2019 Cobalt R35

Boat Reviews

Boat Review by: Richard Crowder

Cobalt calls this newest and largest addition to its five model lineup of bowriders in its R series of Sterndrive offerings a hybrid in that it is not only an open bow day boat but also offers a mid-cabin below deck for relaxation or even overnighting for two, possibly three.

Without even seeing the nameplate you can almost always spot a Cobalt just by looking at it – at the quality, fit, and finish of the upholstery, the trim pieces, the dash, and the hardware. And this R35 is no exception. It is loaded with standard equipment not often found on other boats of its size and can be outfitted with optional equipment to suit the most discerning of boaters.

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At almost thirty-five feet length overall including the standard hydraulically lowering swim platform complete with Cobalt’s signature flip-down centre step and with a ten-foot, seven inch beam providing an interior cockpit width of nine feet, the R35 is a commodious day cruiser with sufficient seating for multiple guests.

A fibreglass hardtop supported by a stainless steel arch structure is standard equipment as is an electric retractable Sureshade sunshade. A transom storage locker includes an ice chest. The R35’s beam allows for a transom three or four person sunpad with adjustable headrest to be flanked by a starboard side transom walk-thru from the swim platform to the cockpit.

Once within the deep cockpit, your guests can luxuriate on an L-shaped lounge seat which stretches across the transom and forward along the port side. The seatback of the forward double-wide portion of this lounge flips forward to provide an aft-facing lounge. Opposite on the starboard side is a comfortable one or cosy two-person seat situated aft of a standard cockpit refreshment centre with sink. Snap-in cockpit carpet is standard as is a removable table which can also be used in the bow or in the mid-cabin below. Storage is found beneath all seat cushions.

A double-wide helm seat with flip-up forward bolster faces a most modern, elegant, and high-end dash console finished in custom stitched black leather with an eyebrow. A stainless steel wheel and DC switches contrast the gloss black Glass Cockpit dash face featuring standard dual Garmin 7612 screens, hour meters, stereo remote, and a depth plus water and air temperature gauge package. Trim tabs with indicators are standard as is a powered engine access hatch. A VHF radio is optionally available.

Ahead of the passenger seat is the access door to the head compartment comprising a VacuFlush toilet, shower, plus a sink with vanity. An overhead skylight provides natural lighting. Opposite, to the left of the helm is the access door, complete with opening screened window leading to the mid-cabin below.

Here, a nine-foot long curvaceous convertible couch with throw pillows will augment relaxation or overnight comfort. The standard Rockford Fosgate Premium sound system located in this cabin provides iPod, USB, and MP3 ports with six JL speakers plus a transom remote. A fixed hullside window plus a companionway window plus an overhead skylight provide natural lighting in this cabin.

Between the head and cabin doors is the companionway forward, through standard bow walk-thru weather protection doors, to the J-shaped bow seating area. Bulkhead backrests allow stretch-out lounging and storage is found beneath the seat cushions. A pair of recessed stainless steel grab rails adds security.

The R35 rides on Cobalt’s Kevlar-reinforced deep freeboard solid and smooth-riding hull resulting in part from its very deep-V design of 22-degrees of deadrise. Four choices of either Volvo Duo-Prop or MerCruiser Bravo III sterndrive power from twin 300 to twin 430 horsepower are available. Joystick or Axius control respectively are optionally available. Nine exterior colours are available in various combinations with or without graphics plus five interior colour and texture combinations.

Additional notable standard equipment includes six fender clips, ski tow eye, air compressor, shore power, battery charger, and hot water heater. Notable available optional accessories include bow, cockpit, and mooring covers, colour accented headliner for the hardtop, docking lights, Sof-Trac swim platform or cockpit mat, Sea Grass cockpit covering, transom and/or underwater lighting, teak accenting package, and transom shower.

You may also choose air conditioning/heating or custom wood floor in the cabin, bow insert cushion, transom gate, cockpit heater, powered helm seat, LED cockpit accent lighting, refrigerator/microwave package for the cockpit refreshment centre, extra throw pillows, a cabin entertainment package with TV and DVD, satellite radio, 5kw generator with sound shield, stereo upgrades with transom speakers, inverter, anchor windlass, and even a remote courtesy light key fob.

The Cobalt R35 could certainly be described as a hybrid. I would prefer to call it a huge flexible, entertaining, and most capable multi-purpose day boat with all the necessary features for overnighting and weekend cruising.

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