Cobalt R31 Surf

If you are into wakesurfing, the Cobalt R31 Surf is a boat that you absolutely must consider.

The Surf version of the R31 (a more cruise-happy configuration also exists) is jam-packed with features that make it excellent for shredding some self-crafted gnar out on the lake.

“It’s really incredible how many features this boat has that make it fun on the water,” says Kenny Peters, salesman at Gordy’s in Fontana, Wisconsin, on Lake Geneva.

The boat offers side-entry ports with inward-opening doors for easy entrance into the boat or water. It also has a cutting board for slicing up charcuterie, and features an ever-popular Inflatable Paradise Pad option that rolls out to create extra entertainment space. Peters also raves about the boat’s sound system, which consists of speakers in the aft section, speakers on the hardtop tower, in addition to a subwoofer. The powerful speakers are useful because surfers can hear them while carving turns on the boat’s considerable wake.

That wake is created using the proprietary Surf Gate system from sister company Malibu Boats, which, when complemented by the forward-facing props on the twin Volvo Penta 430s, makes for an epic (and safe) place to play.

At 31 feet, 5 inches, the boat is large enough to handle most conditions, and its 9-foot, 10-inch beam creates tons of elbow room onboard for your guests. There is also space down below for an optional head. If a head isn’t needed, the area can be turned into extra stowage for wakeboards and other toys.

This Cobalt can hit a rousing top end in the mid- 40-mph range while cruising right around 32 mph. That’s plenty of speed for a boat built for fun in the sun.

“It’s an all-around package when it comes to wakeboarding,” says Peters. “She’s really hard to beat if this is something that you’re serious about.”