Top cobalt competition??

[Norris_Boating]

Looking for opinions on the top 2-3 competitors for cobalt in the 25-27 ft range for lakes.
Had a buddy looking at the new Regal LS6/LS9 surf, pretty sharp boats.

What does everyone think about who would be the runner up for cobalt?

[jhnmdahl]

R6 is really the one that comes to mind. Regal does make a pretty nice boat, and the gap in quality and materials may not be as big as it was ten or twenty years ago. Formula, Chaparral, Bryant all make good boats too.

[Sumgai]

"Had a buddy looking at the new Regal LS6/LS9 surf, pretty sharp boats."

Be careful you don't cut yourself!
"Given otherwise exceptional attention to detail, storage revealed exposed wiring that could be damaged when loading gear, and exposed screw threads partially covered in caulk waiting to snag a bare hand."
2022 Regal LS6 Surf 2.0
https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2022-r ... 6-surf-20/

[dustinm]

"Had a buddy looking at the new Regal LS6/LS9 surf, pretty sharp boats."

Be careful you don't cut yourself!
"Given otherwise exceptional attention to detail, storage revealed exposed wiring that could be damaged when loading gear, and exposed screw threads partially covered in caulk waiting to snag a bare hand."
2022 Regal LS6 Surf 2.0
https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2022-r ... 6-surf-20/

roughly 100K less I can replace/trim a few screws and zip ties some wires

[stifflkd]

I would put Formula up there but I don't think they have put too much attention in their 240 or 270. Looks like the same boat from 10 years ago. Think most of their attention has been around the 30ish or larger segment.

[Snowman8]

I just sold our beloved R5. When we decide to get back into boating I will be looking for another R5 or even a R7 but I will not be purchasing an R6 or R8. I don’t like the lines on them and the build quality. IMO Malibu ruined Cobalt.. I will also be looking at a Formula or possibly Chaparral. I would consider Fomula to be one of the top boats now.

[MisterMR]

I looked at the 2023 LS6 when recently shopping. It was the closest runner-up to the R6 which I eventually ordered. There was a noticeable margin in the feeling of quality and solidity in things like the storage hatches and seating surfaces. It was definitely a high-end boat, but there were only one or two areas where we felt the R6 didn't come out on top.

Having said all of that, given the price differential, it was a close race.

[GhostWhisperer]

We recently lightly shopped <30ft Regals. Our dealership handles both Regal and Cobalt. Sales person commented that Regal had closed the gap for fit/finish/design with Cobalt, saying Cobalt has dropped and Regal elevated. We agree. Fit/finish/seating are right there. Regal has a drop step that's easier to use on the swim platform (heresy-I know) and the swim platforms themselves are massive while Cobalt's are shrinking. We're cove people and they're checking all the boxes.

[AsLan7]

Good information GW

[Zuul]

R6 is really the one that comes to mind. Regal does make a pretty nice boat, and the gap in quality and materials may not be as big as it was ten or twenty years ago. Formula, Chaparral, Bryant all make good boats too.

Bryant is out of the game, so only an option if shopping used.

[CobaltDeadHead]

I would put Formula up there but I don't think they have put too much attention in their 240 or 270. Looks like the same boat from 10 years ago. Think most of their attention has been around the 30ish or larger segment.

It's interesting that Formula focuses so little attention on their models under 30'. I guess that must mean the profit margins are better on the larger boats.

I actually prefer Formula's designs from their 290BR and up against comparable Cobalt models. I like their layouts better and their much larger swim platforms than Cobalts. Am I allowed to say that here?