Cobalt 200 question

[cyclops2]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Hope it is not a east coast Sandy flood job reconditioned already.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Hope it is not a east coast Sandy flood job reconditioned already.

Well, there'd be no worry of rot on the Cobalt since they don't use wood except for finish-type items (accents/etc).

 

[VtSteve]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

This is a test of the boat with a 5.0 V* in it, 270 HP.
Not a speed demon with that weight, but a very nice boat.

I would expect it would need tabs with the V6 in it.
I don't think it's too good to pass up. By next year, it will still be a good used Cobalt, with the small engine.
You can do better.


Cobalt?200? Reviews,performance,compare,price,warranty, specs,Reports,Specifications Layout, video | BoatTEST.com

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

This is a test of the boat with a 5.0 V* in it, 270 HP.
Not a speed demon with that weight, but a very nice boat.

I would expect it would need tabs with the V6 in it.
I don't think it's too good to pass up. By next year, it will still be a good used Cobalt, with the small engine.
You can do better.QUOTE]

Interesting the linked article is for a 2003 model and that the 2012 model has shed 350lbs. You think about it and the 4.3 mpi goes into light weight boats like the Stingray and other substantially cheaper boats...I just don't see how it has any place in the 200 other than that Cobalt hasn't made a true entry level/size boat for 10 years and this is their version of 'entry level'. Without a water test, I think anybody could be sucked in by this boat sitting in a showroom especially if you've looked at just about every other small bowrider brand out there. I'm inclined to just say go get it so we can have a Cobalt owner on the forum.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I really question that 270 HP rating compared to my heavy 2002 Mercruiser 5.0 L 220 hp carb job in a 18.5' X 8.5' wide Chaparral. I have 3700# wet + me 220 # & I do 51 GPS with fresh water slime on it.

I can trim out to hit the 4800 rpm rev limiter all season long.

If duo propped. It may waste H P more than we realize.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I really question that 270 HP rating compared to my heavy 2002 Mercruiser 5.0 L 220 hp carb job in a 18.5' X 8.5' wide Chaparral. I have 3700# wet + me 220 # & I do 51 GPS with fresh water slime on it.

I can trim out to hit the 4800 rpm rev limiter all season long.

If duo propped. It may waste H P more than we realize.

i'm betting the out of the hole is faster with the B3 but it really does take a lot of HP to increase that top end substantially even if it had an Alpha. Regardless I've always thought it amazing the 5.0 MPI and it's intake provide 50 more Hp over the carb 5.0. Not only that the numbers I posted earlier came from the Cobalt site and so are subject to scrutiny. End of the day at least arond here in MN where there are endless boats for sale, there seems to be a shortage of high quality used boats during the season in the small bowrider class. Tons of the everymans brands but very few of the nicer brands. Thinking the Cobalt will have intrinsic value for that reason alone even with the basic power package.

 

[moosehead]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

+1, Cobalt put the V6 in this craft during recent trough years for the boating industry, expressly enabling them to headline value pricing on advertisements.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Keep in mind, that my 3K+lbs 1976 20' boat came with a 233HP 351W (rated at the flywheel), and this Cobalt of similar size/weight, while the Cobalt has a 225HP (at the proshaft) V6. I'm willing to bet that the boat will test fine as long as he isn't trying to pull a heavy slalom skier out of the water with 6 adults plus gear on board all the time. If the holeshot is acceptable to him with a few heavy adults/gear in the boat, I wouldn't pass it up. Sure, we all like the torque and power of a V8, but 225HP isn't exactly going to make this boat a dog by any means.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Keep in mind, that my 3K+lbs 1976 20' boat came with a 233HP 351W (rated at the flywheel), and this Cobalt of similar size/weight, while the Cobalt has a 225HP (at the proshaft) V6. I'm willing to bet that the boat will test fine as long as he isn't trying to pull a heavy slalom skier out of the water with 6 adults plus gear on board all the time. If the holeshot is acceptable to him with a few heavy adults/gear in the boat, I wouldn't pass it up. Sure, we all like the torque and power of a V8, but 225HP isn't exactly going to make this boat a dog by any means.

I think you are right and the key is to load it up as you would use it not a lone cowboy with an empty gas tank with zero gear.

