Cobalt R5 poor design

rattlesnake dn60 · 01-24-2020, 03:37 PM

Thank you camp guy, I plan on pursuing this issue and putting a stop to this ridiculous design.

upthesaukee · 01-24-2020, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlesnake dn60

Thank you camp guy, I plan on pursuing this issue and putting a stop to this ridiculous design.

Do you have pictures that you can share with us? It might give us a better idea of the problem.

Thanks

Dave

Descant · 01-24-2020, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Do you have pictures that you can share with us? It might give us a better idea of the problem.

Thanks

Dave

I agree. I read the original post a couple more times and looked at online photos of 2019 and 2020 R5 Cobalts and the problem described was not something I could easily understand.
Did the dealer offer any remedy? Or is the canvas aftermarket instead of from Cobalt? If the design has changed from 2019 to 2020, is this a tacit statement that something needed to be fixed? There have to be lots of R5's out there. Is the OP's bimini unique for some reason?

Quick fix is to hang fenders before docking, or to install fender materials on the home slip.

ApS · 02-11-2020, 04:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

I agree. I read the original post a couple more times and looked at online photos of 2019 and 2020 R5 Cobalts and the problem described was not something I could easily understand.
Did the dealer offer any remedy? Or is the canvas aftermarket instead of from Cobalt? If the design has changed from 2019 to 2020, is this a tacit statement that something needed to be fixed? There have to be lots of R5's out there. Is the OP's bimini unique for some reason?

Quick fix is to hang fenders before docking, or to install fender materials on the home slip.

For less than $150, a "dock wheel" would simplify docking.

Taylor Dock Pro Inflatable Vinyl Dock Wheels 18" Straight: #TAY 1082

rattlesnake dn60 · 02-11-2020, 03:43 PM

Thanks riviera and hills country, your right, bad advertising for Colbalt and the dealer. Cobalt needs to make it right and the dealer needs to advocate for me. No boat manufacturer should be building a boat where the Bimini top hardware sticks out beyond the rub rail period! It’s common sense not rocket science! The issue isn’t in the marina so much as it is docking in the wind or wave action. In the marina it’s always calm, out at the island it’s usually windy or wavy or both. And I have NOT bumped the boat or damaged it in anyway YET. Like I said I would not have bought the boat had I noticed this abnormality ahead of time, if your in the market for a new boat don’t buy a cobalt

Dave R · 02-12-2020, 03:54 PM

I would be astounded if anyone at Cobalt does anything to help you out at this point.

If you really want it fixed, you'd probably be best served to fix it yourself. Is it the rear mount, the front mount or both that are the problem? If it's just the rear, move the mount up to the flat behind the windshield. You can get flush quick-release bimini pole hardware, like Accon 402 that would look at home on a Cobalt. Or you could use nearly flush hardware that only requires two screw holes. Would be pretty cheap either way.

That said, the rub rails look like they barely protrude past the hull sides on that model and there's little to protect the very vulnerable pointed aft ends of the hull sides. Might be better off just being more careful and using big fenders. The dock wheel suggestion is a good one. They come in corner and straight versions. I have an 18" corner wheel and love it. Makes backing into my slip a treat.

rattlesnake dn60 · 07-07-2020, 04:24 PM

11,839 people have read this post! Seems to me cobalt and the dealer made a huge mistake when they decided to ignore my cries for help. I cannot say anything good about cobalt boats except that they look good, don’t be fooled by the bling. They have many design flaws built right in so you’ll need another boat in a few short years. As for my problem, the Bimini hardware that sticks out beyond the rub rail, I fixed it! I SOLD THE BOAT!

XCR-700 · 07-07-2020, 08:29 PM

Hopeful that now this is behind you you can get back to some fun on the water.

Wishing better luck in your next boat.

ATB

radiocontester · 07-07-2020, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlesnake dn60

11,839 people have read this post! Seems to me cobalt and the dealer made a huge mistake when they decided to ignore my cries for help. I cannot say anything good about cobalt boats except that they look good, don’t be fooled by the bling. They have many design flaws built right in so you’ll need another boat in a few short years. As for my problem, the Bimini hardware that sticks out beyond the rub rail, I fixed it! I SOLD THE BOAT!

Buy a Formula....you will never look back.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

XCR-700 · 07-07-2020, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiocontester

Buy a Formula....you will never look back.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Well that worked for me ;-)

radiocontester · 07-08-2020, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCR-700

Well that worked for me ;-)

Beautiful. Check out the Formula Boat Electronics Group on Facebook....would love to have you join us.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

BroadHopper · 07-08-2020, 06:14 AM

After buying my first Formula, I was hooked! I had an older Sea Ray, and a 4-Winns after. That was back when they were of good quality. I don't consider them quality boats today compared to a Formula.

