The Cobalt family comprises 29 models ranging from just under six to ten metres in length. Our test boat R5 comes from the Bowrider series and is equipped with special accessories costing around 25,435 euros, including the equipment carrier with sun canopy and wakeboard towing hook. That weighs a lot. But even a boat with the standard equipment requires a towing vehicle that can take 3 tonnes on the hook for road transport.
The R5 is available exclusively with 280 to 430 hp V8 engines from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta. Our boat is powered by a 380 hp MerCruiser 8.2 MAG with Bravo III-Z drive and two counter-rotating stainless steel propellers. Cobalt belongs to the upper class, which is reflected not only in the price but also in the workmanship. And the test boat does not fulfil all our requirements, which is why we still rate the points "plastic finish" and "equipment finish" as "good", but still give them a "virtual minus". This is due to untreated plastic cut edges and laminate tips in the toilet compartment as well as seams on the dashboard and on the passenger side that do not run accurately. The rest fits.
When travelling slowly, the turning circles in forward and reverse travel are a maximum of two boat lengths. When reversing with a gear engaged, you need a little patience until the boat changes direction; longer reverse journeys are not the Cobalt's strong point. It is better to go out slowly, with the R5 holding its course with a slight yaw and travelling at a maximum of 6 knots (1200 rpm) so that the waves generated by the boat do not disturb us too much. The transition from displacement to planing speed takes place between around 1500 and 2500 rpm (20 knots) and requires good foresight. The tacho stop is at 46 kn, when the engine is turning 100 rpm above the maximum speed of 4800 rpm permitted by the manufacturer. However, this is fine given the low load. After all, a total of 13 people are allowed on the boat as long as they do not weigh more than 910 kg including luggage.
One tank of normal petrol is sufficient for a theoretical range of 79 nm plus 15% reserve at slow speed. At a fast gliding speed of 3000 rpm, you are travelling economically at a speed of 27 knots and can cover around 111 nm until the reserve is used up - which we rate as "good". At full throttle, you have to refuel after about 58 nm if you want to keep the reserve. In terms of noise, we measured 1 dB/A more than 85 dB/A at full throttle, but this is still within the acceptable range given the 100 rpm increase in engine speed, especially as the sound pressure meter shows a moderate 78 dB/A at an economical cruising speed.
High praise is due to the hull, which does not get rattled during all extreme manoeuvres at full throttle and masters everything that is demanded of it safely and confidently: no hooking, no rocking, driving like on rails, which gives the occupants a safe and good feeling. The fact that you have to fully engage the drive from the optimum position in tight and fast bends so that the propellers do not ventilate is not a shortcoming. Only when reversing do you have to be careful not to let the engine turn higher than 1500 rpm so that water does not spill over the tail entrance into the cockpit. The issue of rough water is not an issue, as there is none on the Main and commercial shipping is only travelling at a leisurely pace.
While the driver sits in an all-round adjustable bucket seat as securely as in "Abraham's lap", two co-drivers sit on a bench seat on the port side that is open to starboard. What both seating options have in common is that part of the seat can be folded up. This is useful for the driver and also for the co-drivers, but has the additional function of allowing the door of the toilet in front to be opened. Otherwise, it should always be closed, as the handrail is mounted on it for the passengers to hold on to. The driver has everything under control and in view in front and to the side. We find the reflections of light-coloured boat parts in the windows annoying. Log, plumb line and compass are standard. We didn't see a windscreen wiper on the boat or on the accessories list.
The engine compartment is located under the rear bench seat and rear couch, which you have to lift all together by hand, but then you can easily reach everything. The tank is under the cockpit floor, there is no stopcock or pre-filter. While the batteries (engine and anchor winch) are well secured in the engine compartment, the main battery switch and fire extinguisher are housed in the storage space on the port bench seat and the thermal fuses under the dashboard. The steering is electric, the extinguisher is manual. Six cleats fit the R5.
Conclusion: Thanks to the open bow plus plenty of storage space, the Cobalt R5 is a spacious boat with the very best handling characteristics. The standard water ski tow bar and the optional equipment carrier with hook make it a joy for both water skiers and wakeboarders. Almost everything that increases comfort or is practical, such as tarpaulins, washbasins or aft sterns, can be fitted as standard.
shower, costs extra.
Data sheet: Cobalt R5
Shipyard: Cobalt/USA
Type designation: Cobalt R5
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Length: 7,82 m
Width: 2,59 m
Displacement: 2,21 t
Price: 0,00 €
