New Owner (potentially) What to look for?

[TinCupp]

First off, this forum has convinced me that the quality of a Cobalt makes it the boat for me. I’ve got two older 226s in my area that I’m really interested in and one way or another, I’m putting a Cobalt in the water. Both 226s are really low on hours (2001 w/103 hrs on new 5.7, 2003 w/200 hrs on original 5.7) and advertised as in exellent condition for their age on both boats. The ‘03 has a factory tower which has me leanings towards it and already gave a deposit down. However, I have not got to look at either yet. Planning on it later this week.

With that said, are there any common issues with Cobalt’s to look for in the 2001-2004 years. In scouring this forum, it doesn’t appear much! Which speaks to the quality of boat that Cobalt makes. I’m really just wondering about watch outs or anything to help me decide on one of these over the other.

Thanks in advance for any advice. I look forward to finally being a Cobalt owner (w/ a little luck later this week) and getting involved in the forum.

[AsLan7]

Hey TinCupp.
Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!

Not many weaknesses in Cobalts. BigBlockPower will give you the low-down on those particular models.

...and again, Welcome aboard mate!

.

[Big Block Power]

Welcome from Wisconsin. Which 5.7 is in them? Which drive is under them? How are the trailers? I don't like buying boats with new engines in them. That usually tells me that it wasn't taken care of. We're they have kept or lift kept,? Look at the bilge that will tell you how it was taken care off as well. Check the fluid condition in each of them. How is the gel coat. How is the vinyl? Look for seams coming apart. Remember pictures are normally better then the boat in person. What shape is the skeg and props?

[TinCupp]

Wi! Mn here. Cobalts seem to be well represented in the great white north. I’m not a Vikings fan Big Block so don’t judge me there!

The ‘01 has the 5.7 GSi Volvo Penta Dual Prop. https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ ... 18477.html. Nice trailer.

03’ has the same. Original Cobalt trailer but only a few hundred miles on it. I won’t be trailering so this isn’t a huge deal to me.

I found this one today too. I’m half tempted to go all in (for my budget anyway) and do it. Haven’t ran it by the wife yet though:-). $25k was the budget, $38k is the ask on this one.
https://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/boa/d ... 94655.html

I guess I’ll have to get my eyes on them to know what shape they’re in for sure. Thanks for the invaluable recommendations Big Block.

[Bobo87]

Welcome timncup from Texas! Buying your first Cobalt is a Joy!

[Big Block Power]

Welcome timncup from Texas! Buying your first Cobalt is a Joy!

Yes it is. I'll help you spend money and now your budget. Lol I personally wouldn't spend $38k on a 220 with a 5.0 but that's just me. That boat looks very clean though. Some guys have them and love them. I'm not as big of a fan of the gsi engine as the gi or gxi. Would need to know more about your boating habits. Are you on white bear lake? Glad your not a viking fan iwas worried for a minute.

[cmattj]

Welcome going forward tin.

Question on the 2012 you posted. The pass seat seems fixed backward ski boat style? Or am I missing the drop in??
Is that a set up your looking for??

https://siouxfalls.craigslist.org/boa/d ... 94655.html

[Big Block Power]

Nope that is what it is Matt.

[TinCupp]

I’m with you on the 5.0. Although, this is my first boat so a lack of power won’t really hurt me too much. But you’re right, $38k is a lot!

I’m not on White Bear. I’m on Minnetonka.

I’d love to get more power but It seems the big engines in the 226s are hard to come by. With that said, I’m thinking a 226 is as small as I want to go but this one is also really appealing.
2006 Cobalt 200 w/ 350 Mag, Wakeboard Tower & Trailer
https://omaha.craigslist.org/boa/d/2006 ... 72648.html

It has the Merc Bravo III. Big Block, I’m assuming this is your preferred motor and drive based on your recommendation? If you know of anything for sale at a good price up in your area then let me know. I’m willing to travel.

[Bfun220]

How about this ?

[TinCupp]

That’s exactly what I want. Although Tahoe would a a bit of a jaunt for me from MN. Anyone had good luck with or know the price on having someone do transport?

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma Tincup! You have no idea what you just put into place. Colin and BB are masters at finding good deals, and traveling for one or having it shipped is no problem at all.

Colin is in Canada and bought his in Texas. Aslan7 is in Erie and bought his in Vegas. BB has bought several from everywhere. Matt is in California and bought his in Missouri. So yeah, you DO NOT want to get in a hurry until the "right" boat comes along, and it's out there! Fly in, look it over, have it shipped or go back and get it. Or have a survey done and ship it. Personally I wouldn't buy one that I didn't see with my own eyes. My idea of nice, perfect, like new or any other description is usually different. But a survey might pick up on things you wouldn't see.

It really depends on your use. Keep in mind a big motor uses big gas, but is big fun. Whatever you buy, you'll probably experience twofootitis in a year or so, so try to account for that.

And problems? That's hard to say. If it's been well maintained you should be fine, but there's always the possiblity of something springing up, but nothing we couldn't help you with. Our members have done restorations, motors, outdrives, interiors, cracks, add ons, and anything else you can imagine. And we LOVE helping you spend money!

As for any other boat? There isn't anything. Ride in a Cobalt and you'll "get it". Buy one and you'll understand why we're all Cobalt owners!

[Big Block Power]

I sent that 200 to my buddy this last weekend. Looks like a nice boat. I'm ok with either merc be or Volvo do. They both are great. So your on minne. John knows that lake very well. I can't afford to boat on that lake. Maybe when I win the lottery. Lol
I wouldn't but a high elevation boat as we seem to have a good that have had some issues at sea level. Maybe that is what was wrong with my 200 I got from Colorado now that I think about it. It was terrible out of the hole. You can PM me your number and I'll help you spend your money.

[ATX Cobalt]

Welcome Tincup from Texas! I purchased a 2007 200 with a 5.0 Volvo gxi (w/75 hrs. lucky me!) earlier this year and love the boat. I also thought I was going to get a 23ish type boat, but once I took the 200 out for a test I was sold. Mine is also in red and white. I would love to have the tower off the one listed for my 200.

[Driller]

That’s exactly what I want. Although Tahoe would a a bit of a jaunt for me from MN. Anyone had good luck with or know the price on having someone do transport?

Buddy of mine just got a quote to haul his Cobalt 264 from Houston, TX to Travers City, MI looks like it is going to settle out around $1300. He used U-SHIP as the members of the group recommended.