NEODESHA, Kan., Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cobalt Boats introduces a new era of excitement in the world of day-boat luxury. At this year’s Discover Boating® Chicago Boat Show, New England Boat Show, and Atlanta Boat Show, Cobalt Boats proudly unveiled four new models that redefine sophistication, size, comfort, and performance.

The R33 Surf is where water sports enthusiasts can find the ultimate thrill. Surpassing expectations, the R33 Surf is more than just a runabout; it’s a statement of elegance and power. With a striking 33′ 4″ LOA and a commanding 10′ 6″ beam, the R33 Surf seamlessly blends sleek lines, agile handling, and an extraordinary ride. The largest surf boat ever built by Cobalt, this boat provides long, powerful waves created by our patented Surf GateTM technology that cannot be matched. This yacht-certified masterpiece is designed to ensure your entire family can revel in every water-based activity imaginable – from daily cruising to wake surfing and wakeboarding.

Powered by an array of twin forward-drive Volvo engines, offering up to 860 horsepower, the R33 Surf allows you to independently adjust trim on each drive in tandem with the patented Surf GateTM system, effortlessly carving the waves. Ocean enthusiasts can opt for Volvo OceanX drives, providing unparalleled protection from saltwater corrosion.

The all-new CS23 Surf is a gateway to the Cobalt surf experience. For those entering the exhilarating world of Cobalt Surf, the CS23 Surf is the perfect introduction. A purposefully designed hull, dual 7-in. Garmin screens, and professional-level surf controls with Surf GateTM technology creating an endless surfable wave make the CS23 Surf a functional work of art. Durable cool-touch vinyl available on darker colors ensures a comfortable interior temperature for passengers and captain, making every ride a pleasure.

The CS23 is redesigned for even greater performance and adventure. The all-new CS23 takes the popular series to new heights with a full rear sun pad, optional rumble seat, and a potent 380 horsepower engine. Transforming family outings into timeless adventures, the CS23 offers options like the powerful Harman Kardon digital audio system, Sof-Trac or Sea Grass floor coverings, and even a dinette table with cockpit mount.

The all-new CS22 redefines leisure on the water in a smaller package. With an extended running surface and reduced bow rise, the CS22 maximizes balance and delivers unrivaled turning capability. Its deeper interior offers more space and comfort, complemented by options like the Zenith tower and bow shade sail.

Cobalt’s President, Jason Turner, expressed, “All four new models are a perfect blend of quality, luxury, and refinement. Feedback from the shows has been fantastic, reinforcing our commitment to delivering those special moments on the water that define the Cobalt experience for our owners and their families.”

Currently in production and available through Cobalt’s World Class Dealer Network, these new series promise to elevate your boating experience to unprecedented levels of luxury, style, and performance. Welcome aboard the future of boating excellence with Cobalt Boats.

About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com

The post Elevating the Waves of Luxury with Cobalt Boats’ New Models appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

A boat show is an ideal opportunity for both new and existing boat owners to see the latest that the boating industry has to offer, all in one place. It’s a chance for you to examine the newest Cobalt boat models up close so you can experience their features, such as the striking Obsidian Windshields that come as standard on certain new models. Or our award-winning Autodeploy Galley that rises up from beneath a bench seat with the touch of a button.

However, whether you’re a boat show veteran or preparing to visit your first boat show, it pays to be fully prepared for the event and that means taking some time to plan ahead.

To help you get the most out of your boat show visit, here’s our comprehensive guide on how to prepare for it:

1. Research the Show Beforehand

Before you head off to visit the show, familiarize yourself with what the show has to offer. This means knowing the venue and the exhibitors and being aware of the schedule of events.

Understand the Layout and Exhibitors:

Start by visiting the boat show’s official website. Make a mental note of the layout of the show, the list of exhibitors – especially the location of the Cobalt Boats exhibit – and the types of boats that will be on display. This research will give you a clear idea of what to expect and will help you prioritize which booths and areas you want to visit. For some of the larger shows, this is the only way to ensure that you can see the boats that are relevant to you when you visit.

Check the Schedule of Events:

Boat shows often host seminars, demonstrations, and special events. Check the schedule in advance and note any events or seminars that interest you so that you can plan them in to your visit.

2. Set Clear Objectives

A key aspect of your pre-show preparation is to make sure that you’re clear about what you hope to achieve at the show, as this will help you to extract maximum value out of your time and interactions while there.

