Cobalt R6 Outboard 2025 Review

US sports boat manufacturer, Cobalt, is renowned for its premium quality sports bowriders, day boats and surf/wake boats.

This Malibu Boats-owned brand has two dozen or so models to choose from – each built to the highest standard with solid fibreglass/composite hulls and Kevlar-reinforced keels.

Cobalt has dedicated wave surfing/towsport boats as well as all-purpose sports bowriders with both sterndrive and outboard power options.

For this review we present the Cobalt R6 Outboard, a versatile sports day boat paired with a Yamaha 300hp V6 four-stroke outboard engine.

The R6 is one of Cobalt’s smallest outboard models, but its wide beam and clever use of interior space make it look and feel bigger.

It’s a full-featured boat with a toughened glass centre-opening windscreen separating the bow and stern cockpits which have double-stitched vinyl lounge seating to cater for up to 14 people.

You also get a port side console head compartment, a Garmin glass dash helm with dual Garmin 743 displays, twin transom chaise sun beds above huge storage bins, along with an upsized swim platform with folding swim step.

Package pricing for the Cobalt R6 Outboard starts at $312,456 when the boat is paired with a Yamaha 250hp V6 four-stroke outboard.

Buyers planning to trailer the Cobalt R6 can opt for a Magic-Tilt aluminium trailer for an additional $19,990 – although this model is over-width for Australia roads so a permit may be required to tow it about.

Our test boat package was optioned with a more powerful Yamaha 300hp V6 four-stroke, along with a broad range of options. They included:

With all the above, our R6 test boat has a special summer promotional price of $358,860.

The R6 Outboard impresses with its generous sense of space; the interior is broad, open and cleverly arranged to let people move around with ease.

At the transom, full-length sun beds provide an inviting space to relax and unwind. Broad, well-padded lounges with reversible backrests can face either forward or aft to make this an ideal spot for relaxing in comfort.

Underneath each sun bed there is an impressively deep, lift-out storage bin, capable of swallowing safety gear, deck bags, towing toys and more.

Inside the cockpit there is ample space and seating for socialising. Deeply padded cushions and back rests create a secure, comfortable environment.

You can stretch out on the port and starboard side lounges, while underneath there is more storage space, a dedicated cooler box, and access to the master switch panel.

Cup holders, grab rails, speakers and USB points are all where you expect them, tucked neatly into the vinyl upholstered side coamings.

Moving forward, the centre-opening windscreen leads into the open bow, where the R6 shows its strengths as a family day boat.

The bow seats are well cushioned and shaped for two adults to sit/recline comfortably – each with a folding armrest. There’s more storage underneath along with stainless-steel grab rails and multiple cup holders.

Up on the foredeck there is an anchorwell with optional electric winch, tie-off cleats, and the anchor itself mounted permanently through the stem.

The helm station is modern, neatly arranged and beautifully finished – very much in keeping with Cobalt’s reputation for premium sports runabouts.

Twin Garmin displays are flush-fitted into the all-glass fascia panel to reduce clutter and provide an upmarket feel. The leather-wrapped, tilt-adjust sports wheel and soft-touch brow add to the sense of refinement.

Ergonomics are excellent. The helm seat has a sliding seat base and flip-up bolster for optimal adjustment and skipper comfort.

There is good visibility through the glass windshield, and the throttle and trim controls are easily accessible.

The hydraulic steering on the test boat felt a little firm at times, but otherwise the R6 drives with a predictable, reassuring manner.

Opposite the helm station, recessed into the port side console is a spacious head compartment – complete with an electric flush toilet and solid-surface Corian benchtop.

A wide opening door provides easy access down into the compartment, and there’s ample space to change out of your wet togs after swimming.

The Cobalt R6 Outboard displays the sure-footed handling and smooth ride that have become hallmarks of the brand.

The 18-degree deadrise hull (much sharper up at the bow) runs comfortably through short coastal chop and holds a safe, predictable line through tight turns and slalom manoeuvres.

At rest, the Cobalt’s wide water-line beam provides excellent stability, making the boat secure underway and safe when anchored up with people moving about the boat.

Paired with Yamaha’s 300hp V6, the Cobalt R6 climbs onto the plane cleanly with minimal bow rise, before settling into an easy cruise around the mid-20-knot mark.

The Cobalt responds well to throttle and trim input, while noise and vibration levels are low thanks to the quality of the interior fixtures and noise dampening composite hull construction.

Yamaha’s 300hp V6 four-stroke is not the most powerful engine option available, but it certainly delivers brisk performance and a top speed of 41.9 knots (77.5km/h).

Around 4000rpm is where our R6 test boat found its efficiency sweet spot, achieving a maximum operating range of 183nm on the standard 302L fuel tank – less five per cent for line losses.

Range on 95 per cent of the 302L fuel supply at 4000rpm: 183.5nm

The Cobalt R6 Outboard is a polished, versatile sports bowrider with a clever family-friendly layout. Its comfortable seating and abundance of storage space make it easy to spend long days on the water, whether cruising, swimming or entertaining.

This is a terrific boat for customers looking for a refined package that combines performance with space, comfort and practicality.

Model: Cobalt R6 Outboard
Length overall: 7.75m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Dry weight (no trailer): 2404kg
Towing weight (dry): 3220kg (40 per cent fuel)
Maximum power: 350hp
Engine as tested: Yamaha 300hp V6 four-stroke
Fuel: 302L
Water: 38L
Passengers: 14

Priced from: $312,456 with a Yamaha 250hp V6 four-stroke outboard. Add $19,990 for a tandem-axle Magic-Tilt aluminium braked trailer.

Price as tested: $358,860 (limited offer summer special) with a Yamaha 300hp V6 four-stroke outboard, navy/white/red three colour custom paintwork, Summit/Frost interior upholstery, bow and cockpit tonneau covers, bow filler cushion, bow and stern shade sails, upgrade to dual Garmin 8610 displays, wireless phone charger arch, folding, with rotating sunshade, Satin White Cobalt lettering, portside boarding ladder, underwater lighting, docking lights, swim platform lighting, flagpole, ski pylon, gunwale rod holders, transom shower, seagrass flooring, head with electric porcelain toilet, tool kit and battery maintainer, electric windlass with all chain rode and anchor.

Supplied by: cobaltaustralia.com.au