2022 Cobalt R8 Surf Boat

2022 Cobalt R8 Surf

Cobalt wake surfing technology

Our revolutionary Cobalt Surf System (CSS) delivers the cleanest waves and best push on the water – exactly the world-class tournament-style waves the surf pros demand. The CSS includes 6 hard ballast tanks that can have as much as 1043 kg of ballast, a specifically-designed surf hull, the Volvo forward drive engine and the best-in-class Surf Gate™ technology that shapes the perfect wave.

Surfing made simple
The core of CSS is the simplicity of operation. You’re only three easy steps away from a superior surfing wave. This machine allows you to set the GPS-directed cruise control to your desired speed. 

Volvo Penta-Forward Drive
Uniquely engineered with two forward-facing counter-rotating props that pull the boat through the water rather than pushing it, Forward Drive gives small-craft leisure boaters newfound versatility. Whether wake surfing, wakeboarding or simply cruising Forward Drive allows boaters to enjoy endless days of fun without sacrifice. Armed with power trim and an enlarged trim plate, drivers can easily customize their wake for watersports and then level off for smooth cruising.

Popular and envied, our patented Swim Step lowers below the water line for easy access in and out of the water and is great for lounging, pets, and stow flushing within the swim platform surface.

Find a polished stainless steel top surface cap for windshield frames and enjoy the brightwork look the windshield possesses—all crafted to reflect heat in the sun and be cooler to the touch.

The wide engine hatch opening allows for easy access, easy maintenance, and storage space access—and the easy-lift hatch is gasket sealed when closed to reduce noise in the cockpit.

Adjusts to 2 positions to provide the flexibility of facing forward or aft. The Stainless-steel handle provides added security in rough waters and is supported by a heavy-duty steel hinge mechanism.

Create a rich nighttime ambience in the cockpit and bow areas with indirect lighting hidden in interior upholstery side panels that feature RGB selectable colour and LED low-power consumption.

Experience maximized seating and modern design touches like contrasting colour combinations, quilted upholstery, and Fresco Chil Vinyl on dark interiors to keep surface temperatures cooler.

Enjoy an optional rich nighttime underwater ambience with lighting hidden under the swim platform that features RGB selectable colour with LED low-power consumption.

Cobalt + Garmin

The Cobalt glass cockpit system is the premier multi-display solution for total helm control. The Garmin interface is fully integrated with the most pivotal handling and safety information from your cobalt powertrain. The result is the ultimate boating experience. 

Volvo Penta FWD

Cobalt’s Custom Wave Technology begins with the Volvo Penta FWD powertrain, uniquely engineered with forward-facing Duoprops positioned well under the boat for added safety. The counter-rotating props pull the boat through the water rather than pushing it, resulting in better bite, acceleration, and speed in a more efficient, smooth way, increasing fuel economy. Because the Forward Drive is under the boat, there’s less noise and exhaust, meaning more comfort. The adjustment of drive trim is also one of the single biggest factors in quickly adjusting a wave to your liking.

Surf Controls

Driving with the Cobalt Custom Wave Technology couldn’t be easier. Just turn on the speed control. This is the “ON and OFF” for your surf system. Select your rider profile and the system will automatically configure the boat per the pre-saved profile setting—ballast, drive trim, speed, surf left or surf right. Cobalt is set up with two starter profiles: Mellow and Steep. These will give you a starting point for setting up your wave. Then when the surfer is ready, put the throttle down and the boat will automatically adjust to the profile surf settings and speed. With the touch of the surf button on the dual Garmin Glass Cockpit touchscreen, the driver can switch the surf wave from right to left, even while underway.

Surf Gate

Surf Gate™ is the dominant surf technology in the industry—and for good reason. Using high-speed hydraulic actuators, Surf Gate™ creates an endless surfable wave on either side of the boat. Just ask the pros—they’ll tell you Surf Gate™ creates the longest, highest, cleanest wave with the best push out there. Get back as far as you want or as close as you want. While several sterndrive brands have models outfitted with ballast and some form of surf mechanism, Cobalt is the only brand that has integrated the best-in-class Surf Gate™ technology with a specifically designed surf hull form and Volvo FWD powertrain to generate the world-class wave that will absolutely rival some of the best competition towboats on the market.

Surf Ballast

Your Cobalt surf boat has multiple hard ballast tanks and can have as much as 1043 kg of ballast. The hard ballast tanks allow you to better scale the wake and wave for all ages and ability levels. Remember that additional weight in the boat doesn’t always translate to a good surf wave. The general rule for surfing in a Cobalt is to fill all the ballast tanks by your boat loading—such as if you have two people in the boat you can fill the ballast up. But if you have 10 people in the boat, perhaps you only need the ballast tanks a quarter full.