A versatile sports bowrider that also takes on family cruising duties with ease
Cobalt’s CS23 Surf delivers genuine tow-sports performance in a compact, well-balanced, trailerable bowrider package. The CS23 combines Cobalt’s renowned build quality with Malibu’s Surf Gate system to create a sports boat capable of producing clean, rideable waves at the touch of a button.
Overview
Cobalt is a long-established US builder known for its high-quality fibreglass bowriders from 6.8 to 10.8m.
There are more than two dozen models within the Cobalt range, including seven dedicated Surf variants equipped with the Surf Gate system developed by parent company, Malibu.
The Cobalt CS23 Surf is the smallest member of Cobalt’s Surf family, bringing surf/wave riding capability to a size that’s far easier to store and handle than Cobalt’s full-size wake boats.
Like the larger Cobalt Surf models, the CS23 is powered by a V8 inboard engine connected to a forward-facing sterndrive with dual counter-rotating propellers.
Standard CS23 Surf models are paired with a Volvo Penta 300hp V8 inboard engine and Volvo forward-facing sterndrive. Our test boat was optioned with the Malibu/GM based Monsoon 5.3L DI 350hp V8 inboard connected to a MerCruiser Bravo4S forward-facing drive.
Price and equipment
The Cobalt CS23 Surf is a full-featured, spacious sports bowrider with ample storage/walkabout space and luxurious lounge seating for 12 people.
Standard features include the Surf Gate system, surf-hull design, 564kg water ballast, a forward-drive V8, bimini, tower, large swim platform and a well-appointed interior.
Options include upgraded sound systems, board racks, underwater lighting, LED accents and a variety of hull and interior colours.
Paired with the entry 300hp Volvo Penta V8 inboard/sterndrive, the CS23 Surf is priced from $303,248. Add $17,990 for a Magic-Tilt branded aluminium dual-axle braked trailer.
Our test boat was optioned with the more powerful Monsoon 5.3L 350hp direct fuel injected V8 petrol inboard engine paired with a MerCruiser Bravo4S with forward drive.
The test rig also gained satin black Cobalt lettering, an aft facing Rumble seat, Sea Grass flooring throughout and a full mooring cover.
Riding on the Magic Tilt trailer, the test rig carries a retail price of $341,889.
It’s important to note the CS23 is over-width for Australian roads with its maximum beam of 2.59m – so a towing permit may be required.
Design and layout
The CS23 Surf is well designed. The broad swim platform sits low to the water, making it easy for swimmers and surfers to climb back in, while the starboard side offset walk-through keeps wet feet off the upholster
The aft sunpad doubles as a lounge space at anchor, with an optional flip-up section that converts into a rear-facing “rumble seat” for watching the action behind the boat.
Drop into the main cockpit and the space opens up with a deep, secure feel.
The wrap-around lounge seating is thickly padded and shaped for support, while the moulded bases below provide storage for gear, fenders and loose items.
Cobalt’s attention to detail is obvious. Hinged, gas-strut supported cushions and hatches stay attached, cup holders and windscreen supports are stainless steel, and speakers are neatly recessed.
Forward of the centre opening, walk-through windshield is the comfortable bow seating compartment with high backrests, armrests and additional grab rails to making it a genuinely usable seating area for adults – not just kids.
Cleverly, the two bow side-seats flip up on hinges to access two giant storage bins which back into each of the helm consoles.
At the helm
The CS23 Surf has a surprisingly high dash and a centre-opening windshield, allowing the driver to operate the boat comfortably whether seated or standing
Sightlines over the bow are excellent, and the elevated dash brow reduces glare – while the main controls remain within easy reach.
The helm seat has good lateral support, and the bolster can be used to fine-tune the driving position.
There is also lots of space beneath the dash for legs and feet.
Combined with the responsive electronic throttle and clear Garmin display, the driving position feels natural, secure and confidence-inspiring.
Making waves
The CS23 Surf’s wave-making capability is built around three primary elements: the Surf Gate system, a 564kg ballast configuration, and the forward-facing MerCruiser Bravo4S drive paired with the 350 hp Monsoon 5.3L direct-injection V8.
