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I'm currently looking at a 2018 R7 Surf with 468 hours. Over its life its had various issues that have been covered by warranty (surf tab bound up, steering cylinder, trim tab actuators, surf controller). Now at 5 years old, there is no remaining warranty other than the hull and I'm concerned about electronic issues in the future. Has anyone had significant and/or expensive electronic issues with their Surf? TIA

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So glad you found us jetsmith.

The odd R series numbers (R3 R5 R7) were some of the first wake surfing boats introduced by Cobalt. They were working many of the kinks out of their systems. The even R series numbered boats (R4 R6 R8 and now CS23) seemed to be an improvement. Have you considered those?

And welcome aboard mate.

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I haven't only because I'm new to the whole thing. Its something we've been thinking about but have been "forced" by a recent tree versus outdrive on our 1996 SeaRay a few weeks ago....I'm feeling the pressure from my family to move past "Old Faithful" and I'm trying to educate myself on the Surf boats...thank you for the advice!

I have a 2019 R7 surf, had a few issues the first season that were covered under warranty. I haven't had any issues the last couple of seasons. The wave that the R7 surf puts out isn't as good as the R8 surf, other than that I like the design of the R7 better. Based on my experience I wouldn't have any fear of buying an R7 again. Good Luck!
Post a link to the boat your looking at.

Norris_Boating wrote: Thu Jul 20, 2023 7:56 am I have a 2019 R7 surf, had a few issues the first season that were covered under warranty. I haven't had any issues the last couple of seasons. The wave that the R7 surf puts out isn't as good as the R8 surf, other than that I like the design of the R7 better. Based on my experience I wouldn't have any fear of buying an R7 again. Good Luck!
Post a link to the boat your looking at.

Coming from some one who has an R8 surf... I agree with this. the wave on the R7 isn't as good as the R8 but overall the R7 is a great boat! If you really fall in love with the surf aspect you can always upgrade when more used R8S come on the market. I really like our R7.

https://www.boats.com/power-boats/2018- ... f-8917653/

Pros: Overall in great shape and less than 30 minutes from me. Well optioned and includes trailer.
Cons: high hours for our region, history of electronic issue primarily connected to surf system, I feel asking a premium

We're new to surfing so feel this is a good place to start. I could drive 6-8 hours and get two years newer, way fewer hours but not as well optioned for the same asking price.

Completely on par with my Cobalt/dealer experiences with a brand new cobalt.

Thanks everyone, I opted to drive the 7 hours for 2 years newer, 300 hours fewer and 2.5 years of remaining warranty - for the same asking price. Had it out over the weekend - WHAT A BOAT!

Congratulations! Wave wise you will be very happy!

jetsmith wrote: Tue Aug 01, 2023 9:13 am Thanks everyone, I opted to drive the 7 hours for 2 years newer, 300 hours fewer and 2.5 years of remaining warranty - for the same asking price. Had it out over the weekend - WHAT A BOAT!

You will not be disappointed, post some pictures!

Pulled the trigger: 2020 R7 Surf. A super fun and beautiful boat. Our kids dropped the rope with only a handful of runs. I've dropped it a few times and almost immediately lost the push....goal is get it this season!

Looks great!! Welcome.

Great color combo!

Looks great. Welcome.
I'm guessing you need a bigger wave than the kids.

I'm 6'2" 250 and I was able to surf without the rope on our R7... It helped if we had more people near the stern. If it was just our family we had a fatsac we filled with water and that made it perfect. I really miss that seat on the starboard side. I wish the R8 had some sort of back rest there. It was a great seat with the back rest and those cup holders were in perfect position.