Define Your Purpose:

Are you attending to buy a new Cobalt boat, look for accessories, or just visit for the experience? Setting clear objectives for your visit will guide your activities at the show and help you allocate your time efficiently.

Create a Wishlist:

If you’re in the market for a boat – preferably a Cobalt – then list the features you are looking for. Consider the size, type, any other preferences, and clarify your budget. This list will be a valuable quick reference when comparing different boats at the show.

3. Budgeting

Like anything else, boating is at least partly about budgeting. If you’re planning to purchase a boat then you must decide on a budget beforehand. Therefore, a successful boat show visit involves not only understanding the pricing of the boats on offer but also the price range in which you’re shopping.

Remember to factor in additional costs like fuel, insurance, maintenance, and dock/dry stacking fees.

Pro tip: Boat shows are known for special offers and discounts, so go to the show prepared to negotiate, and don’t hesitate to ask exhibitors about show specials.

4. Dress Appropriately

An enjoyable boat show experience is also dependent on what you’re wearing. The right clothing and shoes can mean the difference between irritation, frustration, sunburn, and needless delays, and a smooth, enjoyable visit. Here are our tips:

Comfortable Attire:

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and you might want to board various boats–which often requires removing shoes–so if you can, try to avoid shoes with complicated laces or shoes that are difficult to take off or put back on.

Weather-Appropriate Gear:

Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. If the show has outdoor exhibits, you might need a hat, sunglasses, or a raincoat, depending on the weather.

On that note, be sure to pack some sunblock and reapply it frequently if you’re going to be outdoors. We want you to leave our stand with the information you need and excitement about our products; not sunburn!

Take Notes, Photos & Business Cards:

With so many boats and products to see, it’s easy to forget the details of particular boat models and products you might have looked at, before you have even left the venue.

To avoid that from happening, be sure to take notes and photos of boats and products that interest you. This information will be invaluable when you review your options after the show. Additionally, for the same reason, don’t be shy to ask for business cards. Sales representatives will be happy to share their cards with you following an in-person introduction, and having their cards on hand will make it that much easier for you to contact them and have follow-up discussions with them after the show.

Conclusion

A boat show visit is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience, especially if you go prepared. By doing your research beforehand, setting clear objectives, understanding your budget, dressing mindfully, and actively engaging with exhibitors, you’ll ensure that your visit is both enjoyable and fruitful. Remember to take notes, stay within your budget, and most importantly, enjoy the unique world of boating and boating products that the show offers.

The post How To Prepare For Your Boat Show Visit appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

NEODESHA, Kan., Oct. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Premium luxury day boat manufacturer Cobalt Boats continued its series of World Class Dealer Meetings with a special three-day event on September 10-13 at the Mission Bay Resort in San Diego, CA. Held annually to recognize dealer accomplishments, this year’s meeting incorporated a theme of “Higher, Faster, Stronger” to pay homage to San Diego’s annual Comic-Con International Comic Convention. Connecting with this theme, the Sept. 12 Awards Banquet helped inspire and motivate attendees to achieve greater success by setting higher goals and seeking constant improvement and innovation in their sales techniques, while this year’s top dealers were recognized for their outstanding work in 2023.

Dealer Highlights

Along with the regional sales conferences, highlights of the dealer schedule included the general business meeting with state-of-the-industry and state-of-Cobalt recaps followed by an interactive and intriguing fireside chat, sales updates, and a product development report. Other events included a two-mile Fun Run/Walk, and a ‘dockside showcase’ of the new Cobalt models, detailing the latest in state-of-the-art craftsmanship and design. Engaging breakout sessions covered business development discussions focusing on such topics as latest trends in 2024, enhancing the customer experience, exploring opportunities for collaboration and growth, and learning about Cobalt’s forthcoming Monsoon engine. Complementing these activities were wake-surfing and boat-testing sessions for Cobalt’s new model-year products, and a vendor mall where Cobalt’s premier partners displayed their product offerings. The meeting’s grand finale was the Cobalt-Con banquet honoring the following dealers with the highest rankings for sales and customer satisfaction:

