Advice on a used 293

[787Driver]

Hello ...... looking for a used 2000ish Cobalt 293 to be used on Lake Ontario 50 miles east/west of Rochester. First, other than the normal things we look for when buying a used boat, is there anything specific, potential problem areas that I need to look for with this specific model? Second, how does this model or its larger brethren handle the hard compressed chop frequently seen in the Great Lakes? Would a 30 foot or greater hull be a better option? My other option is a Formula. Thanks!

[cmattj]

Welcome.
Great model. Although it doesn’t share the 22 degree hull deadrise like the 262-282, at 20 degrees she will give a great ride at that weight.

Like Formula it has side saddle passenger seating so they’ll be the ones to ask as well. Mercury or Volvo Twins are the only way to go.
They all have over the bow anchors so try to find s windlass version if you like to anchor. Pull every cushion and inspect for black mold spots. Have it surveyed as with it 9.6 beam she may have sat in the water all season as a lot of owners aren’t prepared to tow them regularly. Freshwater only and you’ll have a wonderful riding, easy to operate Cobalt.

I recommend Candied Red. Good luck on you

[AsLan7]

Hello ...... looking for a used 2000ish Cobalt 293 to be used on Lake Ontario 50 miles east/west of Rochester. First, other than the normal things we look for when buying a used boat, is there anything specific, potential problem areas that I need to look for with this specific model? Second, how does this model or its larger brethren handle the hard compressed chop frequently seen in the Great Lakes? Would a 30 foot or greater hull be a better option? My other option is a Formula. Thanks!

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Hey 787Driver (AA pilot? I presume??). Welcome to the Cobalt chat forum. So glad you found us!

Everything Matt mentioned is spot on. The size, weight, free board, deadrise, and power options of that craft will work well for great lakes boating. We frequent Canada (27 miles across) on lake Erie with, our past 262, and now recent 263 with relative ease on summer days. Just keep an eye on that weather of course.

Yes, twins is a must...especially for docking with crosswinds.

And any Cobalt over seven years old can be somewhat of a challenge with certain parts....mainly vinyl and cushion replacements as Cobalt does not keep "old stock" on hand in inventory. They manufacture all their interiors in-house. Locate your nearest Cobalt dealer. Once you provide them with a hull number, they can drop ship parts if necessary.

Honestly though, the rest of the Cobalt 293 parts can normally be replaced. The "boutique manufacturing" process-- picking the best from certain part manufacturers and installing them at the factory, allows for those parts to be found later online (most of the time) . Great Lakes skipper is one such site as is eBay, and CL.

A survey is also a must to determine actual engine hours, drive damage, leak down tests for compression, overheating issues, etc. Normally will cost around 2-400 dollars.

We shall keep an eye out for ya'

....and welcome aboard mate!
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[akorcovelos]

If it's a reputable dealer, they should provide a print out of the ECU diagnostics for you to see showing everything from actual engine hours to base timing. My dealer actually put the boat on a dyno and gave me the print out from the dyno pulls to show the motor was within original spec.

[787Driver]

Thank you all for your excellent advice. I truly aporciate it. In terms of the Great Lakes, will the 293 be able to blast through 2-3 foot chop or even better, 3-6 foot chop on plane? I am also looking at Formulas in similar size, style and year. Although they are excellent boats, Formulas use of plywood and potential rot issues down the road have given me pause. I have had to deal with rot in other boats I have owned and it’s an issue I just do not want to revisit.

[tgrace98]

Thank you all for your excellent advice. I truly aporciate it. In terms of the Great Lakes, will the 293 be able to blast through 2-3 foot chop or even better, 3-6 foot chop on plane? I am also looking at Formulas in similar size, style and year. Although they are excellent boats, Formulas use of plywood and potential rot issues down the road have given me pause. I have had to deal with rot in other boats I have owned and it’s an issue I just do not want to revisit.

The 293 will cut through 2-3ft chop with ease. Heck my 262 would take 2-3ft chop without even letting off the throttle.

[cmattj]

3-6 foot chop on plane?

