R6 Reveal Live on July 10th

[Lockey14s]

180k....now assume your can beat up a dealer for 25%. That’s still $135k before taxes and trailer. So it’s basically $150k boat when equipped more reasonably. $5900 for the stereo upgrade...

I have seen nicely equipped r7’s for less than that. I’m officially out

But what will a nicely equipped R8 cost?

It’s about a 10k jump from the r5 to the r6. So I would assume something in that neighborhood from the 7 to the 8. Unless they go crazy with the 8 and offer twins.

I’ve heard it will be boat show season 2021 before we see the 4 or 8. My guess is the next thing we will see from Cobalt is the r6 surf or the outboard r6

In the Gordys live reveal they mentioned the R6 surf coming out in September

[Tuscany]

Yecks

LOL..
BU/Cobalt is a little proud of that number, don’t you think?

[BobRae99]

180k....now assume your can beat up a dealer for 25%. That’s still $135k before taxes and trailer. So it’s basically $150k boat when equipped more reasonably. $5900 for the stereo upgrade...

I have seen nicely equipped r7’s for less than that. I’m officially out

But what will a nicely equipped R8 cost?

It’s about a 10k jump from the r5 to the r6. So I would assume something in that neighborhood from the 7 to the 8. Unless they go crazy with the 8 and offer twins.

I’ve heard it will be boat show season 2021 before we see the 4 or 8. My guess is the next thing we will see from Cobalt is the r6 surf or the outboard r6

There won't be a twin option in this platform.

[tgrace98]

But what will a nicely equipped R8 cost?

It’s about a 10k jump from the r5 to the r6. So I would assume something in that neighborhood from the 7 to the 8. Unless they go crazy with the 8 and offer twins.

I’ve heard it will be boat show season 2021 before we see the 4 or 8. My guess is the next thing we will see from Cobalt is the r6 surf or the outboard r6

There won't be a twin option in this platform.

oh I know that. Hence why I said "crazy"

Steve - I heard a lot sooner on the surf. But only time will tell. I am sure between the covid factory closure and the heavy summer demand the factory is backed up on production.

[Table Rockin]

I've been watching several videos of Malibu and Ski Nautique new offerings and honestly if wake surfing / tow sports is your thing its probably wise to just purchase one of those. Pretty much same price point as the R6 now for the higher end Paragon and LSV offerings. I mean I guess the R8 would end up being bigger so if you want size and surf maybe the R8 is your ticket. However the Paragon G25 has virtually the same LOA as the current R7.

I will say the amount of tech that is in those LSVs and Paragons is simply amazing. Paragons have what looks to be almost joystick like control for around docks and such so its actually better than Cobalt in that regard. In any event the tech on those boats seems way ahead of what Cobalt has now for their surf options. And yes I keep going back to surfing variations because that is clearly what the R6 is catering too here. Plus with the added weight these R series wont be that much faster (if at all) than a dedicated tow boat. The lines between these boats are getting blurred....to the point of what is the advantage going Cobalt over say Nautique? Price? - No / Performance? - Doubtful any longer or at least not nearly as pronounced/ Features? - No

I guess its all about surfing now. Period. End of Story.

Someone mentioned formula tech available now.....anyone have details on this?

[BobRae99]

I've been watching several videos of Malibu and Ski Nautique new offerings and honestly if wake surfing / tow sports is your thing its probably wise to just purchase one of those. Pretty much same price point as the R6 now for the higher end Paragon and LSV offerings. I mean I guess the R8 would end up being bigger so if you want size and surf maybe the R8 is your ticket. However the Paragon G25 has virtually the same LOA as the current R7.

I will say the amount of tech that is in those LSVs and Paragons is simply amazing. Paragons have what looks to be almost joystick like control for around docks and such so its actually better than Cobalt in that regard. In any event the tech on those boats seems way ahead of what Cobalt has now for their surf options. And yes I keep going back to surfing variations because that is clearly what the R6 is catering too here. Plus with the added weight these R series wont be that much faster (if at all) than a dedicated tow boat. The lines between these boats are getting blurred....to the point of what is the advantage going Cobalt over say Nautique? Price? - No / Performance? - Doubtful any longer or at least not nearly as pronounced/ Features? - No

I guess its all about surfing now. Period. End of Story.

