Cobalts land Down Under
Cobalt CS23 Surf and R Series R5 ready for new Aussie ownersWith 50 years of history building high-performance craft, US brand Cobalt boats is no newcomer – even Down Under. But two of its latest models are grabbing their share of the limelight with local buyers.
Positioned to capitalise on the growth in tow sports and wake surfing, the Cobalt CS23 Surf is an affordable and 'right-sized' performance bowrider that promises "the perfect wave".
Priced from $115,000 with 380hp Volvo Penta V8-petrol power and matched to that company's innovative Volvo Forward Drive (FWD), the CS23 Surf delivers a redesigned layout that Cobalt says "feels big enough for the whole family".
The 23-footer will take up to 12 thrill-seekers and a fuel capacity of nearly 200 litres. Standard equipment includes wakeboard racks and towing eyes, along with an aft sunpad and walk-through transom.
According to Brett Thurley of Cobalt Queensland, the Australian importer for the US brand, the CS23 Surf represents a competitive and well-priced option for the local tow sports market.
"Cobalt's new design direction is evident in the new CS23," he said.
"She has sharper lines and an incredible use of interior space, giving you the sense of a larger boat than a 23-footer, with all the luxury and quality from Cobalt in a sharp new look."
If you're after a more conventional runabout configuration, the new 25-foot Cobalt R Series R5 might fit the bill.
The US marque calls the R5 "equal parts aggressive and agile". There's no shortage of luxury nor performance with equipment like bow seating, enclosed head, comfort seating and premium audio systems as standard, and Volvo Penta and MerCruiser engine options extending to 430hp petrol V8s!
In the engine room, options include auto trim and cruise control systems as well as Tow Mode on Volvo-engined R5s.
"With a walk-through transom, swim platform and sunpad seamlessly integrated into the R5's cohesive design, the result is a boat that strikes the perfect balance between form and function," the company says.
The R5 is priced from around $169,000.
Mr Thurley said the R5 excels across a wide spectrum of roles.
"The R5 is Cobalt's most versatile open bow, spanning the watersports lifestyle and filling the role of a family offshore runabout, while featuring excellent cruising amenities," he said.
"The ability to have a full onboard toilet in this boat makes the R5 a great family package for coastal use."
All Cobalt models feature 10/5/3 year warranty protection (10-year structural, five-year component, three-year gelcoat), full composite construction and circuit-breaker-protected electrical systems.
Cobalt also lays claim to unique features including a patented swim step design, 16-layer hand-laid fibreglass hull, double French-stitched interiors and moulded-in gelcoat exterior graphics.
At-a-Glance: Cobalt CS23 Surf
LOA: 7.21m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Fuel: 197lt
Engines: 300-380hp Volvo Penta FWD
People: 12
Price: From $115,000
At-a-Glance: Cobalt R Series R5
LOA: 7.82m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Fuel: 182lt
Freshwater: 38lt
Engines: 300-430hp Volvo Penta or MerCruiser sterndrive
People: 14
Price: From $169,000
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