Even a used Formula is expensive, and what does that tell you? I bought mine in Maryland and had it delivered up here! Worth the trip!

I notice an awfully lot of used R5 on the market. What does that tell you?

Take a look at the Formula 260 BR, which is comparable to the R5. I'm sure you can find one on the lake that the owner will be happy to show you.

rattlesnake dn60 · 07-08-2020, 06:44 AM

I also own a formula F3LS, have had it 30 years, still floats, still looks great! Does anyone own a new 24’ I’m Going to look closely at those.

XCR-700 · 07-08-2020, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rattlesnake dn60

I also own a formula F3LS, have had it 30 years, still floats, still looks great! Does anyone own a new 24’ I’m Going to look closely at those.

PBM had one (or maybe 2) That they were offering great deals on, its well worth a look if your are shopping in that length.

The 24' is almost a clone of our 27' so I cannot imagine any difference in quality.

And the PBM folks have been so easy and good to deal with.

Happy Shopping, at this point I think you know what you are looking for and you will know it when you see it.

ATB

XCR-700 · 07-08-2020, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Even a used Formula is expensive, and what does that tell you?

Well one thing it tells me is that not everyone can afford one.

After literally a lifetime of boating, only last year could I afford it, and only because I got a crazy good deal from Paugas Bay Marine. ( P.S. So far, they have been the best marina I have ever dealt with! )

For years I looked at Formulas at the docks and boat shows and was impressed and thought it would be nice, but they were way out of my budget. And even last year we only looked at a Formula because I wanted to see the features and was thinking maybe a used Formula or if not then maybe some mid-level brand that had the key items we were looking for. We just happened to get lucky and cut a great deal completely unexpectedly.

I couldnt be more happy with the deal and the boat, but there is no way I could have even afforded even a used Formula 10 years ago. We struggled to cover the costs of our Caravelle back then.

I guess my only point is all this is its easy for us to recommend any particular brand, but in the end there is a lot more then good recommendations that goes into the decision about which one to purchase, and sometimes even a few percent more in cost is a deal breaker and people have to find their best overall balance and deal.

Boat shopping is a big expense and the purchase is just the beginning.

Just saying,,, ;-)

XCR-700 · 07-08-2020, 07:17 AM

BTY - and just for the record, our Caravelle Interceptor served us well with no noteworthy problems in 10 years.

Our family thoroughly enjoyed that boat and at the time that was the most expensive boat I had ever owned or could afford at that time. When we traded it in to Paugas Bay, it was still in perfect condition, not a broken thread or split in the seats, no significant fiberglass cracks, no electrical or mechanical problems. I feel certain the next owner will also get a good service life out of what is just a mid-level brand, but of decent quality.

Now to be honest it was not at all in the same class of fit and finish and overall quality as our Formula, but I could buy 2 Caravelles for the same cost as the Formula and still have money left over.

I can say the exact same thing for my Glastron CVX, I love that boat so much I still have it wrapped up in the yard for restoration when I retire,,, Clearly thats not even comparable to an R5 or a Formula, but it does tell you you dont have to spend a fortune to get a decent boat and have fun, you just need to be an educated consumer and get the best value for the price range you are shopping in.

I have no idea how the R5 stacks up against the 270 BR in cost, so that may or may not be a factor, if not, let me say again, like our Caravelle 10 years earlier, we could not be more happy with our Formula today. For us its an over the top luxury item, but we have ZERO buyers remorse. It has exceeded our expectations in every way.

XCR-700 · 07-08-2020, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radiocontester

Beautiful. Check out the Formula Boat Electronics Group on Facebook....would love to have you join us.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Will do, Thanks for the tip!

Dave R · 07-09-2020, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XCR-700

Well that worked for me ;-)

Beautiful boat. There was one like that, maybe a bit bigger (said 330 on it), 3 slips down from my boat overnight last Fri-Sat. The owner came out of the Merrimack River and turned north with the intention of going to the Saco River in ME. He made it to Hampton Harbor and gave up. Said waves were coming right through the boat and he really thought he was going to die. One of our friends was out at the same time in a stoutly-built sport fisherman-style boat and said the conditions were horrible. they spent 2.5 hours going from Isles of Shoals to Kennebunkport in 6 to 10 foot seas.

