Cobalt R3WSS

The single best adjective you could use to describe the R3WSS is athletic. The boat has a sleek yet muscular profile and aggressive styling that help convert a traditional runabout into a rad tow-sports platform. Like Cobalt’s R5 and R7, the R3WSS can handle its enhanced towing duties with grace.

The beefy forward-raked aluminum tow arch is the key component for wakeboarders and skaters, for two primary reasons. First, it raises the angle of the rope so that boarders can get more leverage for cuts, jumps and tricks. Second, it moves the pivot point farther forward in the boat, eliminating the sideways pull against the transom that tends to happen on boats with tow ropes mounted there. Of course, the tower also allows for the addition of Samson swiveling board racks and speakers to amp up the premium Rockford Fosgate stereo system. Boaters who trailer their boat or who live on waterways with low bridge clearance will appreciate that the arch can fold down manually or via electric actuator.

The R3WSS hull packed plenty of performance attributes as the boat emitted nary a rattle or shudder while topping out at 48 mph. It burst out of the gate with a 3.6-second hole shot and hit 30 mph in 7.7 seconds. The Volvo Penta Duoprop drive allows for nimble response at the helm and the ability to carve graceful S-curves and hard-over turns without blowing out. The dual counter-rotating propellers also help with close-quarters handling for docking or loading onto a trailer. Visibility from the helm is excellent, as is the view for all the in-dash gauges, and the plush captain’s chair features a flip-up bolster to give the driver the option to stand. The hull’s extended running surface and deep V, with 21 degrees of deadrise at the transom, help it keep an excellent attitude and a comfortable ride.

Boarders will love gearing up on the transom seat, with a backrest that can flip forward or aft or fully recline, as well as the flip-up rumble seat. And the signature flip-down swim step on the extended platform makes it easy to reboard after a session.

Buyer’s Spotlight
*WSS package adds the sport arch with pivoting billeting board racks and interior styling accents that match the gelcoat graphics.
*The extended swim platform features Sof-Trac mat and the signature flip-down swim step for easy reboarding after a tow session.
*The double-wide port passenger seat has an adjustable backrest that flips for a spotter to face aft.
*Free Space Reclamation process in the build adds an extra foot of interior beam.

How We Tested
Engine: 300 hp Volvo Penta V-8 gasoline
Drive/Prop: DuoProp/F4 propset
Gear Ratio: 1.95:1
Fuel Load: 10 gal.
Crew Weight: 340 lb.

Price
$99,387 (with test power)

Contact
Cobalt Boats Neodesha, Kansas; 800-468-5764; cobaltboats.com