Someone mentioned formula tech available now.....anyone have details on this?

While there is a shift, I think the majority of boats being sold are still bow riders. But, in terms of getting the kids out to recreate, surfing is going to get more popular every year. We don't really know what the boats will perform like until we see the prop charts. Maybe I'll try and get one.

[sailor55330]

Since it’s the same hull for surf, I/O and OB, I’m surprised we haven’t seen all three yet. I think the self bailing feature coupled with an outboard lets them compete more in salt environments but I have to think the dead rise will not be a plus in rougher water. Even though I understand the benefits of outboards, I personally am not a fan of the look and I don’t surf. It seems like they are moving away from their target audience somewhat

[BobRae99]

Since it’s the same hull for surf, I/O and OB, I’m surprised we haven’t seen all three yet. I think the self bailing feature coupled with an outboard lets them compete more in salt environments but I have to think the dead rise will not be a plus in rougher water. Even though I understand the benefits of outboards, I personally am not a fan of the look and I don’t surf. It seems like they are moving away from their target audience somewhat

I think audience is a moving target, so if they stay with yesterday's "target audience" they'll get left behind. It was the same thing with Porsche 15 years ago. Target audience was the sports car buyer (911) and they were a premium brand company. Then came the Boxster to offer a two seater entry level car and next the Cayenne SUV - which drew loud hollers of opposition form the "purists". But that vehicle was targeting a growing demographic - the SUV buyer and it saved the company.

This summer I came out to the lake to find a pontoon boat moored in the double slip I share - last year it was a bow rider. Not my preferred slip mate (especially with a powered windlass hanging off the starboard bow) so I asked to be moved. The marina operator said it has become a common request (to be moved) as pontoon boats start appearing in the marina. He said that this type of craft is the fastest growing boat type in the market place - growing by 30% a year in the last year alone.

My point? Things change and the company the doesn't follow where the sales are going doesn't stay in business too long. Outboards seem to be growing in popularity so it makes sense for Cobalt to offer one in the R series. If it doesn't sell, its not like they have a dedicated hull built for that application. If they don't offer a surf boat, as the demographic changes will there be enough bow rider buyers to keep production numbers up and MSRPs down?

As to the change in dead rise, I think there are a lot of "experts" hanging out in forums. I spoke at length to the Cobalt rep in March at a boat show. George has been with the company for many years and knows the boats inside /out. He told me that the hull changes will maintain the legendary Cobalt R series ride while adding strength and stiffness. He indicated that there are many hull design factors beyond dead rise at the transom that determine how a boat rides and handles. It's not as simple as saying a change of 3 degrees of dead rise (21 to 18) at the transom will make the boat less stable in the water. It is one measure. What isn't discussed is what the "vee" looks like, what the chine design looks like, how forward is the deep vee carried, etc.

My only gripe with the look of the boat so far is the helm station, but I'd like to see it in person. People get comfortable with what they know. I'd like to keep an open mind, Cobalt may have hit another one out of the park ('er the pond) with this boat. We just won't know until we get behind the wheel of one.

[Table Rockin]

Cobalt may have hit another one out of the park ('er the pond) with this boat. We just won't know until we get behind the wheel of one.

Agreed....real life tests will determine its utility. And hopefully it has more to it than meets the eye. Lets just say given the physics (more weight, same power) I have my doubts. The A29 by all accounts is a dog and is simply too heavy given its power options. If the new R series doesn't perform like a traditional R series, then you have to ask yourself if this boat is worth purchasing outside of the surf variation. And if that is the case, Cobalt just alienated that portion of the market (traditional 24-28' BRs).....a portion that has traditionally been their sweet spot. So they are catering to people who want more of a true hybrid.....not the best wake nor the best ride but a comfortable combination of both?

Meh, I'm sure in 3 years they will be all over TRL.

[cmattj]

Nice observation Bobrae.
Entry deadrise is the common measurement as that feature when tabbed or trimmed down cuts the chop right?!.
Flattening the transom out obviously picks up speed.
On plane with it riding further back...?
Wait for the captains report on that one.