We got a tour of the Formula 330 and it seems to be beautifully built and well- rigged.

Woody38 · 07-09-2020, 11:10 AM

I like the look of these boats but they don't serve me well. Not a fan of bowriders and it is too dificult for me to enter and exit these boats. I need something which allows getting on and off from somewhere on the side and not from a swim platform. A neighbor on the Cape once soured me on bow riders, taking me into Nantucket Sound while I was sitting in the front when, golly, all of a sudde I was looking up at the wavesm. Since then not for me. I had 12 people on my Whaler with no problem and a few were in the over 200 pound range. 200 Merc outboard. Plenty of power.

Dave R · 07-09-2020, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R

We got a tour of the Formula 330 and it seems to be beautifully built and well- rigged.

I was thinking about that statement. We did not actually "get" a tour, we took a tour. The owner said "the keys are in it, feel free to take it out for a spin, I don't care" when his ride arrived at the marina to pick him up, so we checked it out on our own. Poor guy was pretty frazzled. We were astounded by the spaciousness of the well-hidden cabin under the bow and helm area.

We saw the same boat cruising by us at 30ish knots the next day by Biddeford Pool, so I guess he finally made it to the Saco River. The waves were much smaller on Saturday and even smaller on Sunday, but the fog was thick all the way down the Maine coast, so if he headed home on Sunday, 30ish knots was not really a safe option. We were out in the fog and saw very few boats all day.

Bootkie2 · 07-09-2020, 02:34 PM

I loke the red color a lot. Maybe it's just me but the color and graphics options on Formulas seem much more diverse compared to something like a Cobalt. As a result you are hard pressed to find 2 Formulas with the exact same color and graphics combo while cruising out on the lake. In contrast a Navy Blue or Black Cobalt is a dime a dozen on Winni. No knock on Cobalts they are beautiful boats. It just seems everyone is driving the same color pallette. They are EVERYWHERE.

Dave R · 07-14-2020, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bootkie2

I loke the red color a lot. Maybe it's just me but the color and graphics options on Formulas seem much more diverse compared to something like a Cobalt. As a result you are hard pressed to find 2 Formulas with the exact same color and graphics combo while cruising out on the lake. In contrast a Navy Blue or Black Cobalt is a dime a dozen on Winni. No knock on Cobalts they are beautiful boats. It just seems everyone is driving the same color pallette. They are EVERYWHERE.

Formula paints over the gelcoat on their boats, that's why there are so many color options.

tis · 07-14-2020, 03:37 PM

When we bought our last boat Formula was one of the very few who allowed you to choose your own colors/design when you ordered a boat. That was very appealing to us because we like something a little different. I have a feeling that is why Formulas seems more diverse to you Bootkie. It's not just you.

01-24-2020, 03:37 PM	#1
rattlesnake dn60 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Design flaws Thank you camp guy, I plan on pursuing this issue and putting a stop to this ridiculous design.

07-07-2020, 04:24 PM	#7
rattlesnake dn60 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Cobalt R5 poor design 11,839 people have read this post! Seems to me cobalt and the dealer made a huge mistake when they decided to ignore my cries for help. I cannot say anything good about cobalt boats except that they look good, don’t be fooled by the bling. They have many design flaws built right in so you’ll need another boat in a few short years. As for my problem, the Bimini hardware that sticks out beyond the rub rail, I fixed it! I SOLD THE BOAT!

07-07-2020, 08:29 PM	#8
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	Moving on,,, Hopeful that now this is behind you you can get back to some fun on the water. Wishing better luck in your next boat. ATB

07-08-2020, 06:14 AM	#12
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,583 Thanks: 3,226 Thanked 1,106 Times in 796 Posts	Formula Owner After buying my first Formula, I was hooked! I had an older Sea Ray, and a 4-Winns after. That was back when they were of good quality. I don't consider them quality boats today compared to a Formula. Even a used Formula is expensive, and what does that tell you? I bought mine in Maryland and had it delivered up here! Worth the trip! I notice an awfully lot of used R5 on the market. What does that tell you? Take a look at the Formula 260 BR, which is comparable to the R5. I'm sure you can find one on the lake that the owner will be happy to show you. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-08-2020, 06:44 AM	#13
rattlesnake dn60 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	R5 design flaws I also own a formula F3LS, have had it 30 years, still floats, still looks great! Does anyone own a new 24’ I’m Going to look closely at those.

