’s the first one I’ve bought new, and I’m having a number of issues already. The platinum sound system popped (at low volume on battery) and no sound from any source comes out now; the depth finder has never worked; the waste tank indicator has never worked; trim assist doesn’t auto adjust trim (stays at -5 no matter the RPMs). Seattle Boat Company has had it back in the shop and made dock side calls and ordered multiple replacement parts, which are still on order so nothing is fixed. Just curious if new Cobalts commonly have such issues. My used 233 only ever needed a new starter in the seven years I had that. Kind of worried I got a very expensive lemon.

Welcome to the forum. I sure hope everything works out. Newer surf owners should be chiming in soon. Good luck.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us Jrg9…. It’s a different Cobalt era for sure. Blame it on Bu.

Any pics of this lemon?

And welcome aboard mate.

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[Big Block Power]

Most new toys may need some issues fixed. Sorry yours aren't getting handled right away. Sounds like the dealer is having some issues. I'm sure they will get it all handled. Once all of the little things are done you will a trouble free ride.

[dsthomas]

I'm on my fourth new cobalt. Everyone of them has had one thing or another that needed some warranty work, but after that work was done all was well. The dealer makes the difference.

My 2011 242 had an issue with the soft trac mat and then we had an issue with the vinyl, dealer fixed and replaced no questions asked.
My 2016 A25 had an issue with the gauges and some wiring problems, again dealer fixed under warranty and smooth sailing after that.
My 2019 R7 Surf had an issue with some of the speaker covers falling off and the fuel gauge, dealer fixed and was fine
Our 2022 R8 Surf has a spider crack in the Gel coat and the fuel gauge is funky too, I'm sure they'll fix and it'll be fine too.

I have friends that buy other brands (Master Craft and Tige) and they report same thing. It just takes a little bit to work out the quirks. Your used boats had just had them worked out all ready. It is frustrating, you buy a new car and it's perfect. Boats are a different animal. I wouldn't worry too much about it, my experience has been that they take care of it. Sounds like you may have a few more than average, but it'll be fine.

[Jrg98103]

Thanks so much for the replies, particularly the list of issues you’ve seen. Really helps a lot—I’d definitely put the new car lens on this but great point about boats being different. Fingers crossed these get knocked out and we’re all good for Spring! Love the boat and the wave, just hoping it all comes together. Thanks again!

[lespaulrob]

My year 1 was frustrating-ish with our R6 Surf. we had a few issues but the dealer sorted them out. Year 2 (this year) has been FLAWLESS (knock on wood). We are so happy, but I think they whole thing is with hand built boats, you are going to have issues with the new ones. Stay patient and your boat will eventually be a very rewarding experience.

[anothershotinthehead]

I too had a list of issues with my 2021 25SC in the first year. Dealer fixed them and year two was successful, although I am still waiting on the swim-step latch - it was replaced and then fell off during my first run. Dealer will replace again - and this time put a drop of Locktite on the nut. By reading lots of comments on the forum, quality and final build sign off has definitely gone down from the former days. Some of it seems to be related to the new ownership and some of it no doubt is Covid-supply chain related. Either way, it's still an outstanding boat. Good luck with yours!

[CBO]

I am a firm believer that quality control no longer exists as well as the knowledge base in all industries has gone to the waste side. It's all about feelings and a paycheck. I am also not a fan of SBC, I bought mine used from them and they have been the servicing dealer since new. Most of the problems I am fixing on this boat was caused by their mechanics. For example, when I picked up the boat the fuel gauge was not working. They agreed to pull it and have sent for service. Well I get the boat home and attempted to run it on the hose only to find the mechanic had taped all three wires together causing a short and popping the circuit breaker. Basic electrical 101 and he couldn't even get that right. Now after digging into other issues it's apparently clear there is a lack of knowledge with the mechanics at SBC. Also goes to show that SBC did not do a PDI on your boat or if they did your boat got the mechanic that worked on my boat. I have jokingly talked with a buddy of mine about opening a repair shop based on quality of work. But then again I don't think people will want to pay my rates. Like I tell my son, if you want it done right you have to do it yourself.
Rant over, hope everything turns out good with your new boat.

[ajcampen]

The more electronics added to anything will have failure rates go up. Crossing my fingers for everyone to have trouble free boating.

[slickhorse]

I have a new 2023 R4 surf. My trim assist stays and -5 as well. Did you get any help with this? When i manually trim anything higher than 2 it porpoises. Also fuel gauges did not work and lots of errors with surf gate not activating.

[undercoverVOL]

I have a new 2023 R4 surf. My trim assist stays and -5 as well. Did you get any help with this? When i manually trim anything higher than 2 it porpoises. Also fuel gauges did not work and lots of errors with surf gate not activating.

Same issues with surf gates / trim staying at -5 on 2023 R8 surf..along with issues of vinyl seams already breaking. Two seats already being ordered under warranty...I was told when boat was delivered that trim assist does not help much unless where you are boating is extremely flat. I usually manually trim almost every time now.

[MNStCroix]

We have a new 2023 R8 Surf and had a list of items that broke or stopped working this summer. I brought the boat to the dealer for the post engine break-in service and they fixed all of them, all covered by warranty. My previous boat was a new Chaparral and it was the same thing.. a bunch of issues year 1. But once those get addressed it was smooth sailing.

My speakers went out like you describe. They found loose wiring and haven’t had an issue since. I did have a situation when the amps overheated in front of the helm in the starboard bow storage. A “protect” light was flashing on the amp. We had it crammed with life jackets which absorb heat. We’ve reduced the # of life jackets in that area and haven’t had the issue again.

On a related note we also had loose/bad wiring for the water pump to operate the transom shower and toilet. Dealer fixed and now all works great. But makes me wonder about what else has bad wiring waiting to break down?

Come to think of it our Trim Assist also always reads -5 no matter what.. thanks for bringing that up. Adding that to my off-season list.