Buying Cobalt R6

[Big Block Power]

1 last thing did you buy. If not what would you change.

Can you give us a bit more information? Was the water calm or choppy? How did it handle in the turns? It is larger and heavier than your R3 (as is the R5) but how do you compare handling and ride? Did the salesman offer up any performance statistics (top speed, time to plane) with the boat as equipped? How did you find the layout and materials quality compared to your R3?

Thanks, in advance

Drove in calm water and into the wind where there was some light chop. Boat handled and turned well... very smooth. The 5,800 lbs was definitely noticeable relative to my 4,400 R3. Salesman didn't offer any of those details (not the most knowledgable TBH). I typically cruise up to 35, so I ran it up around there and was at 4,300 RPM. I did not buy it. Size-wise, the R6 just doesn't offer a significant enough jump from the R3. So I'll probably wait for the R8 or just go with an R7. I actually don't mind the interior changes in the R6, but the R5/R7 stylings are definitely more refined. One more thing that I noticed... the helm was lower than the R3 even after tilting it all the way up. I'm short and had to extend my arms all the way down toward my knees when standing.

4300 with the vp380 in my r7 yields me 35mph as well. But that’s not enough to say that’s the right motor for the r6. The last one is the one I do not like. I stand 95% of the time when I drive. So if I’m having to reach that far down to get to the wheel Of an r6 that would be a deal breaker for me.

Why not. Sounds like a perfect height. Arms toward your knees? We might never see your wife again!

[Mikey]

I agree totally with tgrace98 about the trim tabs. My last 4 boats had the walk thru on the driver side leaving less seating on the driver side. With a lot of people in the boat, it would always lean to the left. Not so in our 2017 R5 with the trim tabs. It's a pricey option, but I don't think you'll ever regret it.

[BobRae99]

I agree totally with tgrace98 about the trim tabs. My last 4 boats had the walk thru on the driver side leaving less seating on the driver side. With a lot of people in the boat, it would always lean to the left. Not so in our 2017 R5 with the trim tabs. It's a pricey option, but I don't think you'll ever regret it.

With unequal weight distribution and the use of trim table to level the boat, is there a difference in fuel consumption? I've noticed my R3 can ride off level a bit. I had thought about trim tabs but the dealer felt I wouldn't need them. Into year two of ownership and I can't say it really bothers me. Had I to do again though. I think for the $1,800 option cost, I'd order them.

[Big Block Power]

I agree totally with tgrace98 about the trim tabs. My last 4 boats had the walk thru on the driver side leaving less seating on the driver side. With a lot of people in the boat, it would always lean to the left. Not so in our 2017 R5 with the trim tabs. It's a pricey option, but I don't think you'll ever regret it.

With unequal weight distribution and the use of trim table to level the boat, is there a difference in fuel consumption? I've noticed my R3 can ride off level a bit. I had thought about trim tabs but the dealer felt I wouldn't need them. Into year two of ownership and I can't say it really bothers me. Had I to do again though. I think for the $1,800 option cost, I'd order them.

Bob I have to ask. How many times do you cool your boat a year?
Your boat listing a bit is not riding like it's designed to ride. Yes it will use more. You dropping a tab down will also use more fuel. So how much on who cares. If it used 1 extra tank of gas a $100.00 bucks who cares you had fun right! But it didn't cost $20 bucks of extra gas a year. Really. Why worry about fuel consumption. That's not what boating is about. If so please help me figure out why mine goes through so much and it barely leaves the garage
If you buy a new boat every year gas is the least of your worries on what it costs. You lost more when it got dropped in your slip.

Tabs are worth every penny on any side entry boat you can get them on. My 2 cents.
Ok I've never had a boat with them. I'm out.

[Table Rockin]

I have tabs on my current boat and just buy them. They work wonders. Yes you may not NEED them but after you utilize them you’ll be glad. They can also help in rough water.

Fuel consumption? What the hell is that? But yes tabs create drag and thus lessen fuel economy.

[BobRae99]

I agree totally with tgrace98 about the trim tabs. My last 4 boats had the walk thru on the driver side leaving less seating on the driver side. With a lot of people in the boat, it would always lean to the left. Not so in our 2017 R5 with the trim tabs. It's a pricey option, but I don't think you'll ever regret it.

With unequal weight distribution and the use of trim table to level the boat, is there a difference in fuel consumption? I've noticed my R3 can ride off level a bit. I had thought about trim tabs but the dealer felt I wouldn't need them. Into year two of ownership and I can't say it really bothers me. Had I to do again though. I think for the $1,800 option cost, I'd order them.

Bob I have to ask. How many times do you cool your boat a year?
Your boat listing a bit is not riding like it's designed to ride. Yes it will use more. You dropping a tab down will also use more fuel. So how much on who cares. If it used 1 extra tank of gas a $100.00 bucks who cares you had fun right! But it didn't cost $20 bucks of extra gas a year. Really. Why worry about fuel consumption. That's not what boating is about. If so please help me figure out why mine goes through so much and it barely leaves the garage
If you buy a new boat every year gas is the least of your worries on what it costs. You lost more when it got dropped in your slip.

Tabs are worth every penny on any side entry boat you can get them on. My 2 cents.
Ok I've never had a boat with them. I'm out.