02-11-2020, 03:43 PM	#5
rattlesnake dn60 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 13 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks riviera and hills country, your right, bad advertising for Colbalt and the dealer. Cobalt needs to make it right and the dealer needs to advocate for me. No boat manufacturer should be building a boat where the Bimini top hardware sticks out beyond the rub rail period! It’s common sense not rocket science! The issue isn’t in the marina so much as it is docking in the wind or wave action. In the marina it’s always calm, out at the island it’s usually windy or wavy or both. And I have NOT bumped the boat or damaged it in anyway YET. Like I said I would not have bought the boat had I noticed this abnormality ahead of time, if your in the market for a new boat don’t buy a cobalt

02-12-2020, 03:54 PM	#6
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I would be astounded if anyone at Cobalt does anything to help you out at this point. If you really want it fixed, you'd probably be best served to fix it yourself. Is it the rear mount, the front mount or both that are the problem? If it's just the rear, move the mount up to the flat behind the windshield. You can get flush quick-release bimini pole hardware, like Accon 402 that would look at home on a Cobalt. Or you could use nearly flush hardware that only requires two screw holes. Would be pretty cheap either way. That said, the rub rails look like they barely protrude past the hull sides on that model and there's little to protect the very vulnerable pointed aft ends of the hull sides. Might be better off just being more careful and using big fenders. The dock wheel suggestion is a good one. They come in corner and straight versions. I have an 18" corner wheel and love it. Makes backing into my slip a treat.

The Following User Says Thank You to rattlesnake dn60 For This Useful Post:
Hillcountry (07-07-2020)

The Following User Says Thank You to XCR-700 For This Useful Post:
thinkxingu (07-08-2020)

07-08-2020, 07:17 AM	#16
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,342 Thanks: 757 Thanked 538 Times in 313 Posts	BTY - and just for the record, our Caravelle Interceptor served us well with no noteworthy problems in 10 years. Our family thoroughly enjoyed that boat and at the time that was the most expensive boat I had ever owned or could afford at that time. When we traded it in to Paugas Bay, it was still in perfect condition, not a broken thread or split in the seats, no significant fiberglass cracks, no electrical or mechanical problems. I feel certain the next owner will also get a good service life out of what is just a mid-level brand, but of decent quality. Now to be honest it was not at all in the same class of fit and finish and overall quality as our Formula, but I could buy 2 Caravelles for the same cost as the Formula and still have money left over. I can say the exact same thing for my Glastron CVX, I love that boat so much I still have it wrapped up in the yard for restoration when I retire,,, Clearly thats not even comparable to an R5 or a Formula, but it does tell you you dont have to spend a fortune to get a decent boat and have fun, you just need to be an educated consumer and get the best value for the price range you are shopping in. I have no idea how the R5 stacks up against the 270 BR in cost, so that may or may not be a factor, if not, let me say again, like our Caravelle 10 years earlier, we could not be more happy with our Formula today. For us its an over the top luxury item, but we have ZERO buyers remorse. *It has exceeded our expectations in every way.*

07-09-2020, 11:10 AM	#19
Woody38 Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 578 Thanks: 46 Thanked 110 Times in 81 Posts	I like the look of these boats but they don't serve me well. Not a fan of bowriders and it is too dificult for me to enter and exit these boats. I need something which allows getting on and off from somewhere on the side and not from a swim platform. A neighbor on the Cape once soured me on bow riders, taking me into Nantucket Sound while I was sitting in the front when, golly, all of a sudde I was looking up at the wavesm. Since then not for me. I had 12 people on my Whaler with no problem and a few were in the over 200 pound range. 200 Merc outboard. Plenty of power.

The Following User Says Thank You to Woody38 For This Useful Post:
I.C.Isles (07-09-2020)

07-09-2020, 02:34 PM	#21
Bootkie2 Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 34 Thanks: 1 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	I loke the red color a lot. Maybe it's just me but the color and graphics options on Formulas seem much more diverse compared to something like a Cobalt. As a result you are hard pressed to find 2 Formulas with the exact same color and graphics combo while cruising out on the lake. In contrast a Navy Blue or Black Cobalt is a dime a dozen on Winni. No knock on Cobalts they are beautiful boats. It just seems everyone is driving the same color pallette. They are EVERYWHERE.

07-14-2020, 03:37 PM	#23
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,749 Thanks: 752 Thanked 1,459 Times in 1,016 Posts	When we bought our last boat Formula was one of the very few who allowed you to choose your own colors/design when you ordered a boat. That was very appealing to us because we like something a little different. I have a feeling that is why Formulas seems more diverse to you Bootkie. It's not just you.