Outboard resurgence.

[Big Block Power]

Sounds like you're getting pretty close on your wants and needs.

[jhnmdahl]

I climbed into a 25SC at our Minneapolis boat show as well (thanks to Erickson Marine and Cobalt!) and would definitely consider it if I were in saltwater. The rear swim platform is sort of split in two - not a lot of "hanging out" area, but enough to climb up on either side.

[Tuscany]

Salt water ocean boats are so different. As I said, were in Bonita Springs fl for a couple of weeks. This is an area that mixes the common man with rich, and billionaires. Wildly expensive boats are commonplace, and sold in dealer lots like Chevrolets. Multiple dealers, and about 5 miles apart.
There is a boat dealer a mile down the road from me with the boat you would have to see. It's a Pursuit. Probably about 40' with four outboards totaling 1200 up. Just an awesome looking machine.
Center console seems to be the dominate style.
So if Cobalt were serious about a salt boat, I would suspect a totally new design somewhere in the future.
It would be a totally different direction which I don't see them entering.

[jhnmdahl]

Center consoles really scream "fishing boat" to me, but I know people use them for other purposes. Cobalt boats, whether 19' or 40', seem to be more for family entertainment. Then again, many traditional ocean boat manufacturers are adding split consoles to their lineups, and Yamaha has added a "family" center console fishing boat to its lineup: https://www.yamahaboats.com/19-ft-center-console/

[Tuscany]

Absolutely. They scream fishing to me also. But it seems like that's what sells down here..

[Skiingstrongman]

I think it's a kool aid thing. At this point everybody just believes in the CC. John and I are on another board where everyone owns CC boats. If anybody mentions a bowrider they will be told they aren't seaworthy. But an R3 has a 21 deadrise and more freeboard than a lot of their CC boats lol while I wouldn't take an R3 out in 4-6 foot chop I wouldn't take a 23 foot CC either. Never got the argument I've always felt that a CC is an open bow boat and if I was worried about taking a wave over the bow I would be looking at a Cuddy or WA not a CC or bowrider. Once you get 30 feet and above it's a completely different conversation and everything I said goes out the window.

[Skiingstrongman]

Fishability is a different discussion in which case I would agree the CC is much more utilitarian but seaworthiness is a different conversation.

[Big Block Power]

This isn't the ordinary center console.WOW
https://youtu.be/Q1zpERUjrbw

[jhnmdahl]

Pretty crazy for a Cigarette boat. For when you need a fish, but need it fast...

[Big Block Power]

I never knew they had a cabin like that.It's awesome.

[liquid]

Absolutely. They scream fishing to me also. But it seems like that's what sells down here..

That's because the fishing is awesome down there! Species on top of Species, Inshore and off!

I've discussed it here before but if I'm in the salt a CC is a no-brainer. Too much functionality for what I want to do (fish mostly).

Bonita springs - go catch one of those hard-pulling football torpedos!

[Tuscany]

So I'm back in Florida this week working on the townhouse we bought. Anyway, we had some time to kill so we visited the local Cobalt dealership. I happened to ask what changes were expected in the R7 for 2018. He said that all of the big upgrades and changes in the 3, 5 and 7 were made in the 17' model year, but the big changes were coming to the larger R series boats.
Expect to see the R30, and possible the R35 to have an outboard engine set option.

I got really pumped up to see an R7, and other larger boats like the 30, 35 and a 40 coupe outside in the sunlight. What a piece of artwork and quality engineering. I can't wait for summer!