Top Sales

Singleton Marine Group, Buford, GA
Hagadone Marine Group, Coeur D’Alene, ID
Seattle Boat Co, Inc., Seattle, WA
Action Water Sports, Hudsonville, MI
West Coast Boat Center, Rocklin, CA
The Harbor, Branson, MO
Slalom Shop, Lewisville, TX
Rambo Marine, Hazel Green, AL
Premier Marine, LLC, Middleton, MA
The Boat House of Cape Coral, Cape Coral, FL
Village Marina, Eldon, MO
Futrell Marine, Nashville, AR
River Valley Power & Sport, Inc., Red Wing, MN
Parks Marina, Okoboji, IA
Arrowhead Boat Sales, Afton, OK
Boat Town, Inc., Austin, TX
Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Fox Lake, IL
Walker’s Point Marina, Gravenhurst, ON, Canada
Boats By George, Inc., Lake George, NY
Lake Norman Marina, Sherill’s Ford, NC

World’s Largest Dealer
Singleton Marine Group, Buford, GA

World’s Largest Single-Market Dealer
Seattle Boat Co, Inc., Seattle, WA

Customer Satisfaction Awards
Central Region: The Harbor, Branson, MO
Eastern Region: Travis Marine, Knoxville, TN
Western Region: Paris Marine, Peterborough, ON, Canada
Worldwide: Travis Marine, Knoxville, TN

“C” You On The Water Contest
Seattle Boat Co, Inc., Seattle, WA
Product Preview

The 2024 new-product preview featured the new R33 Surf model, the new CS Series with details on all these exciting products forthcomings in 2024.

About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com

The post Cobalt Celebrates Its Dealers, Associates and Vendor Partners While Introducing Its All-New R33 Surf Model and CS Series appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

In addition to building high-quality day boats, our other objective here at Cobalt is to make sure you get the most pleasure from whichever model you own. That’s why we post lots of helpful information on our website (www.cobaltboats.com/owners/) to provide Cobalt owners with the tools they need to really get to know their boat and to keep on enjoying it, season after season. In this section you’ll find links and downloads for everything from warranty details and parts availability, to owner’s manuals, FAQs, operating and maintenance tips, new technology and more, all complimentary and all in one place.

Start Here

A great place to start is the resources page, which covers information about all six of our factory warranties (10-year structural, 5-year bow-to-stern component, 3-year gelcoat finish, 1-year on inflatables and varying manufacturer-direct engine warranties, and service assist), including how to transfer them, along with downloadable owner’s manuals for everything from the 2021 R Series all the way back to our 1973 models. For owners of classic Cobalt boats, students of history and true boating enthusiasts, there’s even a library of brochures that dates back to 1972, also available for download. https://cobaltboats.com/owners/#resources

Boating Lore

We also have a dedicated page for boaters to learn tips from other boaters. Listed on the dropdown ‘Owners’ menu section as ‘Knowledge Base’, the categories here include ‘Operation’, ‘Care & Maintenance’, ‘Systems & Features’ and ‘FAQs’ (frequently asked questions), to save you the time, trouble and possible embarrassment of not knowing something. From stainless steel and chrome care to joystick docking techniques, you’ll find this section to be a wealth of helpful intel. https://cobaltboats.com/owners/#knowledgebase

A Tradition of Innovation…

There’s also an Explore menu drop-down entitled ‘Cobalt Innovations’ which offers details on Cobalt’s many new and innovative boating features, such as our useful Zenith Tower; award-winning Splash & Stow inflatables deployment system; patent-pending E-Step electrically powered swim step; Sea Grass comfort floor covering; Fresco Chil vinyl; and many more. All in all, a good way to better understand how our innovations help your family and guests feel more comfortable every time they join you for a ride. https://cobaltboats.com/innovations/

And Connection

Other sections share the unique stories of other Cobalt owners for you to enjoy, and give you a ‘peek under the tent’ with industry press announcements of recent boat models and other company news. There’s even a link to CobaltSports.com to help you find the right activewear and accessories for your next voyage.
Would you like to know more about Cobalt? It’s all here at the click of a mouse!

If you have a suggestion for other information you think would be helpful, we’re interested! Contact us at https://cobaltboats.com/contact/ and we’ll look for new ways to help you and other owners get more value and enjoyment from your Cobalt!

The post Cobalt Owner Assistance appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

Discovering Lake Michigan

Bill enjoyed a long and successful career as a Senior IT Director for the multinational Dana Corporation, during which the company requested that he and Sharon relocate to Michigan for business reasons in 2004. It was the couple’s first experience living in Michigan and it wasn’t long before they discovered the beauty of Lake Michigan. “We didn’t realize how big the Great Lakes were!” Sharon recalled. “There were tons of little lakes near us, and after exploring those on shore, we soon realized how beautiful Lake Michigan is and how much more there must be to see via the water. We felt that owning a boat would give us the opportunity to see more of the lake.”