[tgrace98]

How has Captain Steve from Boat test not reviewed one yet? It has been 3 days

[Red Herring55]

Was at a little party at Gordy's on Friday for the reveal and they rolled an R6 out for walk-throughs after the video reveal was over. My hands-on observations:

1) Overall look is rather blocky and not as "swoopy" as the R5. The character line on the hull is distinctive, the wrap-around effect of the swim platform is not bad and consistent with other newer designs, but nothing major.

2) Interior: a) the overall layout is virtually identical to the R5, other than some dimensional differences, such as i) the bow seating is noticeably shorter in the R6 (when seated I can stretch my legs out straight in the R5, and can't in the R6); ii) more space between the head door and passenger seat in the R6, so you don't have to have the bolster raised to open the door; and iii) storage in the side bench behind the passenger seat is significantly longer and deeper in the 6, as is the cooler compartment behind the driver seat; b) the engine hatch now lifts without having to unsnap the carpeting on the entry (starboard) side, but as a result it's harder to stow or access anything under that side because it no longer lifts up. Also, dedicated stowage for the flag, bimini struts, tow pylon and other such items is now to port of the engine under the hatch. Who wants to open the engine hatch every time you want to access these often-used items? and c) the dash is distinctively meh. Yes, the screens are bigger, but so what? You're sitting right in front of them--how big do they need to be? And the overhang over the screens sticks up at least 4" more than the R5 so the windshield is effectively smaller, even though I understand it's the same size.

3) The high dock side step is a winner in concept--it was impossible to enter the R5 from the side without stepping on the upholstery somewhere--but the execution is kind of lame IMO. It's just fairly flat non-skid (almost like somebody just roughed up the surface with a grinder) instead of the classic treatment of a chrome rectangle with brand logo and rubber inserts. I think they missed an opportunity here.

Overall verdict: I'm very happy I didn't wait for this before buying an R5, even if the R6 were priced more similarly than seems to be the case. Nothing revolutionary at all--more like a very close (possibly even incestuous) cousin than a different family.

[Table Rockin]

Was at a little party at Gordy's on Friday for the reveal and they rolled an R6 out for walk-throughs after the video reveal was over. My hands-on observations:

1) Overall look is rather blocky and not as "swoopy" as the R5. The character line on the hull is distinctive, the wrap-around effect of the swim platform is not bad and consistent with other newer designs, but nothing major.

2) Interior: a) the overall layout is virtually identical to the R5, other than some dimensional differences, such as i) the bow seating is noticeably shorter in the R6 (when seated I can stretch my legs out straight in the R5, and can't in the R6); ii) more space between the head door and passenger seat in the R6, so you don't have to have the bolster raised to open the door; and iii) storage in the side bench behind the passenger seat is significantly longer and deeper in the 6, as is the cooler compartment behind the driver seat; b) the engine hatch now lifts without having to unsnap the carpeting on the entry (starboard) side, but as a result it's harder to stow or access anything under that side because it no longer lifts up. Also, dedicated stowage for the flag, bimini struts, tow pylon and other such items is now to port of the engine under the hatch. Who wants to open the engine hatch every time you want to access these often-used items? and c) the dash is distinctively meh. Yes, the screens are bigger, but so what? You're sitting right in front of them--how big do they need to be? And the overhang over the screens sticks up at least 4" more than the R5 so the windshield is effectively smaller, even though I understand it's the same size.

3) The high dock side step is a winner in concept--it was impossible to enter the R5 from the side without stepping on the upholstery somewhere--but the execution is kind of lame IMO. It's just fairly flat non-skid (almost like somebody just roughed up the surface with a grinder) instead of the classic treatment of a chrome rectangle with brand logo and rubber inserts. I think they missed an opportunity here.

Overall verdict: I'm very happy I didn't wait for this before buying an R5, even if the R6 were priced more similarly than seems to be the case. Nothing revolutionary at all--more like a very close (possibly even incestuous) cousin than a different family.

Good feedback. Thank you. Any discussion about the weight or overall performance with the dealer?

[sailor55330]

Was at a little party at Gordy's on Friday for the reveal and they rolled an R6 out for walk-throughs after the video reveal was over. My hands-on observations:

1) Overall look is rather blocky and not as "swoopy" as the R5. The character line on the hull is distinctive, the wrap-around effect of the swim platform is not bad and consistent with other newer designs, but nothing major.

