Spotlight: Cobalt R3 Bowrider

When American performance-boat builder Cobalt expanded its “R” Series in 2014,  from the popular R5 to include the R3 among models, it didn’t quite imagine the traction it would gain. The smallest boat in the Series is a 23-footer with 21-degree deep vee hull that now enjoys a b-i-g global following.

The reason the R3 bowrider resonates with passionate day-boaters is the fact you are getting more. The 2.59m beam is common for American trailerboats, but cockpit space has been maximised internally by reducing gunwale and coaming width. Internal cockpit beam is 2.41m in what Cobalt coins its "Free Space Reclamation." Stake your claim.

The R3 has a 12-person capacity, which may seem extreme, but there are actually seats for that many in the clever, convertible cockpit and deep bow area. This includes switchable backrests to create sunpads and daybeds when back at anchor. The hand-stitched ‘quilted’ upholstery, clip-out carpets underfoot, lifted trim and armrests in the bow all add to your on-board comfort.

SPORTY BOWRIDER
Despite the internal volume, the line on the water is pure sports. The sleek low-profile bowrider honours the Cobalt tradition of nailing performance first and foremost then letting the function flow therein. As such, the ride is a highlight.

The 21-degree deadrise hull has a number of V8 engine options from 300hp to 430hp. The first R3 just landed on the Gold Coast is sporting Volvo Penta’s new lively alloy 5.3L 300hp inboard with Duoprop.

The power is matched to a Kevlar-reinforced hull, built with a fibreglass stringer system, composite floor and transom for stiffness, sound deadening and longevity. You can push the Cobalts hard and fast and they don’t shudder. The hulls are backed with a 10-year warranty, too.

The driving pleasure is shared from the helm with leather-bound wheel,
ergonomically designed seat and racy dash featuring aluminium panels,
stainless switches, a form-fitted vinyl eyebrow, and digital gauges with
Volvo multi-function displays.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Stainless steel is another big part of the Cobalt appeal, starting with a bow scuff plate for the dedicated anchoring set-up, ranging through rub rails, engine vents, adjustable bimini frame and windscreen support struts, and ending with the ski pole. Hull colours set the whole thing off.

The wide swim platform with swing-down step is a signature feature enhancing water access, while storage is optimised and includes hinges seat swabs to stop clutter. The sea bases lift up on struts in the bow to access the cavernous under-console compartments. You can stash iceboxes, picnic kit, wakeboards and watersports gear inside and gain easy entry.

Docking lights, underwater lights, Captain’s Call through-exhaust and an aluminium arch with wakeboard racks are among the options. All Cobalts come with a serious stereo and the R3 has a six-speaker unit with iPod port.

BOWRIDERS ON THE REBOUND
Bowriders are making a comeback as more boaters realise they just want to seize the day with their family or friends on the waterway.

That said, the days of cheap bowriders produced en masse. built to a price, with small engines and questionable performance, are behind us. The Cobalt R3 is a class-leading high-quality bowrider that offers real pleasure boating. The brand also carries a lot of sticker cred’.

National Cobalt importer Brett Thurley, who has a long association with the brand harking back to his competitive slalom skiing days, is in the process of opening up a Cobalt showroom at the Gold Coast City Marina.

"I have a relationship with Cobalt dating back over 20 years when I worked and lived in the US.

"I have seen the company and their boats go from strength to strength and more importantly watched how they treat their staff, dealers and clients.

"They have no peer in the industry in my opinion," Thurley says, citing the engineering, design, longevity and stability of the family-owned brand as their strengths. Cobalt is a private family-owned company based in Kansas that has been operating for nearly 50 years building boats that perform.

"They are stylish, perform brilliantly and are beautifully finished… and they have a strong following both here and overseas," Thurley says, putting his new showroom in order.

THE R3 MAKES A SPLASH
The R3 is a great family bowrider with a first-class ride for captain and crew. Where these boats excel is on busy, bumpy, weekend waterways like the Gold Coast Broadwater, Sydney Harbour, Port Phillip Bay, the SA Gulfs and Fremantle in the height of summer. Where other bowriders shudder, the Cobalts sluice past on their way out and back home.

The first upgraded Cobalt R3 arriving in November 2016 has been hotted up, with navy, white and yellow graphics package, wood dash accent, white folding tower, dual batteries, Rockford Fosgate stereo, swim platform lighting, transom shower, air compressor for inflatable toys, LED interior accent lighting, teak dinette table with cockpit and sunpad. You won't have to ask twice to get us aboard.

Specifications: Cobalt R3
Price From: $129,000 landed with 300hp Volvo Penta, excluding trailer
Length Overall w/Swim Platform: 7.26m
Beam: 2.59m
Interior Cockpit Width: 2.41m
Deadrise at Transom: 21 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 189lt
Freshwater Capacity: 38lt
Bridge Clearance w/o Bimini: 1.57m
Bridge Clearance w/Bimini: 2.26m
Bridge Clearance w/Arch or Tower: 2.44m
Engine: V8-300CE-G EVC DP, 300hp (221kW)
Draft Drive Up: 0.53m
Draft Drive Down: 0.94 m
Dry Weight: 2018 kg
Boat Certified Capacity: 12 persons
Boat Certified Capacity w/gear: 816kg
More from Cobalt of Australia, Managing Director Brett Thurley. Phone: (07) 55194 019.
Email: brett@cobaltqld.com.au.
See cobaltboats.com