Horsing around with the family

But first, the couple raised three beautiful children, one of whom soon took a liking to horse riding. The substantial cost and time investment of this hobby meant any plans to buy a boat and explore Lake Michigan initially had to be put on hold, as Bill recalled. “As a result of that, one of the barn names (a nickname) for the horse was ‘Daddy’s Boat’,” he said, chuckling.

Boating was relatively new for Bill and Sharon. Bill had occasionally skied behind relatives’ boats growing up–but owning a boat was a new experience for the couple.

Eventually, all three children grew up and left the home. In 2018, Bill retired from the Dana Corporation and Sharon retired from her successful career as a Special Education Teacher and Consultant. It was time for new adventures. It was time for a new boat.

The journey to their dream boat

During his career, Bill did a lot of international travel for the company, with Sharon occasionally accompanying him. Those experiences cemented their passion for travel, and the couple saw boat ownership as a way to combine their love for travel and spending time with their family with the excitement of being on the water.

The Umbergers in fact already owned a 2014 Cobalt R3, which they had spent an amazing five seasons on. By the end of 2018 they were ready for a bigger boat that would be better equipped for their planned adventures on the water. “One day, our Cobalt dealer contacted us to tell us that they had a new model that had just come in and they invited us to come and demo it,” said Bill.

“I was scheduled to leave on a trip to Europe that day, so we hastily made plans for a demo that same day. The dealer took us for a ride on the boat–a new A36–and we were immediately impressed by the larger size and the additional capabilities over our R3.”

Sharon agreed. “Yeah, they certainly knew how to impress us!” she said. “The looks of the boat immediately caught our attention. We saw it and we were like, “WOW!”

“I just remember thinking how cool the boat was! They’re a great sales team,” said Bill.

Signing on the dotted line

During Bill’s trip to Europe, he spent a lot of time on the phone with Sharon discussing the A36 and comparing their opinions of it. They both agreed that accommodation for the two of them to stay overnight on the boat was a priority. Since the A36 offered this plus ample deck space, a large average beam and so much more, Bill and Sharon began to design their dream A36 with their Cobalt dealer, Action Water Sports of Hudsonville, Michigan.

The deal was soon signed and the Umbergers took delivery of their brand new Cobalt Boats A36 in April 2019.

It’s all in the name

The Umbergers’ new Cobalt A36 was proudly christened ‘…Blue Skies II’. While the II indicates this as being the couple’s second boat to have carried the name, the name itself is deeply significant for the pair.

Years prior, their son Ryan had graduated from the US Air Force Academy. The journey through the academy had been fraught with physical, mental and emotional challenges that every cadet had to overcome, and the Umbergers had had a front row seat throughout. This made Ryan’s graduation all the more triumphant.

Bill had the opportunity to obtain an autograph from an Air Force Thunderbird pilot–also an academy graduate–when Ryan first entered the academy.  Dedicating the autograph in recognition of the challenges that Ryan would soon have to overcome, the pilot signed the autograph, “Ryan …Blue Skies.”  Bill struggled to hold back his tears as he recounted the story. “The autograph has special meaning for Ryan because to get through the training is not easy; you have to go through a lot, and this pilot recognized that.”

With their new Cobalt A36 now christened ‘…Blue Skies II’, the couple was ready to begin their adventures across the Lake.

An epic adventure

In 2022, the Umbergers embarked on an epic cruise to explore Lake Michigan.

The trip, which encompassed a jaw-dropping 670 miles over Lake Michigan, took the couple three weeks. “We had to plan it quite carefully,” said Bill. “We planned each leg, the routes, our fuel consumption, the marinas and ports we’d stay at and we reserved slips. It was quite a big deal for us since we weren’t lifelong boaters, so we tried to learn from our local friends. Thankfully it all came together for us.”

Of course, the couple slept on board their A36 throughout the trip, making the trip that much more convenient and affordable.

“There were beautiful views all along the way, with stunning coastlines. The water color is beautiful too – it’s almost like Caribbean blue. Just stunning,” recalled Bill. “And I remember the sunrises and sunsets; getting to see them every day was such a treat.”

