Whether with a wakeboard tower or without, one thing is certain: the crew won't get bored on the Cobalt CS3. It can easily hook up wakeboarders or tube riders. The Cobalt is also ideal for going for a swim or simply spending a nice day on the water.
The Bowrider offers plenty of space for this on a comfortable, sporty upholstered bow seat corner as well as cockpit benches and a passenger seat that can be converted into a sun lounger thanks to its flexible backrest.
Our test boat is topped by a wakeboard tower with a soft top, which protects against sunburn or, together with the side panels, against bad weather.
For bathing enthusiasts, Cobalt has a bathing platform with an ingenious step in the centre. This boarding aid can be easily operated from the water; however, if you want to unlock or lock it from the platform, you should roll up your sleeves first, as you have to reach quite deep into the water.
The driver sits behind a slightly tinted safety glass windscreen, which does its job well. Shortcoming: There is no windscreen wiper, so driving in the rain is like flying blind. The driver's seat can be adjusted in all directions and offers comfortable lateral support with its raised seat surfaces.
This is of particular benefit to the rider when taking fast, tight bends, as the Cobalt turns extremely tight circles with the drive down and there is a lot of centrifugal force.
The rest of the crew hold on to solid handrails (two at the front, one each on the passenger bench, in the foot area of the starboard bench and aft on the backrest). The driver can operate the steering and single-lever gearstick without any restrictions. Further praise: both function smoothly and precisely.
It's particularly fun to push the throttle forwards, because then Volvo's V6 engine accelerates at breakneck speed and pushes the carpool noticeably into their seats. We sail through steamboat waves and swells on Lake Constance at an adjusted speed of a good 30 knots (5000 rpm). After a jump, the hull always returns dry and back-friendly.
Those who reduce the throttle even further to 3500 rpm - even if it is difficult - glide across the water most economically. At the same time, 1.29 l/sm of petrol runs through the fuel line, and the 189-litre tank is sufficient for 125 nm plus 15% reserve. A suitable value for this type of boat. This also applies to the turning circles of between around 1 and 1 ½ boat lengths and the fact that the bow swings round after around 5 seconds when the height-adjustable steering wheel is turned from one end stop to the other when travelling in reverse.
To get to the motor, you have to fold up the rear lying surface including the body - an extremely strenuous task, as the whole thing is so heavy that an adult can hardly lift it alone. Once you have done this, the motor is easily accessible. Cables and hoses are expertly routed by Cobalt in the protective tube, they are perfectly strain-relieved under the driving position and there is exemplary chafe protection at the feed-throughs.
The electrical system consists of two 75 Ah batteries, selector switch (under the rear bench), isolating diode and circuit breakers, which can be accessed behind a removable back cushion in the "open bow". The overall workmanship leaves a good impression, including the neat protective coating and solidly attached cleats through to rounded corners on the windscreen frame, which reduce the risk of injury on board.
The safety equipment on our test boat includes a fire extinguisher, a fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment (which, however, costs a good 1000 euros on the accessories list) and an electric bilge pump, which, however, does not meet the BOOTE standard. We demand at least a hand bilge pump. If you want to enjoy the large sunbathing area in the cockpit or bow, you will also pay extra for the docking light system, underwater lighting, illuminated bathing platform, cockpit light or navigation instruments.
Conclusion: The Cobalt CS3 is a high-quality bowrider that is a lot of fun to ride. It has enough power to comfortably tow tube riders behind it. There are plenty of reclining surfaces for relaxing, although the insert pads are on the accessories list.
Data sheet: Cobalt CS3
Shipyard: Cobalt/USA
Type designation: Cobalt CS3
CE category: C - Coastal waters
Material of hull and deck: Plastic
Length: 7,21 m
Width: 2,59 m
Displacement: 1,68 t
Price: 90.450,00 €
