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The 242 is a 2012 and the R3 is a 2016. I'll need to go back and look at the engine pictures for the insta drain feature. I'm all about doing as much wrenching as I can. I enjoy it and allows for my squeaky wallet to remain much more silent!

kwsbrother wrote: Thu Apr 13, 2023 4:26 pm The 242 is a 2012 and the R3 is a 2016. I'll need to go back and look at the engine pictures for the insta drain feature. I'm all about doing as much wrenching as I can. I enjoy it and allows for my squeaky wallet to remain much more silent!

Neither boat will have it.

ajcampen is correct, I just looked and it's called easy drain, not instadrian, and it was introduced in October 2016. Sorry to get your hopes up. It is a cool feature though.

Today was the day! I went and saw the 2012 242 and 2016 R3. Without a doubt, the R3 was the clear winner. It was in immaculate condition and showed so much better. The 242 was nice, but the interior showed its age. To be fair, it is 4 years older and has 23 more run time hours. This was evident especially in the gunwale wall backing material where the cup holders are located, the seating was dingy, and there was very noticeable differential discoloration in the trim coloring of the seating (sun washed). The Hull was considerably more beat up and even though the dealer wet sanded and polished the 242, they didn’t do a great job. The 242 by far feels very much more spacious (it should, it’s a full 2’ longer), but the R3 still fits my planned use (currently, at least).

So I’m in the process of ordering a survey for the R3. I’m trying to contain my excitement. I think this R3 would have been gone a long time ago if it had a trailer.

That said, anyone have leads on where I can get a good new or used trailer for a 2016 R3? I okay with used if it’s in good shape. I’m willing to travel, too. I’ve already received a Loadmaster trailer quote, which was $9,700 (base trailer w/out tax and delivery). I’m definitely open to more economical options and not waiting until almost September for it. I’m able to get a covered slip at the lake closest to me in the meantime, but I prefer not pay a little over $400/month for too many months.

A couple more questions regarding the R3. It has switches on the dash for captains call, under water lights, and swim platform lights. However, the bait doesn’t appear to have these feature and never did. Is it common for Cobalt to install switches for features not on the boat? If so, do they pre-wire for these features or are they just dead switches?

Thanks!

I just picked up a loadmaster trailer Friday. It is a thing of beauty. I don’t know how it toes bc I pick up my ‘16 R7 this weekend

kwsbrother wrote: Fri Apr 14, 2023 9:26 pm A couple more questions regarding the R3. It has switches on the dash for captains call, under water lights, and swim platform lights. However, the bait doesn’t appear to have these feature and never did. Is it common for Cobalt to install switches for features not on the boat? If so, do they pre-wire for these features or are they just dead switches?

My boat came with switches labeled for Captains Call, macerator, docking lights, and wipers. None of these four options were installed, but all of these items were pre-wired. I even found a switch and wiring for a Galley Pump that wasn’t even being offered as an option any more.

ajcampen wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 9:52 pm I just picked up a loadmaster trailer Friday. It is a thing of beauty. I don’t know how it toes bc I pick up my ‘16 R7 this weekend

That trailer is a thing of beauty! Did you get torsion axles on it?

Did you get the boat, too? Would love to see pics of them mated up!

kwsbrother wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 1:20 pm

ajcampen wrote: Sat Apr 15, 2023 9:52 pm I just picked up a loadmaster trailer Friday. It is a thing of beauty. I don’t know how it toes bc I pick up my ‘16 R7 this weekend

That trailer is a thing of beauty! Did you get torsion axles on it?

Did you get the boat, too? Would love to see pics of them mated up!

I ordered the trailer and finally got to pick it up last Friday. This Friday I start a 1500 Mi round trip drive to pick the R7. My boat lives on a trailer so I wanted an excellent trailer for it. Can’t wait to pull the boat home and use it with my family for the first time.

I did not get torsion axels and went with spring. Pm me and I can share my build specs.

My last boat, 2014 220s had a boatmate trailer that started to rust. The C channel beams were a big selling point

At the time the R3 was in production the wiring harness was the same for all boats. It’s pre wired for every option

sailor55330 wrote: Mon Apr 17, 2023 6:44 pm At the time the R3 was in production the wiring harness was the same for all boats. It’s pre wired for every option

Great to know!

Thanks to all. I've settled on the R3 and completed a survey/water trial (excellent report) and hope to have the boat very early next week.

Congrats KWS! Loadmaster is a favorite around here, but Heritage, Eagle, Boatmate, EZ Loader, and a bunch of other trailer manufacturers will make a trailer for an R3, including setting it up right and even including Cobalt logos. Your local Cobalt dealer may be able to help, or you can look for dealers for your favorite manufacturer. Here's a whole thread on it, with links to other similar threads:

viewtopic.php?t=2857

I ended up getting a new 2020 EZ Loader from my Cobalt dealer that originally sold the boat I bought used. They used it in the yard, but never sold it. It was the only trailer they had to sell and it fits the R3 perfectly. The trailer looks new and has the lighted Cobalt panel. I’m very pleased with my setup. Just have to wait to do my maiden splash day. I picked up the boat yesterday and I took it today to the Cobalt dealer for the 100 hr service. Fingered crossed they have it done before Memorial Day weekend!

Thanks to all for your input! It really made the journey more enjoyable and easier!

I re-read your original post. Doesn't matter now but my experience with the Regal Fast Trac is that it's great on glass. Actually worse on any kind of chop.
You made the right choice because it's your choice. Love it.

I know a guy on here from Minnesota that loves EzLoader and wouldn't buy anything else! Congrats.