Cruising with a Cobalt

Bill emphasized the importance of respecting the Lake and its moods while cruising it. “It’s very big; it basically has its own weather system,” he explained. “But the boat performed really well. I’m especially impressed with the integrated electronics. At the helm station, there is so much information right there on the two screens. You can see whatever information you want with a single finger tap; that’s pretty cool.

“We felt safe traveling on the boat, however we typically only travel when it’s good weather,” he added.

Riding Big waves

On one particularly long leg, …Blue Skies II proved its safety and supreme engineering during some unexpected rough water. “One leg was 80 or 90 miles, and during the last 20 miles, we ran into these big 4-6 foot waves. All of a sudden the waves just began changing and getting higher and higher, soon they were coming over the bow!”

“As I walked over to close the windshield hatch window, this wave came over and hit me right in the face!” Sharon recalled.

Despite the difficult conditions, the Umbergers reached their destination port. Once they were safely tied up, Sharon recalled saying to Bill, “I don’t know how much Bourbon you have left on board, but I need a really good drink right now!”

Social Media Stardom

The Umbergers prefer to keep a low public profile, but recently found unexpected social media fame thanks to their big trip on Lake Michigan. “At the time, I posted about our voyage on the Cobalt Boats Facebook group page and suddenly I had like 300 people replying with questions and comments. I was answering questions every night and I thought it was really cool. We got so many questions that we decided to do a livestream which got 2,000 views! It was especially cool given that we’re not bloggers, but it was fun to share our adventures and challenges!”

Michigan adventures

On average, the Umbergers drive their boat 40 times, put on 80 to 85 engine hours, and sleep onboard about 40 to 50 nights a season. The boat is typically moored at Saint Joseph in Michigan, so the couple’s trips usually go either North or South from there, where they enjoy exploring the different beaches along the lake shore.

“We love to just hang out and take walks on the beach, looking for lake glass,” said Sharon. “We bring our friends, family and our dog – who paddleboards! We enjoy taking them all out, going swimming and just having a good time on the water and on the beach. It’s lots of good family fun!”

Features and good looks

The couple have even crossed to Chicago where they bought pizza and wine, as well as other trips 40-50 miles out to visit nearby lake towns. “We’ve been trying to hit them all,” said Bill. “We’ve made a lot of dock friends during our trips!”

For all of their travels, Bill especially highlighted the convenience of an autopilot for longer trips like the ones they’re doing. “I really like the navigation and autopilot capabilities; they keep you on course to a few feet left or right without having to manually steer, make the trip more efficient in terms of miles travelled and less fuel consumed, let you concentrate on other information, and make trips much easier!”

Both Bill and Sharon were keen to point out the A36’s good looks – and the fact that it’s not just them that thinks it’s a head-turner. “We love the way it looks; it’s very attractive. We get a lot of people looking at it and telling us how much they admire it,” said Bill. “It’s a very nice looking, sporty boat, and it has the speed to match the looks, too!”

Experience Extraordinary

Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with your very own Cobalt bowrider boat? Waste no time and get in touch with one of our nearest authorized Cobalt boat dealerships. They’ll gladly take you on a tour of our premium Cobalt bowrider boats for sale, showcasing why they’re considered the best value for your money and among the finest on the market.

Take the first step towards Cobalt boat ownership by contacting your nearest authorized Cobalt bowrider boats dealership today. Visit https://cobaltboats.com/dealer-locator/ and Experience Extraordinary with Cobalt Boats!

The post Cruising Lake Michigan on a Cobalt with owners Bill & Sharon Umberger appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

NEODESHA, Kan., May 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Premium luxury manufacturer Cobalt Boats has announced the introduction of its all-new R35 Outboard luxury runabout, available with up to three Yamaha or Mercury engines, to offer day boaters an even larger combination of style, comfort, premium amenities and outboard power. With its 35’ 4” LOA and 10’ 10” beam, the R35OB is designed to deliver a complete boating experience for family and friends with its roominess, luxury ride, handling, innovative features and effortless performance.

