R26/R26 Surf

[fourmasons]

Forgot to mention in the previous post about some of the other changes from the R6 to R26.
The interior of the R5 has a very rounded edge structure in the seating area. The R6 has a very aggressive, sharp, edge that I never cared for.
The R26 appears to split the difference.
The fiberglass interior deck structure looks much like the R6 with sharper edges and creases. Look at the base of the Co-Captains seat for example. Might be the same deck on the R26 as the ski lockers look very much like the R6.
The vinyl seating has a more rounded shape, kinda in between the R5 and R6. This is based on pictures and videos alone on my part, as I have not seen the R26 in person. The seat backs, edges, and bow armrests all appear closer to the Helm seat in design.
Big improvement, in my opinion.
It really looks as if the R26 is closer in overall design to the R5, than it is to the R6. This would definitely include the change back to the R5’s
21 degree dead rise.
I’m looking forward to seeing it in person.

[AsLan7]

Great points fm....
I prefer these new changes as well. Nice blend of styling and function for the interior and ride comfort for bigger lakes with that deadrise.

[BobRae99]

I don’t like the loss of freeboard. I’m sure it saved money, but there is less safety in rough water and it just doesn’t look like a premium hull.

[AsLan7]

What is the free board spec for the new R26?

[fourmasons]

Not sure of the freeboard numbers, but the R26 looks long and low in comparison to the R6. Definitely closer to the R5 in that regard.
I would expect the freeboard to be more comparable to the R5 than the R6. I would note that the R5 has plenty of freeboard, especially when combined with the 21 degree deadrise.
It will be interesting to see the R5, R6, and R26 back to back to back. Looking forward to that this fall.
Based on what I’ve seen I would guess that with the new R26 Cobalt has moved much closer to the R5 than to the R6 in concept and design.
I would expect that the new R8 (R28) and R4 (R24) will follow suit.