Cobaltchat.com

davisef wrote: Fri Dec 18, 2020 9:58 pm Thanks for the quick responses!

1. This will be my first boat, however, my father and brother have owned boats for years. I was launching an 18 foot Four Winns on my learner's permit!

2. I am willing to travel anywhere in the country. My thoughts were to fly to check out the boat, then return to tow it back. I travelled to Lake of the Ozarks earlier this week to look at what I thought was a great boat....I was pretty mislead by the salesperson. The mint condition boat that needed only oxidation removed from the rear tail fins had a long list of issues and neglect plus 8 inches of ice in the bilge without being winterized!!!

3. I would like to get the 8.1L with DP. Prefer Volvo, but will not say no to a Mercruiser nor will I exclude a small block from consideration.

4. I will need a trailer. Auburnbuilder (from this forum) and I spoke and I am more than happy to buy his trailer sight unseen if I have a boat to put on it .

5. Budget is $40,000 or less for boat and trailer. There may be some wiggle room, but it has to be for the right boat.

6. I plan on keeping the boat for easily the next 20 years. Just took a break from boating when my brothers and I grew up moved away and started families. The kids are 8 & 10 now and I have been waiting for what feels like forever to be ready to buy my first boat.

7. I'll consider other model Cobalts as well. I am focusing on the 250 because it has a deeper Vee hull than others (I think) for those rough days on the Great Lakes. It must have a Porta potty and open bow. I like the center pass through on the transom too. The 262 and 272 are beautiful, but I worry they may be just big enough to exclude some smaller inland lakes.

Thanks again! I look forward to some more feedback!

davisef wrote: Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:38 pm Update - I just purchased a boat today, a 2007 Cobalt 250 with Mercruiser 496MAG. Purchased from Joe Burns at Village Marina on LOTO. So far, everything has been very professional and easy. Pickup in the spring.

davisef wrote: Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:36 pm 20mm - It wasn't a "new" Cobalt dealer, and honestly, I think it was just the salesperson I had. I don't want to bad mouth the place for just one person.