Available with such thoughtful touches as a side entry door, a premium Harman Kardon Audio system that is acoustically tuned to the boat, and a best-in-class SeaKeeper gyroscopic stabilizer, the R35OB’s elegantly sleek lines continue Cobalt’s legacy toward continuous contemporary design, with a deep cockpit and greater freeboard for a more spacious interior and larger bow and cockpit areas. Standard amenities include a Garmin glass cockpit with multiple touchscreen displays, ultra-fast USB-C charging stations, a wealth of storage space and cupholders, and a cabin with room for a queen-size bed as well as an entertainment center that incorporates a smart TV, music player and gaming console.

Other new options found on the R35OB are Cobalt’s patent pending AutoDeploy Galley, complete with sink, microwave and electric grill, which rises and opens from a solid bench seat at the touch of a button; a Helm Watch display that offers passengers access to charts and cabin controls on a dedicated Garmin screen; a built-in combination deep freezer/fridge with an adjustable temperature range from 0 to 50 degrees; and a FLIR compact thermal camera that provides an added level of safety and situational awareness. The innovative AutoDeploy Galley has already earned the company a 2023 top-product award from a major industry publication for its unique approach to utility and convenience.

“The largest and most capable outboard we’ve ever designed, the new R35OB not only impresses with its size, comfort, innovation and performance, but also with its ability to deliver all these attributes so effortlessly,” said Jason Turner, Cobalt’s President. “We’re proud to offer boaters one model that delivers so much luxury and so much value.”

Currently in production, the new R35 Outboard is available through Cobalt’s World Class Dealer Network.

About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a5ab39d-ab87-444e-9568-d15fbd48d58c

The post Cobalt® Introduces the New R35 Outboard, the Most Powerful of Its Large R-Series Runabouts appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

While many boaters choose a Cobalt based on a lifetime of boating experience, Rick Capps instead applied his lifetime of technical sales experience in the refractory industry to step up to his first Cobalt. Designed to provide a thermal barrier for industries using hot materials, refractory coatings serve as important linings for furnaces, kilns and other containers, to hold and transport hot metal.

“I worked 52 years in that industry and, as you can imagine, delivering durable, hard-working products is extremely important when you’re handling molten steel,” Rick noted. “That’s why I’m so particular about everything I do, and it’s one of the main reasons I’m so impressed with the people of Cobalt who build such unbelievable quality into their boats.”

Stepping Up to Cobalt

Rick began his love affair with boating in 1994 after meeting his wife, Sue, who was already a boating enthusiast.

“Our first boat was a Glastron, which we used on Lewis Smith Lake north of Birmingham, Alabama. Even though it was a ‘starter’ boat, I really enjoyed it – so much so that our dealer, Nelems Marine, suggested in 1997 that we might want to upgrade. They had a wonderful Cobalt 220, which I could see was way beyond any comparison to our current boat,” Rick said. “I only had two concerns: That boat already had an offer on it, and Sue was traveling overseas.”

The first obstacle went away the next day when the other offer fell through, but Sue was still out of town and unavailable for consultation.

Friendly Persuasion

The quality of the Cobalt made such a compelling case that Rick went ahead and bought it without telling Sue.

“I knew it was a risky thing to do, but I truly believed she’d love the Cobalt, too. To help ease the discussion when she got home, the first thing I did was take her out for a nice dinner to break the news,” Rick recalled. “Unfortunately, the first thing she said was ‘I feel betrayed,’ and I was absolutely crushed.”

Fortunately, being an excellent salesman, Rick didn’t take Sue’s response as a final ‘No.’

“I asked her to at least take a look at it, after which she said, ‘Now, I understand.’ From that point on, we were Cobalt owners,” he noted.

One Good Thing Leads to Another

Rick and Sue loved boating and entertaining friends in their Cobalt so much that the first Model 220 began a series of five more Cobalts, for a total of six owned.

“In 2003 and 2006, we got new Model 220s, and then in 2010 we stepped up to a Model 242, which was wonderful. It was almost 24 ft. in length, and I had the chance to visit the factory in Neodesha, KS, and meet the St. Clair family to see our boat being built,” he recalled.

“That’s when I could see the details that go into making Cobalt boats so unbelievable. Not only were the materials, build quality and service levels so high, but I got to meet some of the people who work on the boats, and could see they genuinely cared about and enjoyed what they were doing.”

A New Boat for a New Lake

They changed Cobalts again when Rick and Sue sold their house on Smith Lake and took a three-year detour to a condo in Florida.

