Cobaltchat.com

I haven’t spent much time in older Cobalts so I only have my 2018 R5 Surf to compare to their newer stuff such as the R6 that do show cost cutting in places already mentioned like the dash. I’ve been on lots of other surf boats from Malibu, Nautique, Supra, etc. and build quality is very similar to the newer Cobalts. I also own a 24 foot 2019 Boston Whaler and IMO the build quality, hardware, and thoughtful ness of design is better than my Cobalt but obviously more spartan inside and is made for a different purpose. We are seeing more 25-30 foot ocean fishing boats from Whaler and Robalo with hardtops on our large MN lake even though they seem like overkill for inland lake boating. Likely the owners haul them back and forth from Florida to Minnesota like I did last summer.

For lake boating, I’d likely still buy another Cobalt if I’m looking to replace mine in another decade but there is currently no incentive for me to upgrade with what I perceive as lower quality and an interior design that is less attractive to my eye on the newer R6 or R8. I still prefer Cobalt over other brands such as Chaparral but there was a new 290 Formula on the lake last weekend that was a beauty and would at least tempt me as an option when that day comes to replace my R5.

Don’t know if anyone saw, but Aviara just closed down their plant and laid off all of their workforce - so one less competitor for Cobalt. They did not last too long! Based on what I saw when I looked at one, I can see why. Although they held themselves out to be a high end quality boat - the one that I looked at had so many flaws and seemed like they had a lot of quality issues. Glad I passed.

I dont think they are going away necessarily. Looks like they were taken over by MarineMax. Not that this will necessarily fix any quality issues. But they look to still be around. I do like their styling.

MnLakeBum wrote: Thu Jun 20, 2024 6:14 am there was a new 290 Formula on the lake last weekend that was a beauty and would at least tempt me as an option when that day comes to replace my R5.

Reach out to John Erickson at Erickson Marine in Hastings - tell him I referred you. Good shop, competitive pricing, and great service.

I don’t have any personal experiences with the newer models as ours is a 2004 226( new to us) but compared to even new non Cobalt boats that we see on the lakes, ours isn’t lacking in quality, amenities or looks imo.
Chris

Looking good Chris!

AsLan7 wrote: Fri Sep 20, 2024 6:43 am Looking good Chris!

Thanks!!

Enjoying reading this thread. Looked online at a few newer Cobalts…100-250k is a lot of money for a 25’ or so boat(not knocking those that own those ) . They are pretty!

Chris

Table Rockin wrote: Thu Sep 19, 2024 10:30 am I dont think they are going away necessarily. Looks like they were taken over by MarineMax. Not that this will necessarily fix any quality issues. But they look to still be around. I do like their styling.

Yeah, I wouldn't expect quality to go up. While they don't build them, Marine Max sells Saxdor boats in the US. Saxdor is a Finnish boat company that produces their boats in Poland. They have some really clever features, but apparently not great quality. I know a guy who bought one and Marine Max offered horrible support on warranty claims. Sold it after a year.

Well, I did it. Ordered the R35 and traded in my 296. I hope I don’t regret it. My 296 was an amazing boat. R35 should be here in the next few weeks and I will post pictures.

Last photo of my 296

AC78746 wrote: Tue Oct 01, 2024 7:12 pm Well, I did it. Ordered the R35 and traded in my 296. I hope I don’t regret it. My 296 was an amazing boat. R35 should be here in the next few weeks and I will post pictures.

Looking forward to seeing the R35. I too hope you don't regret it.

My new R35 has arrived! Just saw it at the dealer, will be on the water on Monday.

A few more.

New R35 pics