2) Interior: a) the overall layout is virtually identical to the R5, other than some dimensional differences, such as i) the bow seating is noticeably shorter in the R6 (when seated I can stretch my legs out straight in the R5, and can't in the R6); ii) more space between the head door and passenger seat in the R6, so you don't have to have the bolster raised to open the door; and iii) storage in the side bench behind the passenger seat is significantly longer and deeper in the 6, as is the cooler compartment behind the driver seat; b) the engine hatch now lifts without having to unsnap the carpeting on the entry (starboard) side, but as a result it's harder to stow or access anything under that side because it no longer lifts up. Also, dedicated stowage for the flag, bimini struts, tow pylon and other such items is now to port of the engine under the hatch. Who wants to open the engine hatch every time you want to access these often-used items? and c) the dash is distinctively meh. Yes, the screens are bigger, but so what? You're sitting right in front of them--how big do they need to be? And the overhang over the screens sticks up at least 4" more than the R5 so the windshield is effectively smaller, even though I understand it's the same size.

3) The high dock side step is a winner in concept--it was impossible to enter the R5 from the side without stepping on the upholstery somewhere--but the execution is kind of lame IMO. It's just fairly flat non-skid (almost like somebody just roughed up the surface with a grinder) instead of the classic treatment of a chrome rectangle with brand logo and rubber inserts. I think they missed an opportunity here.

Overall verdict: I'm very happy I didn't wait for this before buying an R5, even if the R6 were priced more similarly than seems to be the case. Nothing revolutionary at all--more like a very close (possibly even incestuous) cousin than a different family.

Good feedback. Thank you. Any discussion about the weight or overall performance with the dealer?

Probably the best feedback yet as it's from one of the few members to actually see the boat. The one thing that hasn't been mentioned really is where the deadrise is measured, or at least I don't think it has. That could make a difference in theory.

[BobRae99]

Was at a little party at Gordy's on Friday for the reveal and they rolled an R6 out for walk-throughs after the video reveal was over. My hands-on observations:

1) Overall look is rather blocky and not as "swoopy" as the R5. The character line on the hull is distinctive, the wrap-around effect of the swim platform is not bad and consistent with other newer designs, but nothing major.

2) Interior: a) the overall layout is virtually identical to the R5, other than some dimensional differences, such as i) the bow seating is noticeably shorter in the R6 (when seated I can stretch my legs out straight in the R5, and can't in the R6); ii) more space between the head door and passenger seat in the R6, so you don't have to have the bolster raised to open the door; and iii) storage in the side bench behind the passenger seat is significantly longer and deeper in the 6, as is the cooler compartment behind the driver seat; b) the engine hatch now lifts without having to unsnap the carpeting on the entry (starboard) side, but as a result it's harder to stow or access anything under that side because it no longer lifts up. Also, dedicated stowage for the flag, bimini struts, tow pylon and other such items is now to port of the engine under the hatch. Who wants to open the engine hatch every time you want to access these often-used items? and c) the dash is distinctively meh. Yes, the screens are bigger, but so what? You're sitting right in front of them--how big do they need to be? And the overhang over the screens sticks up at least 4" more than the R5 so the windshield is effectively smaller, even though I understand it's the same size.

3) The high dock side step is a winner in concept--it was impossible to enter the R5 from the side without stepping on the upholstery somewhere--but the execution is kind of lame IMO. It's just fairly flat non-skid (almost like somebody just roughed up the surface with a grinder) instead of the classic treatment of a chrome rectangle with brand logo and rubber inserts. I think they missed an opportunity here.

Overall verdict: I'm very happy I didn't wait for this before buying an R5, even if the R6 were priced more similarly than seems to be the case. Nothing revolutionary at all--more like a very close (possibly even incestuous) cousin than a different family.

Good feedback. Thank you. Any discussion about the weight or overall performance with the dealer?

Probably the best feedback yet as it's from one of the few members to actually see the boat. The one thing that hasn't been mentioned really is where the deadrise is measured, or at least I don't think it has. That could make a difference in theory.

Deadrise is typically reported at the transom, but that doesn’t tell the whole story.