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.

[BobRae99]

I haven’t seen the boat in person but just looking at one sitting on a trailer, it is no where near the height of the R5 (R3) and the R6 had similar freeboard to those models. I think the profile is closer to the CS series. Less hull material, less cost, more profit. I thought the freeboard gave the boat line presence in the water.

[LakeTimes]

I have been on and seen them both next to each other in person. I can tell you there is a SIGNIFICANT loss of freeboard in moving to the R26. We live on a really large lake that can see some pretty brutal weather and waves. Earlier this year a newer mastercraft sank as waves overtook it as an example.

I called out the freeboard difference to the dealer who said that has been the biggest complaints thus far around here on the new r26. Styling and all is far better, but how low it sits in the water is of great concern to many.

I care as I'm looking at an R8 (would buy an R7 as well) and with the new R28 coming, the dealer's belief is it will follow a similar path as the R26 unfortunately. Dealer states reason is because Cobalt is evolving with Malibu type designs and thus will sit closer to the water.

Love the styling, new features, setup etc. etc., but it's a no go for me with such a low freeboard. My perfect world is an R31/R33 when they get a bit older and in my price range and a great surf boat - satisfies both the lake tours and cruises as well as the watersports. I've always loved the R7/R8 ability to be both, but it seems that is changing from a safety perspective for larger bodies of water.