"New" 2007 212

[Birdanski]

I picked up my "new" (to me) 2007 212 yesterday. I bought it sight-unseen and was pleasantly surprised when I finally picked it up yesterday. There were a couple of more scratches on the side that I wasn't expecting, but it was offset by the great interior, a new upgraded stereo, and only a 150 hours (the seller originally thought there was 250 hours...I got it from an older retired couple who didn't use it much obviously, they were the only owners).

After spending a day on the water today, a couple of my initial impressions:
* I love the 5.7 GXI, it was a bit faster than I thought it would be (55mph on the speedometer with a full tank of gas)
* Sunpad was bigger and more comfortable that I thought from researching it (and most importantly my wife likes it, ha)
* Step through area was a nice size and easily to get in and out
* The bow/cockpit areas were a little smaller than my former boat (220 ssi) but we never have more than 4 ppl in our a boat so it is fine and we prefer the more space on the sunpad
* The bow area was a little wetter ride than I am used to with my old boat, but that doesn't bother me either way
* Love how it handles and ride overall
* The only very small odd quirk I didn't like today was the swim latter/extension. I am used to a 3 step ladder that hangs straight down and this one is a 2 step ladder than goes out at an angle. So its a little tougher for an older guy like me to get in and out off the swim platform. I guess I will just need to get a little more flexible this summer, ha

Overall we LOVE the boat. I know I overpayed for it at $34,500, but that's kind of the crazy market here in MN and the peak time to buy obviously. So overall we feel like it was a good purchase even at that price at this early point.

Thanks for the feedback from this forum with my questions the past week, it was very helpful. I hope everyone on here enjoys a safe and great summer!

[AsLan7]

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Excellent...and more pics.

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[Birdanski]

Trailer wasn't included....those aren't scratches on the front side (just reflections). We liked this color combo so we were excited about that!

[Big Block Power]

Well congrats! It looks nice I'm thinking it's black so welcome the the black boat brigade!

[Birdanski]

Indeed it is black! There are some light scratches from the lift...but overall I think the gelcoat/color looks pretty good for that old of a boat. My old Chap was so sun-faded so its nice to have a little newer look

[Krob1114]

Nice pick up. Glad the wife likes it. Key question, how old is old?

[Big Block Power]

Indeed it is black! There are some light scratches from the lift...but overall I think the gelcoat/color looks pretty good for that old of a boat. My old Chap was so sun-faded so its nice to have a little newer look

If they are not to deep you can wet sand them out and then polish them. Easy fix.

[Big Block Power]

Nice pick up. Glad the wife likes it. Key question, how old is old?

As old as you

[Birdanski]

Thanks for the encouraging words! It was honestly a big purchase for me, so it nice to hear the positive comments, ha! I just hope it relatively holds its value I don't take a bath $$$-wise down the road since I paid over book value. But only time will tell...and until then its time to just enjoy the boat/water My family thinks its so funny that "old man dad" has trouble using the 2 step ladder, haha. I am 50 years old going on about 80 years old. ha.

[Krob1114]

Thanks for the encouraging words! It was honestly a big purchase for me, so it nice to hear the positive comments, ha! I just hope it relatively holds its value I don't take a bath $$$-wise down the road since I paid over book value. But only time will tell...and until then its time to just enjoy the boat/water My family thinks its so funny that "old man dad" has trouble using the 2 step ladder, haha. I am 50 years old going on about 80 years old. ha.

I don't worry about the value of my boat. I'm hoping to get maximum enjoyment for what I paid. Not planning on selling or upgrading any time soon.

When we first got the swim step, I had a little problem with age and bad wrist. I've since learned a technique where I have no problems.

[Birdanski]

That's the way to look at it, and I agree! Just enjoy and have fun! Yea, I will develop some old-man technique im sure to get into the boat that my family will find funny, hahah.

[Big Block Power]

Instead of trying to get your foot on it get your knee on it and crawl up. It will work. 2nd try up you will figure it up. Hell the water is still 33 degrees anyways.

[Birdanski]

Yep, that water is coldddd…..that's why I need to get a quick way back into the boat without pulling a hammy. hahah!! Just transferred the title of my old Chap today and watched it drive away......I get too attached to my boats, I think I had a tear in my eye LOL

[AFA]

After reading your chat I had to share my experience. I, too, am a former Chap owner (2 of them, a 1990 SL and a 2006 Sunesta 216). I loved both of them and over the past 20+ years we have some wonderful memories. Five years ago kidney disease sidelined me and the beloved Sunesta sat in a secure (I thought) storage yard backed up to a block wall. Then last February a drunk driver in a brand new Camaro managed to plow through 132 " of chain link fence, through the back half of a motor home, glanced off of a 23' Sea Ray parked next to our Sunesta and made a direct hit into the rear quarter panel of our boat totally destroying it. After two years of kidney disease, a transplant, recuperation and catch up this would be the year to get the Sunesta back on the water but that was not to be. Finding a boat this year proved to be almost impossible. Finally a friend told me that he would be selling his 2007 Cobalt 222 at the end of summer, we worked out an arrangement where with a fair down payment we will both use the boat this summer and I will own it after this season. So, as a soon to be Cobalt owner, here I am sadly leaving the Chap family and excitedly joining you. Sorry for the long story, I am usually a man of few words. I promise to do better in the future.

[AsLan7]

After reading your chat I had to share my experience. I, too, am a former Chap owner (2 of them, a 1990 SL and a 2006 Sunesta 216). I loved both of them and over the past 20+ years we have some wonderful memories. Five years ago kidney disease sidelined me and the beloved Sunesta sat in a secure (I thought) storage yard backed up to a block wall. Then last February a drunk driver in a brand new Camaro managed to plow through 132 " of chain link fence, through the back half of a motor home, glanced off of a 23' Sea Ray parked next to our Sunesta and made a direct hit into the rear quarter panel of our boat totally destroying it. After two years of kidney disease, a transplant, recuperation and catch up this would be the year to get the Sunesta back on the water but that was not to be. Finding a boat this year proved to be almost impossible. Finally a friend told me that he would be selling his 2007 Cobalt 222 at the end of summer, we worked out an arrangement where with a fair down payment we will both use the boat this summer and I will own it after this season. So, as a soon to be Cobalt owner, here I am sadly leaving the Chap family and excitedly joining you. Sorry for the long story, I am usually a man of few words. I promise to do better in the future.

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That’s a great yet tragic story with a hopeful ending AFA. We really appreciate your sharing that experience with us and are honored to have you join the Cobalt family. All we ask for is a picture or two. Keep us posted.

And welcome aboard mate.





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