Not worried about the cost of the gas, just curious. I assume top speed is affected as well? As far as not designed to operate while listing - that’s exactly what boats do, they operate while not in a level attitude all of the time, (fore/aft pitch and side to side roll) due to sea conditions so I can’t agree with that statement. Like Inwrote, I’d probably order them next time. I note that Cobalt doesn’t offer them with the auto glide feature though.

[tgrace98]

With unequal weight distribution and the use of trim table to level the boat, is there a difference in fuel consumption? I've noticed my R3 can ride off level a bit. I had thought about trim tabs but the dealer felt I wouldn't need them. Into year two of ownership and I can't say it really bothers me. Had I to do again though. I think for the $1,800 option cost, I'd order them.

Bob I have to ask. How many times do you cool your boat a year?
Your boat listing a bit is not riding like it's designed to ride. Yes it will use more. You dropping a tab down will also use more fuel. So how much on who cares. If it used 1 extra tank of gas a $100.00 bucks who cares you had fun right! But it didn't cost $20 bucks of extra gas a year. Really. Why worry about fuel consumption. That's not what boating is about. If so please help me figure out why mine goes through so much and it barely leaves the garage
If you buy a new boat every year gas is the least of your worries on what it costs. You lost more when it got dropped in your slip.

Tabs are worth every penny on any side entry boat you can get them on. My 2 cents.
Ok I've never had a boat with them. I'm out.

Not worried about the cost of the gas, just curious. I assume top speed is affected as well? As far as not designed to operate while listing - that’s exactly what boats do, they operate while not in a level attitude all of the time, (fore/aft pitch and side to side roll) due to sea conditions so I can’t agree with that statement. Like Inwrote, I’d probably order them next time. I note that Cobalt doesn’t offer them with the auto glide feature though.

You do not need auto glide on a 23ft boat. . It is available on the twin motor boats but not on the singles. With the tabs all the way up(which is what you want for top speed) they are not doing anything at all. With the size tabs they put on the boat 2-3 clicks of tab down when you are listing one way or the other will make a world of difference. They also help for maintaining cruising speed in rough conditions. I can tab both down to get the bow angle lower while maintaining the same drive angle.

[Krob1114]

I agree totally with tgrace98 about the trim tabs. My last 4 boats had the walk thru on the driver side leaving less seating on the driver side. With a lot of people in the boat, it would always lean to the left. Not so in our 2017 R5 with the trim tabs. It's a pricey option, but I don't think you'll ever regret it.

With unequal weight distribution and the use of trim table to level the boat, is there a difference in fuel consumption? I've noticed my R3 can ride off level a bit. I had thought about trim tabs but the dealer felt I wouldn't need them. Into year two of ownership and I can't say it really bothers me. Had I to do again though. I think for the $1,800 option cost, I'd order them.

I don't have them.....I just put me on one side, everyone else on the other....it works.

[ajcampen]

a wise man once said "if you are worried about fuel cost you cant afford the boat"

[Big Block Power]

I agree totally with tgrace98 about the trim tabs. My last 4 boats had the walk thru on the driver side leaving less seating on the driver side. With a lot of people in the boat, it would always lean to the left. Not so in our 2017 R5 with the trim tabs. It's a pricey option, but I don't think you'll ever regret it.

With unequal weight distribution and the use of trim table to level the boat, is there a difference in fuel consumption? I've noticed my R3 can ride off level a bit. I had thought about trim tabs but the dealer felt I wouldn't need them. Into year two of ownership and I can't say it really bothers me. Had I to do again though. I think for the $1,800 option cost, I'd order them.

I don't have them.....I just put me on one side, everyone else on the other....it works.

And your a small guy!

Bob yes a boat rolls side to side. But the manufacture wants the boat to run flat for most efficiency. Yes with tabs down you will use more fuel. I think my right hand uses more gas then a tab

I try to keep as much boat out of the water that I can for best gas mileage
Again I fill my boat 4 times a year so what's a few extra bucks. But I only use my boat 2 weekends a year

[dcs]

I have a 350 R5 and regret not getting the 380.

[Norris_Boating]

Has anybody heard much about a surf option for the R6?

[Big Block Power]

Norris I think your going to see a lot of Malibu influences in it. They said they added something to it but I forget. But it could be the gates? I think they added the surf camera to the transom.

[BobRae99]

Has anybody heard much about a surf option for the R6?

I'm sure it will be along soon.

[Luv2HuntAR]

So I’m curious... what are the features you like that the R6 has that the R5 doesn’t? I think price wise you’d get a much better deal on a new R5. Is just a matter of wanting the latest newest model? (Totally fine, we want what we want). If u do go R6 I agree 380 hp is a must. I have an r7 Surf with this the 380 and it does fine. But I think any less power than that I’d be disappointed. Post some pics of what ever you decide when it comes in!

Fair question and something I am debating. Going R5 would be a bit cheaper (10k-15k) and allow for me to add a couple of options. From what I am reading the R6, while @1k heavier seems to perform roughly the same top end wise. As far as ride quality and the such, well that's a bit of an unknown, at least to me but with the weight I am thinking it should be at least as solid if not better.

I like the cooler storage on the R6 as well as the wireless phone charger, but I also prefer the interior overall (probably in the minority there from what I can see).

Well? What happened here? R5 or R6?