Hanging Out on Lake Conroe with Glen “G Paw” Southard and His Cobalt R5

For Glen “G Paw” Southard of Northwest Houston, owning a Cobalt Boat was always part of the plan. It just took time.

Glen first encountered Cobalt Boats in 1988 and was immediately drawn to the brand’s design, quality, and Deep V hull. From that moment on, owning a Cobalt became a lifelong ambition. Years later, after raising three kids and building a successful career in the freight industry, that dream finally became reality.

A Trusted Dealer and a Third Cobalt

Glen purchased his first Cobalt in 2008, a 232, and has remained loyal to the brand ever since. His latest addition is a 2015 Cobalt R5 with sterndrive power, purchased through Rinker’s Lakeshore Sports on Lake Conroe.

The purchase was made with the help of Melanie Clement, General Manager at Rinker’s Lakeshore Sports, whom Glen has worked with for many years.

“I’ve known Melanie for a very long time, and this was my third Cobalt I’ve bought from her,” Glen shared. “I’m very particular about the boats I buy. They need to be clean and in great shape. When I saw photos of this R5 on Rinker’s website, I knew it was the one. I put down a deposit immediately and bought it after the test drive that weekend.”

The R5 had been meticulously maintained by its previous owner, leaving very little work for the Rinker’s detailing team before delivery.

A Family Tradition Built Around Cobalt Boats

Glen’s passion for Cobalt quickly became a family tradition. After years of attending boat shows and admiring the brand from afar, he finally joined the Cobalt family in 2008. That enthusiasm soon spread to his sons.

“When my kids got out of college, they started buying Cobalts too,” Glen said proudly. “My oldest son, Travis, has owned three, and my son Kyle has owned two. This R5 is my third.”

Travis, in particular, has a fondness for older Cobalt models and has owned multiple boats from the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Having owned several boats from other manufacturers over the years, Glen is confident in his loyalty.
“I would never go back. Other brands try to copy Cobalt, but it’s not the same. Once you own a Cobalt, there’s no substitute.”

Leaving Work Behind on Lake Conroe

Glen is a 33-year veteran of the transportation industry and currently works as a national air logistics trucking manager for a global freight forwarder. His career has included transporting the World Series trophy on three separate occasions, even storing it in his office at one point.

With a high-pressure job, time on the water is essential.

“I live about twenty minutes from Lake Conroe, and I’ve been boating here since 1999. When you’re on the water, everything else disappears. All the stress just goes away.”

Most days on the lake are spent with Glen’s grandchildren, friends, or family. They often cruise to waterfront restaurants or relax with other boaters at a local gathering spot known as Party Cove.

In summer 2026, Glen plans to return to an old hobby.
“I’m going to try waterskiing again. The last time I skied I was eighteen, and now I’m sixty-four, so we’ll see how that goes.”

While the boat did not have a name when he took delivery, one quickly came to mind.
“My grandkids call me G Paw, so I think I’ll name it G Paw’s Crew.”

Why Glen Loves His Cobalt R5

Even as a pre-owned boat, Glen has been impressed by the R5’s features and layout. His boat includes a windlass, electric engine hatch, interior lighting, and a tower with a built-in Bimini top.

“There’s really only one thing I still want to add,” he said. “Tower speakers. That’s it.”

Looking ahead, Glen already has his eye on what comes next.
“I love the R8. The interior is unbelievable. It feels like a house on the water. The craftsmanship and layouts on the newer Cobalts are incredible.”

And when the time comes, Glen knows exactly where he’ll go.
“Rinker’s Lakeshore Sports is the best. Their sales and service teams are outstanding. When you buy a boat from them, even used, it looks brand new. They take care of people, and I recommend them without hesitation.”

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