Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 vs Cobalt Boats R5 2015 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 or the Cobalt Boats R5 2015?

The Cobalt Boats R5 2015 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Cobalt Boats R5 2015 is rated to a maximum of 380 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 tops out at 350 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Cobalt Boats R5 2015 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 or the Cobalt Boats R5 2015?

The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 has the bigger tank at 69 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Cobalt Boats R5 2015. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 191–319 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 and Cobalt Boats R5 2015 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 and the Cobalt Boats R5 2015 are built by Cobalt Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 vs Cobalt Boats R5 2015

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018

2018

View full specs →

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats R5 2015

2015

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 vs Cobalt Boats R5 2015 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 vs Cobalt Boats R5 2015 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 380 hp, the Cobalt Boats R5 2015 has a 30-hp advantage over the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018's 350-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 carries 69 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Cobalt Boats R5 2015. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Both boats are rated for 7 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Cobalt Boats R5 2015 and its 380-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 with its 350-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail26.00 ft

Length - Feet26

Length overall - Meters7.92

Length overall - Inches312

Draft [max] - Detail3.25 ft

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches39

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Draft Min3.25 ft

Draft Minnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Gal68.95

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Liters261

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Engine makeVOLVO PENTA

Engine makeVolvo Penta

Horsepower350 hp

Horsepower380 hp

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeinboard

Operational Info

Water capacity10.04

Water capacity1

Boat typePower

Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 vs Cobalt Boats R5 2015 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 or the Cobalt Boats R5 2015?

The Cobalt Boats R5 2015 is the longer of the two at 26,0 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Cobalt Boats R5 2015 is rated to a maximum of 380 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 tops out at 350 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 is Coast Guard rated for 7 passengers, while the Cobalt Boats R5 2015 is certified for 7. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 or the Cobalt Boats R5 2015?

The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 has the bigger tank at 69 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Cobalt Boats R5 2015. That 63-gallon difference translates to roughly 191–319 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 and Cobalt Boats R5 2015 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 and the Cobalt Boats R5 2015 are built by Cobalt Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 full specs ← Cobalt Boats R5 2015 full specs