Cobalt vs Chaparral

[tigger6970]

Hi,
My next boat will be either a Cobalt 24' - 25' or a Chaparral of the same size.
I have sea trialed the 2012 Cobalt 242 and I loved the smooth ride in choppy waters.
I have not been able to test any of the older models, or any Chaparrals.
Does anyone know how they compare in choppy water? My Four Winns was horrible and I don't want to repeat that mistake.
thx!

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

24' TO 25' should be nearly the same ride in choppy water from both builders. It depends on what model, and deadrise. What FW model did you have
that was so horrible ?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

How big is your Four Winns?

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Good question. Here in MN you almost only see Chaparrals and Cobalts on the big lakes and very rarely on the smallish ones. Generally those tend to be the expensive lakes where people have money to burn on more expensive boats and those boats tend to also be heavier and deal with chop better. You will see my sig boat is a Chap albeit a MN sized version as 99.999% of our boats are under 20feet here and so I speak of the 20 foot and under size. The benefit of it ride wise is that it's heavy for it's LOA as compared to other brands plus it has a 33 gallon gas tank...again unless you are talking about a fishing heritage boat such as a Tahoe, it's hard to find a small boat with a big tank. As compared to my friends similar sized boats of other brands, it takes chop substantially better and the ride is almost too dry as you rarely catch a spray which takes some fun out of a windy day. It's not a fair comparison to most of the mainstream same sized boats build wise. The trade off is they are going to be slower. Cobalt hasn't made an under 20 foot boat since model year 2002 and so I can't compare them.

 

[QC]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Agree that ride is primarily deadrise, but also weight. I believe the Cobalts will be heavier and mo money. I love both boats, but quality comes out in favor of the Cobalt. I have climbed around and worked on somewhat recent models of both. Cobalt 220, Cobalt 252, Chap 236 SSi, and Chap 256 SSi. All are wonderful, with a leaning toward the Cobalt 252.

The difference between them is primarily below. When working on the Chaps, there is still exposed hardware and unfinished glass work. On the Cobalt, almost all through bolts, and no sharp things to cut yourself on. Higher end upholstery on the Cobalts as well.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

The Chaps are pretty boats,, both should ride about the same.... I'd still take the Cobalt as I've seen them pounded on the Atlantic and take it well. The Chaps rarely go out an inlet. They could,,, but play more than fish/work.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Agree that ride is primarily deadrise, but also weight. I believe the Cobalts will be heavier and mo money. I love both boats, but quality comes out in favor of the Cobalt. I have climbed around and worked on somewhat recent models of both. Cobalt 220, Cobalt 252, Chap 236 SSi, and Chap 256 SSi. All are wonderful, with a leaning toward the Cobalt 252.

The difference between them is primarily below. When working on the Chaps, there is still exposed hardware and unfinished glass work. On the Cobalt, almost all through bolts, and no sharp things to cut yourself on. Higher end upholstery on the Cobalts as well.

Agreed that Cobalt has a bit better finishing where it is least noticeable as I've crawled over the larger ones too. Cobalt around here, where you aren't going to see a Formula for example, is top of the heap plus more expensive. I consider Chaparral a half notch below Cobalt for the larger sized bowriders. The MSRP's are jaw dropping on Cobalts. Of course nobody would pay MSRP.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

No comparison. Chap is a great boat but Cobalt trumps it in quality-hands down.

The "least noticeable" parts of quality are the ones that make the difference.

On the lower end of the scale, I recently chose a slightly used Larson over a new Tahoe. Boat for boat, the Larson was 700 pounds heavier-dry. That tells me something.

After looking over each thoroughly, there was no comparison in quality. The Larson was the clear quality winner. Not as sexy but a better boat-hands down.

It's like comparing a Boston Whaler to a Bass Tracker.

If you want lot's of "flash" with not a great deal of cash, go Chap. A Cobalt makes a statement that most experienced boaters fully recognize.

I am currently looking at replacing a very nice Crownline (family owned) with a Cobalt.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

No comparison. Chap is a great boat but Cobalt trumps it in quality-hands down.

The "least noticeable" parts of quality are the ones that make the difference.

On the lower end of the scale, I recently chose a slightly used Larson over a new Tahoe. Boat for boat, the Larson was 700 pounds heavier-dry. That tells me something.