“We thought we could still go out boating, only on the Intercoastal. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but that was nothing like the lake,” Rick said. “So in 2019 we moved to Lake Martin, Alabama, where we got a fifth-wheel camper to be closer to the lake, and bought a new Model CS22, mostly because it was the only new Cobalt we could find. It wasn’t the right size, though, so we quickly traded that for a 2021 Model R3, which is perfect for us. We continue to host friends on it, and they continue to be speechless when we go out for a ride, so we’re looking forward to putting more hours on our R3 and continuing to enjoy our Cobalt life this summer.”

The post Knowing the Value of Quality appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

NEODESHA, Kan., Feb. 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Offering day boaters an evenlarger combination of style, comfort and convenience, premium luxurymanufacturer Cobalt Boats has announced the introduction of its all-new R35Sterndrive luxury runabout. With a 35’ 4” LOA and 10’ 10” beam, the R35 is an invitingspace for boating with family and friends, boasting impressive performance and along list of luxury features. The new top of the R-Series line was introduced last nightat a special invitation-only event in Miami that was also streamed live on Facebook.

Powered by your choice of Mercruiser or Volvo twin engines, the R35’s elegantlysleek lines continue Cobalt’s trend toward contemporary design, with a deep cockpitand greater freeboard for a more spacious interior and larger bow and cockpit areas.Standard amenities include a Garmin glass cockpit with multiple touchscreendisplays, ultra-fast USB-C charging stations, a wealth of storage space andcupholders, an integral swim step and a cabin that, along with sleeping,accommodates seating for use with a smart TV/music player/gaming console. Otherpremium options include a Harman Kardon premier marine audio system, a side-entry door, a Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilization system and Cobalt’s patentedSplash & Stow inflatables management system.

New luxurious options for the R35 are an Auto Deploy Galley, complete with sink,microwave and electric grill, which rises from a solid bench seat at the touch of abutton; a Helm Watch display that offers passengers access to charts and cabincontrols on a dedicated Garmin screen; a built-in combination deep freezer/fridgewith an adjustable temperature range from 0 to 50 degrees; and a FLIR compactthermal camera that provides an added level of safety and situational awareness.

Show attendees will be given the opportunity to experience the stunning R35 Sterndrive in detail in the water at the Venetian Marina Slip ST300B. As an added bonus, a ‘sneak preview’ prototype of its soon-to-be-released companion, the R35 Outboard, can be seen at the Miami Convention Center on the show floor at Cobalt’s booth, space MB530. More details can be found at this link: https://cobaltboats.com/explore/news-events/miami-international-boat-show/. As a convenience to Midwestern boaters, an R35 Sterndrive will also be displayed on February 15 at the Grand Rapids Boat Show in downtown Grand Rapids, MI, with details at this link: https://cobaltboats.com/explore/news-events/grand-rapids-boat-show/ 

“Designed to completely reimagine the day boating experience with its size, comfort and luxury, the new R35 Sterndrive is the epitome of R Series sophistication,” said Jason Turner, Cobalt’s President. “We’re truly looking forward to unveiling this exciting new model to our dealers, their customers, the boating media and the rest of the world at the Miami International Boat Show.” 

Currently in production, the new R35 Sterndrive is available through Cobalt’s World Class Dealer Network. 

About Cobalt: Headquartered in Neodesha, KS, Cobalt Boats LLC, is a publicly owned, industry-leading manufacturer of luxury family day boats. Combining uncompromising product quality with customer-inspired innovation and value, Cobalt, a division of Malibu Boats, has earned an international reputation for unmatched customer satisfaction through its World Class Dealer Network. Learn more at www.cobaltboats.com. 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ed9a695d-7fe4-426b-b8b8-b0a6777433c2 

The post Cobalt Premieres its New Series-Topping R35 Sterndrive Luxury Runabout at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

Ahh, the weekend is here, and what could be more wonderful than spending it in your Cobalt on the water?

And to be sure your next excursion goes swimmingly, we’ve put together a short recap on how to prepare for the weekend, to make sure you’ve got everything you need and can enjoy a blissful, uninterrupted trip. While the choice of festive beverages and food, fresh water for you and your pets (along with their dish and food), ice, inflatables, skis, snorkels, fins, tow ropes and the like may be top of mind, it’s also good to remember what else safe boating requires:

Confirmation that all boat systems (i.e. power, electrical, navigation) are working properly; sound nautical skills; and situational awareness on the water.