Uhhhhh. No.

But not much will besides a 11,000 pound 38 foot cigarette top gun with a 24 degree dead rise is going through that. A 293 will just launch over and not punch through.


Those are usually get home conditions that are going to happen.. True. But a casual plow at 15-20 mph is how you navigate that . We’ve all been there.

[AsLan7]

3-6 foot chop on plane?

Uhhhhh. No.

But not much will besides a 11,000 pound 38 foot cigarette top gun with a 24 degree dead rise is going through that. A 293 will just launch over and not punch through.


Those are usually get home conditions that are going to happen.. True. But a casual plow at 15-20 mph is how you navigate that . We’ve all been there.

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+1
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[Ytmsn]

Umm... not all of us. Just sayin..

Welcome to the forum 787. Go Cobalt and you'll never look back.

[akorcovelos]

get captains call or a stereo to drown out your yelling wife and that baby will fly (pun intended) through 6 footers, lol. Just wear your tether!

[Big Block Power]

get captains call or a stereo to drown out your yelling wife and that baby will fly (pun intended) through 6 footers, lol. Just wear your tether!

Nice!!!

[Husk]

Hello 787.
Some insight from a current 293 owner. First off the 293 is an excellent weekend boat that handles great. Running in 2-3 footers on plane is not a problem; but, anything large than that would not be a good idea. The 293 is a tank with great performance and the ride is very plush. My recommendation would be to stay away from a single engine boat (too heavy). My 293 has twin 280hp with Bravo 3 and never feels under powered. The 293 are old boats and there will be things worn out from normal wear and tear. Most of the hardware can be source from it's original manufacture. I have been over every inch of the 293; reupholstered the complete cockpit and fixed the wood gauge panels. As with most Cobalts that have the wood panels dashes, they will de-laminate if not cared for properly. There are parts of the upholstery that are very difficult to remove for re-upholstering, but it can be done...a 20 year old boat will be about due for upholstering. The construction of the hull is outstanding and very solid. As you mentioned, the hulls, stringers, and transoms are wood free; but marine plywood is used elsewhere in the boat. Obviously have the mechanical (engines and drives) thoroughly inspected. If running bravo drives make sure to have there is not excessive play from the steering pins (expensive repair). My boats with Volvo Penta power have been more reliable than the Mercs with stock power (and I have had many with both). For the price point of a well cared for 293, you will not be disappointed.

Formula is another great boat and their comparable model is the 280ss. The 280ss is almost an identical to the 293. Formula's next size up cruiser (of the early 2000 era) is the 330ss. It is a bigger boat boat the handling is not much better than the 280/293 (one reason it was discontinued). If funds allow, the 400ss is a great boat for the bigger water with good performance for it's size. I have had a lot of time on the 400ss and am always impressed by it.

Like I said, I have been over ever inch of the 293 and if you have any specific questions I might be able to answer them. Good luck with your search.

[cmattj]

Hello 787.
Some insight from a current 293 owner. First off the 293 is an excellent weekend boat that handles great. Running in 2-3 footers on plane is not a problem; but, anything large than that would not be a good idea.
Like I said, I have been over ever inch of the 293 and if you have any specific questions I might be able to answer them. Good luck with your search.

Great review and history Husk! Lets get your 293 posted up soon if you haven't already. Welcome!

[TechieTechie]

So, how many folks actually own a single screw 293? I grew up on Lymans, and if I can dock a single heavy as all get out inboard, I should be able to dock a single I/O. And, at least for me, I don't need to go 50 mph (I live in new England, on the Atlantic, I'll be lucky to hit 25kph most days)...and maybe there are those that value fewer mechanicals over raw power or docking prowess.

So, single screw 293'ers out there, please chime in!

[TechieTechie]

The other thing, OP, you should note is that the 293 has surprisingly little standing headroom in the cabin. I am 5'5" and I could not stand up straight. Which is a bummer, as the Formula 27 PC has over 6' standing headroom. Just something to keep in mind, if you have not yet seen one in person.

Techie