2021 Cobalt R8 launched

The new sterndrive Cobalt R8 joins the outboard-engined Cobalt R6 announced revealed earlier this month and adds a “permium-size” hull to Cobalt’s Ultimate Runabout series of boats.

“Incorporating sleek lines, agile handling, superb performance and deluxe appointments, at (8.5 metres) the new R8 is both longer and roomier than other boats in its class,” Cobalt said in a statement announcing the new range-topper.

“The new R8 carries over the DNA of performance, style and luxury of Cobalt’s iconic R series.

“Perhaps the ideal family boat, the new R8 benefits from a thoughtful redesign, with a deeper cockpit, more freeboard and a more spacious interior with larger bow and cockpit areas,” it said.

“Affording more room for people and their gear, the R8 is one of the most comfortable boats Cobalt has yet designed, with plenty of elbow room for larger groups.”

Features highlighted in the global release include more internal freeboard, a Garmin Glass Cockpit instrumentation with multiple touchscreens, a more spacious head under the console, and ana enhanced version of Cobalt’s E-Step flip-up step that lowers into the water to make reboarding easier.

Options include a cockpit galley and soft-sided portable cooler, a dinette table, and accent lighting, an upgrade to a 14-speaker audio system to replace the standard six-speaker unit, heat-reflecting upholstery, a console-mounted wireless smartphone charger, a high-dock step, and an upgraded E2 folding tower with a rotating sunshade.

Standard equipment also runs to an aft-facing rumble seat with starboard access to the swim platform, carpeted floors, chemical toilet for the head, a rubbish bin and a hard-sided removeable 30-litre icebox.

The traditional bow includes an anchor locker forward of the bow lounge, midship cleats for tying up, stainless steel ski tube, and stainless steel trim.

“As our owners have come to expect, the new R8 continues to advance the many possibilities of luxury day boating, with improvements in design, convenience and overall recreational value,” Cobalt president Shane Stanfill said.

“A significant addition to our R Series, the stylish R8 does everything well while incorporating virtually every useful amenity a boat owner might want.”

Cobalt said the new Cobalt R8 was currently entering production for a global market release, which is expected to include Australia.

Specifications
Model: Cobalt R8
Length: 8.5m
Beam: 2.59m