Spotlight: Cobalt R5wss Surf

It’s hardly a bolt out of the blue or a freak wave, but wake surfing is making waves globally and driving a lot of new boat technology today. In this whirlpool of marketing hype and hoopla, US boatbuilder Cobalt has sought to cut through with ‘Surfing Made Simple.’

Cobalt’s Water Sports Series or WSS range could also stand for Wake Surfing Simple. For the boats optimise its three most popular bowrider platforms, namely, the R3, R5 and R7, to make the sport more accessible. Along with wake surfing, they also cater for wake boarding, skating, skiing, tubing and just about all other permutations of tow spots today.

THE MID-RANGE PLATFORM
The mid-range wake-surf model, the R5wss is among a raft of new 2017-models now heading to the new Cobalt Australia dealership and showroom on the Gold Coast.

The R5wss utilises a 21-degree deep-vee hull with a luxury bowrider layout, coupled with a range of Volvo Penta’s evolutionary Forward Drive propulsion systems coupled to the latest 300hp to 430hp V8 petrol engines.

Working as a partner with Volvo Penta, Cobalt has embraced the Forward Drive solution — which has the propeller distanced from the transom and facing forward — as a safe and ready-made solution to creating a wake-surfing boat.

FIVE POINT LAUNCH
Cobalt says there’s basically five quick stages to ready the R5wss for wake surfing:
1.    Fill ballast tanks (at the push of a button)
2.    Set GPS directed cruise control to desired speed, select surf control left or right
3.    Throttle up and surf
4.    On Plane with Full Ballast

With the touch of a button, Cobalt’s automated computer control surf system adjusts the Bi-Axis Surf Tabs to create the optimum surf wake either left or right. There is no need to transfer ballast load between tanks to achieve optimum surf wake, the US boatbuilder says.

SNAP TO BOWRIDER
In Performance Mode, the surf tabs automatically deploy and adjust for a quick hole-shot through to running speed, easily getting the boat on plane with full ballast. This way, there is need to empty the tanks for a quick run at speed.

You can also customise the wake for surfing, wakeboarding or smooth cruising. Cobalt says it has managed to provide a world-class ride, all its signature comforts, rolled into a superior wake surf weapon. Amenities include a toilet, tower and transom shower options. The R5 platform has an impressive 14-person party capacity.

SET-UP FOR AUSTRALIA
Base prices for the R5wss start at about $170k with the 300hp 5.3L V8 Volvo Penta, but the first boat due to arrive in November 2016 has been optioned and looks very cool with the Shale Grey hull colour.

The upgrades include the 350hp Volvo Penta V8 Duoprop with Forward Drive, backed by a five-year standard warranty, dual battery switch, premium Rockford Fosgate stereo with transom remote and transom speakers, electric pump out toilet, Wake Surf package, Salt Water package, Soft Trac mat on swim platform, and black folding tower with bimini.

The boat has swim platform lighting, a transom shower, aft walk thru carpet, air compressor with mount for inflatables 12V, LED interior lights and full covers and more for a $199k price. Trailers are an option for the 2214kg rig, which has been optimised for summer surfing.