New member in Gilbert, AZ

[jjwiggs]

Hello from the high desert!

I've decided to purchase my first Cobalt after thorough research.

I've owned Sea Ray, Mariah, Regal and Glastron boats respectively. I was most happy with the 96 Mariah br but since the company is out of business, trying to find parts is increasingly difficult.

That led me on my current journey of finding the next boat for my family. The design, look and overall performance of the Cobalt boat has brought me here to the forum.

I'm still deciding between a duo prop or single prop higher hp motor, such as the 7.4 liter. I'm leaning towards the 5.7 duo prop VP as there seems to be great feedback with the overall performance, while trying to budget the fuel cost.

Tips and information always welcomed. Looking for late 90's or early 2000's 22' br. Will update along with pics after purchase.

Thanks,

Jayson

[AsLan7]

Hello from the high desert!

I've decided to purchase my first Cobalt after thorough research.

I've owned Sea Ray, Mariah, Regal and Glastron boats respectively. I was most happy with the 96 Mariah br but since the company is out of business, trying to find parts is increasingly difficult.

That led me on my current journey of finding the next boat for my family. The design, look and overall performance of the Cobalt boat has brought me here to the forum.

I'm still deciding between a duo prop or single prop higher hp motor, such as the 7.4 liter. I'm leaning towards the 5.7 duo prop VP as there seems to be great feedback with the overall performance, while trying to budget the fuel cost.

Tips and information always welcomed. Looking for late 90's or early 2000's 22' br. Will update along with pics after purchase.

Thanks,

Jayson

.
Hello Jayson. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!

Those are some great boats in your history. Feel free to post some pics of those. I do think you will enjoy the upgrade to Cobalt.

I'm a big fan of the duo prop. The 350 with a duo prop is a nice combo....of course a big block with a duo prop even more so. All we ask for are those pics you mentioned after purchase.

Again, welcome aboard mate!

.

[tgrace98]

The early 2000’s 220 sounds like the boat for you. It can be equipped all the way up to a 496. I got to watch Bfun travel around TRL in his last week and I was shocked at how it handled everything TRL could throw at it.

Welcome aboard! Tell us the must haves and a price range. We love to shop!

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma Wiggs! You won't go wrong with a Cobalt, and I'm thinking once you have one, you'll begin to realize just how far out ahead of all your past boats you'll be. Nothing compares to a Cobalt, but I marinate in the koolaid...

This past week several of us descended on Table Rock for the Cobalt Regatta, and as tgrace said, bfun ran his 220 all over the place with no worries. Just imagine 50 or so boats running across the lake at 30 mph at the same time and how rough that water would be. Bfun started at the back of the pack and it wasn't long before he had worked his way to the front with the leaders. Pretty durn impressive... Especially when most of those boats he was running with were 24 to 30 feet long making 4 to 5 foot waves.

As far as the motor, I've had the 5.7 in a couple of different boats. Plenty of power and they sip gas. But a big block has a higher resale, never runs short on power regardless of how many people on board or what your doing, and at cruise speed they are nearly as economical because the engine isn't working as hard.

And definitely go with a dual prop.

[Bfun220]

My 220 has 5.7 double prop and will do 54 mph with 2 people and half tank of fuel. As I load it up with people and stuff the speed drops to around 49.

Find a good one and get er done.
Oh, and pictures, post pictures.

[jjwiggs]

You folks are awesome! Thanks for the replies...

"This past week several of us descended on Table Rock for the Cobalt Regatta, and as tgrace said, bfun ran his 220 all over the place with no worries. Just imagine 50 or so boats running across the lake at 30 mph at the same time and how rough that water would be. Bfun started at the back of the pack and it wasn't long before he had worked his way to the front with the leaders. Pretty durn impressive... Especially when most of those boats he was running with were 24 to 30 feet long making 4 to 5 foot waves."

The regatta sounds like a blast. Glad the Cobalts are built well - going across the lake in rough waters at 30 mph may compromise the hull of lesser built boats. Guess I chose wisely in deciding to purchase a Cobalt.

So this Saturday I'm going to lake test a 1998 220 7.4 sp Merc. This will be my maiden voyage in a Cobalt. Looking forward to it to say the least.

My budget is around 15k, trying to not to surpass 17 if possible. Trying to keep the whole "happy wife" thing going if possible...

Not sure when I'll get to lake test a dp but hopefully in the next few weeks. Not much on the market that I've seen.

Thanks again for the replies and eager to soak up more info.

Cheers,

Jayson

[Big Block Power]

I would get a 5.7 dp over a single prop. But if you get a 7.4 single you can always swap the bottom half of the drive. Won't be cheap but can be done. No matter what make sure it's fuel injected. That's what the i means in the engine cover GI Gxi and so on.
You have some nice lakes by you to so your lucky.

[jjwiggs]

I would get a 5.7 dp over a single prop. But if you get a 7.4 single you can always swap the bottom half of the drive. Won't be cheap but can be done. No matter what make sure it's fuel injected. That's what the i means in the engine cover GI Gxi and so on.
You have some nice lakes by you to so your lucky.

Thanks for the info BB. I'm not 100% sure the 7.4 is fi or not. I'll do my homework prior. I do like the idea of more power though. Be nice to have the dp in the 7.4.

[Big Block Power]

Yea the 7.4 is nice. Or watch for the 240 dp v8 and you would be set. Just kidding. What lake are you going to be using?

[cmattj]

7.4 is a dp combination at is finest!
Congratulations on your quest, and welcome from California!

[jjwiggs]

7.4 is a dp combination at is finest!
Congratulations on your quest, and welcome from California!

Thx CMattj!

I'll keep an eye out for the dp 7.4. Trying to stay around the $15k budget....

[cmattj]

7.4 is a dp combination at is finest!
Congratulations on your quest, and welcome from California!

Thx CMattj!

I'll keep an eye out for the dp 7.4. Trying to stay around the $15k budget....

You bet. Just gave you a link in your wanted thread.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/boa/d/ ... 69162.html

[jjwiggs]

Yea the 7.4 is nice. Or watch for the 240 dp v8 and you would be set. Just kidding. What lake are you going to be using?

I'll be going to Saguaro mainly and Roosevelt for camping. Love Canyon too, just a lot of switchbacks but probably one the prettiest lakes in AZ imo.

Yes, very lucky to have quite a few good lakes around the area. Never been to Lake Powell so that's on the list as well.

[kas232ca]

Hello... Welcome from CA /AZ.

Good luck on the boat hunt!

[akorcovelos]

Welcome from Illinois! If you end up with a Merc Bravo 1 I may have a deal for you!