TheCobalt-The shipyard from the US state of Kansas offers a total of 25 different models in around six categories, from towing boats to cabin cruisers. Our test boat, the R3, can be found in the sectionBowrider (BR) as an entry-level variant. The Cobalt has been certified for a crew of up toten personsThe payload of 816 kg is correspondingly high. TheDead weight (dry) of the bowrider is stated by the shipyard as 2018 kg. This means that theOverland transport a 3000 kg trailer with a suitable towing vehicle and a special licence for the 2.59 m width. On the water, the R3 can be used forcoastal waters (CE category C).
The hull and cockpit are characterised by clear lines andmodern Design the design. The driver's cab is clearly laid out with in-house instruments andControl panels equipped. Thanks to the dark instrument panel, reflections in the safety glass windscreen, which does not require tinting, are kept to a minimum and are therefore not distracting. With theUpholstery The numerous seating and reclining options in the bow and stern demonstrate the experience of the boat builders: the foam is neither too hard nor too soft, and the "furniture" has a pleasantly soft feel.Seat height and depth. With the help of cushion inserts (optional extra), the bow can be converted into a closed cushioned area for lounging and sunbathing. The upholstery work is well done throughout, all the decorative seams are straight and give the boat a high-quality look.Storage space There is plenty of space on board the R3. The backrests of the berths in the bow can be folded up. The "lids" are each held in place by a gas pressure damper during stowage. There are further options for stowing equipment under the stern bench seat and the cockpit floor. AIce cooler for drinks and food is located under the front passenger bench seat.
AsMotorisation exclusively V8 petrol engines from the manufacturersMercury andVolvo Penta as a single installation on the list. The skipper has the choice between300 hp and 430 hp engines. Our test boat has the 300 hp Mercury 350 MAG with a Bravo Three Z-drive. The combination of engine, drive and propeller takes the R3 well from displacement mode to cruising mode between 1600 rpm and 2800 rpm.Sliding drive. If the skipper has trimmed the drive to the transom beforehand, the foresight is only briefly obscured by the rising bow. Above 3000 rpm, which is also the most economical speed, the Cobalt is brought to a standstill by means of thePower trims into the optimum trim position, making the hull glide more smoothly, economically and quietly over the water. With theReach 126 nm in the economic range (3000 rpm at 23 kn) until the 15% reserve is reached. This means that the 189-litre fuel tank in conjunction with the 350 MAG only achieves a satisfactory rating on the BOOTE scoreboard in terms of range. With the range we achievedMaximum speed at around 43 knots, the one-way distance shrinks to 75 nm before refuelling.
For theRough water test R3, we only had the waves of commercial shipping on the Main at Schweinfurt at our disposal. The hull travels smoothly over the waves at high speed without generating much spray, so the crew stays dry. When cornering and turning at speed, the drive should be trimmed all the way down to the transom so that the propellers of the Bravo-Three drive do not start to ventilate. In this setting, the R3 turns safely and with medium speed.centrifugal forces the increasingly tighter circles until the skipper "opens up" the steering again and the hull switches to straight ahead. TheSlalom courseor even when the steering wheel is jerked, the Cobalt follows the steering command smoothly and without hooking or rocking.
The bowrider is also capable of low speeds: At slow displacement (harbour speed), the hull tends to yaw slightly, but in most cases the skipper does not need to intervene. With theManoeuvring characteristics The R3 with the gearstick engaged forwards is characterised by circles with a diameter of 1 ½ boat lengths. In reverse, the turning circles are reduced to one boat length on both sides.
With regard to theProcessing of the gelcoat, we could not find any faults. In the engine compartment, as well as in the rest of the boat, all installations are neat and tidy. A self-draining anchor locker, compass and depth sounder are also included as standard.Equipment such as a music system with iPod/USB/MP3 interface and a stern shower. The basic price does not include a whole host of "goodies" (LED interior and underwater lighting and electric engine cover) or any kind of cover option, so you will have to pay extra for harbour, bow and cockpit covers.
Conclusion
The Cobalt R3 is a modern sports boat. There is hardly anything to criticise in terms of craftsmanship. If you frequently tow water skiers or take larger crews on board, you should choose a more powerful engine. The handling characteristics of the R3 are positive.
Data sheet: Cobalt R3
Shipyard: Cobalt/USA
Type designation: Cobalt R3
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 7,26 m
Width: 2,59 m
Displacement: 2,02 t
Price: 97.860,00 €