 

[VtSteve]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Sorry about the old link, here's a newer one. Don't know how I missed it, I still have the mag in my office downstairs

Don't sell the 4.3 short, it's a great engine. Pretty efficient too. They got good mileage, and almost 48 mph.
But that's with the 4.3 Mercruiser MPI.

Cobalt link direct. Starting price is $48,000 base, special pricing $36,000. My guess is $30k is easy to get, or lower with trailer. (maybe) LOL

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Ok, that all makes sense.

My MTX has 5.0L 260hp. The boat weighs a little more than the Cobalt too. I see where that might be disappointing.

If that V6 will push it to 49mph like you said jkust, that is plenty for me.

Guess I am wondering why you are considering the Cobalt when you have a nice boat already? Sure, not Cobalt "look at me" status, but a 2009 with a V8. Just saying.

 

[Trim]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I think the main reason I am thinking about the boat is because of the name, Cobalt, and what I thought was a very good price. I love the look as well. I know the Cobalt's resale value is outstanding so my thought was I could use it for a number of years and get alot of my money back on it.

My Rinker is the first boat I have ever owned. I've had it for one season and loved it. Runs great, has a ton of room, have had zero problems with it. I guess it just me wanting something newer and better =)

 

[moosehead]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Slip has a good point, though I won't take the bait on status. Pick your preference based on budget, and determine what your compromise might be: fit and finish, power, size, value, etc.

In my case, we are only in this boat because we lucked into a used creampuff. Power is critical at our altitude, plus we never could have afforded a new Cobalt. In your case, is the fit and finish increment (if there is one vs. the Rinker), more important than power?

The Cobalt 200 can handle extra passengers, gear, watersports, and choppy waters superbly due to its layout, beam, swim platform, and heft. We get as many comments about her appearing and handling larger than her 20' length as we do about her quality or beauty. (Uh, that didn't sound right).

Just make sure she is powered correctly for your intended use otherwise you may find yourself playing musical boats.

Speak of the Devil: http://mycobalt.net/2012/10/05/2006-cobalt-200-for-sale-2/

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Cobalts are nice, no doubt about it... But like others have stated, there is no way I'd be going from a 210 MTX with a V8 to a Cobalt 200 with a V6 just for a name and a few model years.

I think the MTX's from Rinker are really nice boats for the price. I very nearly bought a 220 MTXC when I was shopping for my current boat, and I almost certainly would have, had the local Rinker dealership not had such poor customer service. They were terrible, while the Stingray dealer was awesome, and so the Stingray dealership got my money.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

My buddy bought that same boat at the beginning of the year for more than $10 grand more. It is a sweet boat. His has the wrap around seating, and there is a ton of room with that seating. There is also a ton of room under it. You can store a wakeboard and kneeboard under the seat. The swim platform is awesome. You hit a lever and part of it swings down and under the water. It is a perfect coving it seat. Its solid and the sound system is great. The damn ugly two emblems of wheat look like something my father would wear on a golf shirt though -- what an ugly emblem.

Ok, so how does the fuel injected v6 do with a heavy boat that takes a rough lake damn well.

It is not going to hit 49. Sorry. It will, though pull tubers and wakeboarders all day. I did not try to get up on a slalom behind it, though, so I can't report on that. For general boating, pulling slower water sports, cruising the lake, it is plenty of engine.

It is a beast on the trailer though. Tandem axel trailer and its wide and high!

It is also a hell of a fiberglass job on the hull. He left the boat in the water (no lift) all summer long, despite pulling it out to clean. No blisters or signs of any problems with it sitting in the water that long.

What else can I tell you about the boat? Its a great boat.

PS: he has the volvo version.

I say get the boat and enjoy the hell out of it!

PSS: I think the custom cover set him back close to a grand.

 

[sickwilly]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

PSS: It is rated for a lot of adults. My memory says 13, but I might be wrong. Good luck finding another 20 foot IO rated for that high of occupancy.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

If you're going to pony up the money for a Cobalt you won't be disappointed, but I'd pass on that one. It's such a nice boat that it deserves to be properly powered. That'll take at least a 5.0mpi/BravoIII setup, or better yet a 350mag/300hp. It isn't about the speed; you can always throttle back, but you'll want that extra power in reserve for those hot, humid days with a full load of people on board.