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Docj wrote: Wed Jul 17, 2019 7:05 am
AsLan7 wrote: Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:26 pm
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Hey joe. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!
You are right in the sweet spot of used Cobalt boat production with your quest....before cost cutting measures due to the Great Recession in 2008 and before the founder of Cobalt stepped down causing a change in direction.
Definitely go big block if you can afford it and you’ll love captains call switchable exhaust if it’s so equipped.
Be sure to inspect the trailer too. I’ve had more issues with used trailers than our boats.
The 220 is a nice size coming from a 19 footer. Easy to manage (docking, trailering, storing etc.) and will meet your guest requirements.
Plan on no more than 50 hours per year as a general guideline when looking at total hours. That being said, I’ve seen high time immaculate boats which have been meticulously cared for. A marine survey is always a good idea.
All we ask for are pics.
Others will chime in shortly. In the meantime, check out
this recent post.
Again, welcome aboard mate!
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First time poster here. I’m curious what the changes were after 2008? We have a 2008 232 w a VP 8.1 DP that we bought last summer with 78 hours at the time. It has some upholstery stains on the sun deck but otherwise no known issues. We love it but at times of weakness I’ve often thought about what I would buy today if given the opportunity. It sounds like I’m in a good spot, but any perspective is appreciated.
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Hey DocJ. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!
Yes, many changes happened around 2008. Some good...some bad depending on your perspective. Cobalt started eliminating the center transom walk thru models in exchange for side entry which reduced seating due to the breakup of the cockpit horseshoe design....enclosed bow storage was reduced to make room for carry-on coolers ...bow seating was also reduced in favor of an “open cushion” design which separated the bow seats —also breaking up the continuous horseshoe design. Hull production changed with the elimination of certain hulls (including the sexy 343) and morphing other hulls such as the 262 into the 272 to consolidate costs....Paxson took over which also changed the direction of the company introducing certain models and colors to capture a younger market. The roll out of the surf series was a huge success. At the same time elimination of the distinctive can style Cobalt docking lights and engineering design challenges coupled with poor quality control were bewildering to say the least. Waste basket holders mis-sized, glass cockpit displays going blank, black holes that “eat” your gadgets, gel coat glazing/cracking, ballast tanks that don’t hold water well, etc are just some of the interesting issues that are taking their toll on recent owners.
Don’t get me wrong, still amazing boats compared to the competition. I have been on the factory tour with other members and it is very impressive .... especially the in-house upholstery ladies who work magic on their sewing machines But at the price point that says
Compromise Nothing, the expectation of a well designed, 99% trouble-free product is quite high. The good thing is Cobalt is trying to respond to these concerns to fix them.
Hope this helps to provide a little insight....Some good and some not so much depending on your desires and perspective.
Oh, and welcome aboard mate!
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