The twin Surf Gates manage wave formation by redirecting water flow at the transom, allowing riders to switch from side to side without shifting ballast.
The Bravo4S MerCruiser drive positions its contra-rotating props well forward under the hull, improving safety for surfers and ensuring cleaner, less aerated water reaches the wave.
Ballast fills quickly and is managed entirely through the Garmin helm display, adjusting simple and intuitive.
On the water
The CS23 Surf delivers a smooth, well-mannered ride that feels larger than its size suggests. The 20-degree deadrise hull softens short, messy chop effectively and, during our Gold Coast Broadwater test, the boat maintained a clean, stable running attitude.
The 350hp Monsoon 5.3L DI V8 provides crisp throttle response – especially in the mid-range – while the Bravo4S forward-facing drive offers excellent manoeuvrability.
Paired with the optional Monsoon inboard, the CS23 Surf is quick, too, accelerating to a top speed of 41 knots (75.8km/h).
When the surf system is switched on, the CS23 Surf produces a smooth, confidence-boosting wave that riders can settle into straight away. It’s consistent and predictable for developing riders, yet large enough to entertain experienced surfers.
Riders can fine-tune the wave’s size and profile using the Surf Gate and ballast controls, and then store their preferred set-up in the Garmin interface so the boat can recreate the same wave every time.
As a general family runabout, the CS23 Surf is equally impressive. Steering response is precise, spray is well controlled, and the hull feels well-balanced at speed.
Performance
| REVS | SPEED | FUEL USE | RANGE |
| 1000 | 4.6kt (8.5km/h) | 4.7L/h | 211.1nm |
| 1500 | 6.1kt (11.3km/h) | 8.2L/h | 160.4nm |
| 2000 | 7.8kt (14.4km/h) | 15.5L/h | 108.5nm |
| 2500 | 11.5kt (21.3km/h) | 24.0L/h | 103.3nm |
| 3000 | 17.5kt (32.4km/h) | 28.6L/h | 131.9nm |
| 3500 | 24.6kt (45.5km/h) | 41.5L/h | 127.5nm |
| 4000 | 28.6kt (52.9km/h) | 53.8L/h | 114.7nm |
| 4500 | 32.2kt (59.6km/h) | 68.8L/h | 100.9nm |
| 5000 | 35.7kt (66.0km/h) | 96.6L/h | 79.7nm |
| 5500 | 38.8kt (71.8km/h) | 107.5L/h | 77.8nm |
| 5600 | 41.0kt (75.8km/h) | 111.0L/h | 79.6nm |
Range on 95 per cent of the 227L fuel supply at 3000rpm: 131.9nm
Verdict
The Cobalt CS23 Surf is versatile sports bowrider with genuine wave-riding capability in a package that can be towed comfortably behind a 3000kg rated SUV or dual-cab ute.
It’s a relaxed, enjoyable surf/sports boat that doubles as a comfortable family bay cruiser.
Specifications
Model: Cobalt CS23 Surf
Length overall: 7.14m
Hull length: 6.79m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Dry weight (no trailer): 1982kg
Towing weight (dry): 2850kg
Water ballast tank capacity: 564kg
Maximum power: Volvo Penta 380hp V8
Engine as tested: Monsoon 5.3L DI 350hp V8
Outdrive as tested: MerCruiser Bravo4S Forward-drive
Fuel: 227L
Passengers: 12
Priced from: $303,248 with a Volvo Penta V8-300CE inboard with Duo Prop forward-facing drive. Add $17,990 for a tandem-axle Magic-Tilt aluminium braked trailer.
Price as tested: $323,899 with a Monsoon 5.3L 350hp direct fuel injected V8 petrol inboard engine paired with a MerCruiser Bravo4S with forward drive, satin black Cobalt lettering, aft-facing Rumble seat, Sea Grass flooring throughout, full boat mooring cover, 220V battery charger. Add $17,990 for the Magic-Tilt aluminium braked trailer.