After looking over each thoroughly, there was no comparison in quality. The Larson was the clear quality winner. Not as sexy but a better boat-hands down.

It's like comparing a Boston Whaler to a Bass Tracker.

If you want lot's of "flash" with not a great deal of cash, go Chap. A Cobalt makes a statement that most experienced boaters fully recognize.

I am currently looking at replacing a very nice Crownline (family owned) with a Cobalt.

I'm going to disagree that the big item being some unfinished fiberglass makes "the" difference. I agree that they make a statement. Like my friend who just bought a new AMG. Sure he could have just got the regular Mercedes but when you see an AMG is makes a statement. Few are willing even if they are able to, go to that next step especially when you use your pleasure/non fishing boat at the most 3 months here.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

I'm going to disagree that the big item being some unfinished fiberglass makes "the" difference. I agree that they make a statement. Like my friend who just bought a new AMG. Sure he could have just got the regular Mercedes but when you see an AMG is makes a statement. Few are willing even if they are able to, go to that next step especially when you use your pleasure/non fishing boat at the most 3 months here.

Disagree. What you can see is indicative what you can't see.

I chose the Larson because it is probably the last Sport Boat I will ever own. I may have to replace the questionable GM 4-cylinder (3.0L) but the hull will last.

All I was saying is that there is a difference. No apologies. I've owned boats for 40 years.

I've owned too many boats to not know something about quality. My 1976 Boston Whaler recently sold for a price aproaching new products of similar style. That states something.

Mercedes is way overrated. It's nothing but status. All AMG means is: "All Money Gone".

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Boating, to me, is knowing what is underneath me.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Disagree. What you can see is indicative what you can't see.

I chose the Larson because it is probably the last Sport Boat I will ever own. I may have to replace the questionable GM 4-cylinder (3.0L) but the hull will last.

All I was saying is that there is a difference. No apologies. I've owned boats for 40 years.

I've owned too many boats to not know something about quality. My 1976 Boston Whaler recently sold for a price aproaching new products of similar style. That states something.

Mercedes is way overrated. It's nothing but status. All AMG means is: "All Money Gone".

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Boating, to me, is knowing what is underneath me.

I totally agree on the Larson as Tahoe is the ultra entry level. Not really an apples to apples build comparison but I do like the 'looks' of the new Tahoes.
I'm not commenting on the quality or desirability of Mercedes but the concept of making a statement...I agree that they are overrated but when you see the AMG it makes a statement to car enthusiasts that are in the know. I don't think most people realize that Mercedes is historically looked down on as in Top Gear.

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

I totally agree on the Larson as Tahoe is the ultra entry level. Not really an apples to apples build comparison but I do like the 'looks' of the new Tahoes.
I'm not commenting on the quality or desirability of Mercedes but the concept of making a statement...I agree that they are overrated but when you see the AMG it makes a statement to car enthusiasts that are in the know. I don't think most people realize that Mercedes is historically looked down on as in Top Gear.

Yes it is. Someone looking at gently used as to someone looking at "financing" new-absolutely. I decided to keep $10K Large and own a used boat that was pristine as to owning a new one of quite, in my opinion, questionable quality.

I do not disagree that Status is Status. I do discount the "Car people" that judge all of the new auto's. They don't have ANY ownership experience. Nor, do they care. They only judge initial experience.

Take the Audi TT and R8 as an example. All the auto writers lost themselves (saying it politely) on the praises. Read the owners experiences-dismal.

Quality is quality. If you see a flaw on the outside, there are many more on the inside.

 

[tigger6970]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Ok guys, we're getting off the subject now....stay on target....

 

[QC]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Emerging Mod candidate ^^^^^

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt vs Chaparral

Yes it is. Someone looking at gently used as to someone looking at "financing" new-absolutely. I decided to keep $10K Large and own a used boat that was pristine as to owning a new one of quite, in my opinion, questionable quality.

I do not disagree that Status is Status. I do discount the "Car people" that judge all of the new auto's. They don't have ANY ownership experience. Nor, do they care. They only judge initial experience.

Take the Audi TT and R8 as an example. All the auto writers lost themselves (saying it politely) on the praises. Read the owners experiences-dismal.

Quality is quality. If you see a flaw on the outside, there are many more on the inside.

I think we are coming around the long way to saying the same thing. Except that I've lived with my Chap for a long time and flaws are certainly at a minimum.