2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf Review

The 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf is a new and exciting addition to the Cobalt Boats lineup of vessels. It is a wonderful blend of style, performance, and versatility that is tailored to both those who love the water and those who love to get out on the water and surf. This watercraft is not only stunning to look at, but it is going to take your boating and surfing experience to new heights.

Cobalt Boats refers to the R8 Surf as “your new summer home,” and we couldn’t agree more with this. This boat offers you the most room for a boat in the Surf class and it comes equipped with everything you need to have an amazing surfing experience on the water including Cobalt’s custom wave technology surf system, a Volve FWD powertrain, and multiple ballast tanks. All of these features combined give you the perfect wave.

Walkthrough of the 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf

The 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf is packed full of features and amenities to bring you an amazing surfing experience with comfortable seating and much more.

In this walkthrough, we will highlight some of the most standout features and amenities that bring this boat to life.  

Console, Controls, and Electronics

The console features Garmin touchscreens that allow you to control every aspect of your boat including the surf features. As the captain, you will feel in complete control of the boat while at the console thanks to the durability, dependability, and ease of use these screens offer.

Other features at the console area include a 12V plug, water and depth temperature package, illuminated switch panel with switches, and a stainless steel steering wheel.

The R8 Surf is fitted with a complete sound system that includes 6 speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, an iPod/USB/MP3 port, and a remote.

Exterior

The exterior of the R8 Surf does have an anchor locker complete with an anchor. It does blend in nicely with the exterior of the boat, so it does not detract from the design.

The rear of the boat features a flip-down swim step that can be lowered into the water for easy in and out of the water access. When not in use, this step folds up and is flush with the swim platform surface. Underneath the swim platform you will find LED lights that help provide light for those nighttime swims and cruises. You can choose from a variety of LED colors too. The swim platform has a soft-trac mat decking that is slip resistant.

The windshield is outlined with a stainless steel top surface cap to give it a complete and finished look. The windshield is designed to reflect heat leaving it cooler to the touch.

Some of the other features on the exterior of the boat include a Bimini that offers shade protection, wakeboard racks, ski pylon, tubular platform perimeter roll, and a bow scuff plate.

Interior

The interior of the R8 Surf is designed with comfort in mind. First up is the aft-facing rumble seat. This seat can easily adjust into two different positions and either face aft or forward depending on preference. There is a stainless steel handle that adds an extra layer of protection when the water starts to get a little choppy.

Next is the aft backrest which is able to adjust into one of three different positions and can face aft, forward, or pull out into a full sun pad for sun bathing. This seating area also has a stainless steel grab bar for added safety.

The captain’s chair is a Del Mar chair that provides ultimate comfort while on the water. The plush seating is perfect for reducing fatigue.

There is an equipped removable hard-sided 36-quart cool and a small marine head on board.

Safety

  • Composite flooring
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Fiberglass stringer system
  • Ignition safety switch
  • Kevlar reinforced hull

Engine and Performance

The 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf comes with your choice of engine, and you can choose between either a Volvo or a Monsoon.

Volvo Engine Options:

  • Volvo V8-350 CE DP FWD 350HP
  • Volvo V8-380 CE DP FWD 380HP
  • Volvo V8-430 CE DP FWD 430HP

Monsoon Engine Options:

  • Monsoon Single 5.3L DI 350 B4S350HP
  • Monsoon Single 6.2L DI 430 B4S430HP

Both engines provide you with great performance, acceleration, and power. Additionally, they each have reduced noise and vibration and they each maximize fuel efficiency.

Cobalt Surf System

Cobalt’s Surf Gate is the design and power behind the excellent ability to get waves and surf right from your boat. Each boat is designed with a custom surf hull that is powered by a Volvo Penta engine. In addition to the hull and engine power, each boat is designed with hard ballast tanks to give you customization over your waves.

The Volvo Penta engine has been designed with forward-facing duo props that enhance the level of safety while you are surfing behind the boat. The counter-rotating props help to pull the boat through the water as opposed to pushing it through the water, which helps to deliver better acceleration and fuel efficiency. Since the props are located underneath the boat, you will find less exhaust and noise overall resulting in a better ride.

One thing that Cobalt Boats has done is make sure that you are in control of your surf. The built-in Cobalt custom wave technology is your key to making sure that you get the perfect waves. When the system is engaged, it will populate any pre-saved rider profile you select and start delivering waves to you. You can make adjustments, as needed, to improve your overall surfing experience.

Surf Gate is a premium surf technology and is built into your 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf. Surf Gate will create surfable waves for you on either side of the boat. This technology is known for creating some of the best, highest, and longest waves.

Your R8 Surf comes with multiple hard ballast tanks and offer as much as 2,350 pounds of ballast. These tanks are designed to give you better wake and wave. You can adjust these levels from all ability and age levels making it such a versatile option in the surf class.

Pricing and Specifications

Pricing information is readily available on the Cobalt Boats website, and you can even use the Design Your Own R8 Surf tool to see an estimated price for your new boat.

The starting MSRP on the 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf with the Volvo V8-350HP engine is $254,259. The starting MSRP on the 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf with the Monsoon Single 5.3L engine is $250,012.

It is recommended that you speak with a Cobalt Boats authorized dealer to receive an accurate price estimate for your R8 Surf. Prices can vary depending on the options and features you choose along with any additional fees that may be required such as tax, delivery, and the like.

Specifications

  • Length: 27 feet 10 inches
  • Beam: 8 feet 6 inches
  • Fuel Capacity: 80 gallons
  • Freshwater Capacity: 10 gallons
  • Ballast Capacity: 2,350 pounds

Warranty

Cobalt Boats does provide a warranty on their new boats, and this does include the 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf. The warranty information is as follow:

  • 10-Year Structural Warranty
  • 5-Year Bow to Stern Component Warranty
  • 3-Year Gelcoat Finish Warranty

It is recommended that you speak with a Cobalt Boats authorized dealer to fully understand what the warranty covers, excludes, and limits. It does appear that the Cobalt Boats warranty is fully transferrable.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf is an excellent boat for those who love water sports and want to have fun on the water. With its built-in advanced surf technology and engine options, this boat delivers an amazing surfing experience for any ability and age level.

Furthermore, the user-friendly controls, comfortable seating, and customizable settings all work together to deliver an out of this world experience that you and your friends or family will love.

If surfing is something you love to do, the 2025 Cobalt Boats R8 Surf is an excellent choice to help you get the waves that you seek no matter your location or the water you find yourself on. Cobalt Boats says that the R8 Surf is “engineered for performance and styled for pure enjoyment,” and we couldn’t agree more.

Images from: https://cobaltboats.com/models/r8-surf/

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