CS23 versus R3

[Anesslet]

A few week ago I ordered a new CS23. Should be here in June. Went with the Merc 350hp. Super excited.

Since you can no longer order R3s I never really gave much consideration to that series. I know an R4 is eventually coming but don’t know when.

My question is what are your thoughts on an R3 versus a CS23? I realize the R3 is considered the next level boat, but one thing I really liked on the CS was the bridge clearance. We have a few bridges we go through at times and the CS is 3’11” for clearance (no tower) where is the R3 is just over 5 feet. So a fairly big difference. I looked over the options in great detail for each boat and feel that the CS23 will be great for our family. We’ll do a bunch of skiing, tubing, cruising, etc. Am I also correct in thinking the CS will have a smaller wake than an R3 because it’s a little lighter?

I’m someone who typically doesn’t want to buy the cheaper version of something so just wanting to make sure I’m getting the right boat. I realize the R3 is probably $20-$25k more as well.....but thinking the CS23 will be an awesome boat.

Thanks for the comments.

[Big Block Power]

You have to go with the boat that fits your needs. Sounds like the cs will do that. R series will ride totally diff then a cs. The r will sit up much higher in the water. Wake well not sure as a diff hull. I don't think the wake is that bad on a r.

[Anesslet]

Thanks for the comment. I’m just trying to make sure I fully understand the benefits of one versus the other. We boat on a lake that’s about 3,000 acres so not a huge body of water in the grand scheme. I’d think the R3 is set up to handle larger bodies of water with larger waves?

[Big Block Power]

I personally think my 220 could go in any water a r3 could be in. The captain can make up plenty for a boat that may be too small for a lake. A big boat and a bad captain can be worse in my opinion. I personally compare a boat ride to a car. I prefer to drive a vette vs a caddy. 220/cs = vette vs r3 = caddy.
That's what I want. Everyone is so diff. Tims r7 is a great boat. I love them. It's just not me. In cobalt you really don't get a sports car to choose from in that size. As Tim would say it's a wave crusher! So that's where I would switch to formula maybe or Donzi. That's just me.

[Krob1114]

We looked at booth before going R3. One of our main considerations was the layout of the back of the boat. Plus, it looked a lot bigger on showroom floor. LOL

[dustinm]

We looked at booth before going R3. One of our main considerations was the layout of the back of the boat. Plus, it looked a lot bigger on showroom floor. LOL

After viewing both on the showroom floor one of the reasons we chose a CS was the rear of the boat.

[Big Block Power]

We looked at booth before going R3. One of our main considerations was the layout of the back of the boat. Plus, it looked a lot bigger on showroom floor. LOL

After viewing both on the showroom floor one of the reasons we chose a CS was the rear of the boat.

Why did I know you were a rear end guy

[GhostWhisperer]

We ordered a CS22 in October and took delivery last month. We compared R3, CS23, and ended up with the CS22. We wanted an easily trailerable boat to lake hop in the SE. The R3 was just too big (to me) to whip into some of the more "rural" ramps around. Not popular with some as an opinion, but I also didn't want to be forced into a one ton to cart the tub around. The stern of the boat sold us on top of that, and after having her out it's really cool. Easy on/off launching and at the marina, and great cove sitting. I hope you're as pleased with yours as we are of ours.

[AsLan7]

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Great driveway boating pic GW.

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[GhostWhisperer]

Driveway docking is the best! Never miss a chance to hang out after cleaning-and it's the only time the Captain gets to drink his fill!

[AsLan7]

Driveway docking is the best! Never miss a chance to hang out after cleaning-and it's the only time the Captain gets to drink his fill!

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Good stuff brutha'

Btw, any difficulty backing it up the driveway? Street looks a little narrow with a drop off.

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[GhostWhisperer]

Not a bit. I drive up the hill and back down in the drive. Building a shed on the lower drive that will come in on a 45 degree spur. Plus - Good Captain-Good Driver! Good practice for some of the Corps of Engineers ramps in these parts.

[dustinm]

Driveway docking is the best! Never miss a chance to hang out after cleaning-and it's the only time the Captain gets to drink his fill!

I could use a neighbor like you!
With our 220 I used do the same, well until it got late enough I thought the cops would come for the stereo.

[AsLan7]

Not a bit. I drive up the hill and back down in the drive. Building a shed on the lower drive that will come in on a 45 degree spur. Plus - Good Captain-Good Driver! Good practice for some of the Corps of Engineers ramps in these parts.

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Nice brutha.

[Krob1114]

Our local dealer here didn't even order and CS23s for his showroom. They said the CS22 was almost the same boat for a much better price.
Any thoughts?