The Pre-Departure Safety Checklist

• Life jackets (with whistles)
• Navigation lights in working order
• Handheld emergency radio with weather band and transmit capability
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries for above
• First-aid kit
• Air horn audible for at least ½ mile
• Flares
• Day-shape signals
• Toolbox and spare parts, such as fuel filter, light bulbs and through-hull plugs
• At least one securely mounted fire extinguisher
• Dry bilges with working pumps
• Working cabin ventilation system w/carbon monoxide detector
• Weather forecast

About Those Life Jackets

While it seems like a no-brainer to carry at least one Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each passenger, some boaters might not know that an additional throwable flotation device is also required if your boat is 16+ feet in length. Just as important, make sure everyone on your boat knows how to find, put on and manage their life jacket in an emergency, and is mindful of the importance of all boat safety equipment and procedures.

Day Shapes

An important term in maritime operations, though not as well-known in recreational boating, day shapes are black geometric symbols that alert other boats as to your status on the water. There are four basic shapes, and they’re used in combination to relay such information as whether you’re in distress, towing a skier on a long rope or simply riding at anchor. They’re the daylight-visible way to determine when to aid, avoid or give way to other vessels, and they’re required to be shown from sunrise to sunset if your boat is 7 meters (23 ft.) or longer.

Docking and Anchoring

While most competent people can drive a boat in open water, the processes of docking and anchoring take training and practice. But you can make this phase of boating less stressful by having your anchor preset with an anchor bend knot (https://www.netknots.com/rope_knots/anchor-bend, if you don’t have the factory-installed Windlass Anchoring System), carrying a couple of extra dock lines in case the water dockside gets choppy, and having two or more fenders on your boat to avoid dock rash or scrapes.

Make it a habit to run through these procedures before you leave, and you’ll dramatically improve your chances of having a great day on the water every time!

If you have other thoughts on getting ready for a day on the water, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us and we’ll pass along your tips to your fellow Cobalt owners in our next update!

The post Day Trip Safety appeared first on Cobalt Boats.

If you’re a long-time boater, you can be forgiven for still thinking the most popular watersports are waterskiing or wakeboarding. Because over the past 8-10 years, wake surfing has become the hottest new trend in water recreation, and it’s showing no sign of slowing down. As the online site Best Boat Report noted in 2021, “Whereas at one time it was relatively unusual to see a wakesurfer in action, now you’re likely to see them on calm waterways everywhere.”

Surfing the Wake

While waterskiing and wakeboarding are still popular activities, there are some excellent reasons why wake surfing is attracting so much attention. These range from its relative safety, to the way it provides ocean surfers with inland access to a wave, to the development of sophisticated wake surfing systems on boats, to the fact that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Most of all, though, is that it’s fun to do!

What It Is

If you haven’t seen it, wake surfing is the process of riding the wave that a boat naturally creates, its wake. (Fun fact: The waves created by a moving body in the water, called feather waves, always occur at an angle of 19.47 degrees to the direction of motion, whether that body is a Cobalt boat or a swimming duck.)

So wake surfing, Cobalt style, provides the hands-free experience of cruising over the water in the pocket of a perfect wave at a leisurely 10-12 miles per hour. You can simply enjoy the ride, or you can pump the wave for a little more speed. And since waves created by the Cobalt SURF system are so consistent, you can even learn to do such ocean surfing tricks as cutbacks, floaters and top or bottom turns.

A Family Experience

To many boat owners, the most important aspect of wake surfing in a Cobalt Surf model is that it’s so safe for the entire family. With hulls derived from our deep-V design, our proven, stern-drive propulsion layout faces the propellers forward, well ahead of the swim platform, to pull rather than push the boat through the water. Add the fact that Cobalt’s exclusive SURF control system continually configures and tunes boat attitude and speed to create a world-class wake, and you have an endless supply of weekend entertainment.

A Sport That’s Easy to Love

While waterskiing and wakeboarding are phenomenally entertaining sports, the rapid rise in popularity of wake surfing has led to an entirely new way for families to enjoy their boats. Wake surfing is easy to learn, safer, less strenuous (so you can enjoy it longer) and delivers a high fun factor to people of all ages. And with the Cobalt SURF System able to deliver perfect waves at the touch of a few buttons, it’s easy to see why our Surf models are fast becoming our most popular!

If you have other suggestions for new trends in recreational boating, we’d like to hear from you! Contact us and we’ll pass along your ideas to your fellow Cobalt owners!

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