We just purchased a brand new Cobalt 210, took delivery from the dealer on Friday and I have to say I am very impressed with the boat but very UNimpressed with the actual closing/delivery of the boat. We had been working on finalizing this purchase for the better part of a week so this was not a walk-in and walk-out with a new boat. We arrived at the dealer to hand over the funds and sign the paperwork, got that all finished up in about 15 minutes and then walked out with the salesman to the boat in the parking lot, "ready to go", with the mooring cover on. I had been told several times during the week that the boat was "in the back" getting final prep and gas tank filled (this was mentioned every time I talked to them). Salesman got up on the boat, spent about 3 minutes taking the cover off, explained how he likes to do it and then proceeded to show me a few things. Pointed out that there were some bouys in the front storage areas, some life jackets and a fire extinguisher (couldn't tell me how many life jackets - when I asked he pointed to them for me), turned the key on and said "we'll have to run it up to the gas station and top off the tank". At this point he asked me to go ahead and back my truck up so we could hook up to the boat. I did and we connected trailer, chains, plugged in and he said "ok, ready?" I asked where the manuals were and he said probably in the boat, I guess my dumb blank stare alerted him to the fact that I wanted to see the manuals so he checked the hull ID number and said he would be right back. While he was gone I decided I better check trailer lights and noticed 1 wasn't working. He came out with the carry bag of manuals and handed it to me and asked if I was ready to go. I pointed out the lights not working, we spent about 10 minutes getting that sorted out (had to replace one of the light units on the trailer) and then we were off.
Get to gas station and boat takes 27 gallons of fuel - guess nobody bothered to actually fill the tank!
Follow him to the ramp, I pointed out this was the biggest boat I have launched and that it's been a while, he offers to back down the ramp. Tells me to start the boat & lower the drive once it's in the water then let him know it's OK and he would back in the rest of the way. Get the boat launched, he parks, him and fiance get on boat and we head out. He drives for less than 10 minutes, shows me ho the trim works, doesn't point out half the controls (I've discovered some cool stuff on my own - like the dimmer switch and circuit breakers, how the chairs adjust etc). Has me drive for less than 10 minutes than says if it's OK I can take him back to the dock and we can go enjoy ourselves on the lake for a while before it gets dark. I drop him off and as he is standing on the dock says I can call (can't remember the person's name) and schedule a captain's delivery if I want.
Little things I have since discovered on my own - the mooring cover actually has 2 poles (they were hidden under the dock lines that had been put in a storage locker) that help keep it up, the depth finder has some cool adjustable features, we should not be towing with the bimini top up (it was collapsed but still standing), DON'T trim up too far with the swim step extended.
Immediately upon pulling the boat out of the water we went straght to a marine store and purchased transom straps - thanks to this board I will not tow a boat, even a fairly heavy Cobalt, without transom straps.
I have to say I was really expecting a little more out of a cobalt dealer. I felt rushed through the entire process and if I had a choice would have bought the boat at another dealer. Unfortunately they are the only dealer within several hundred miles.
Anyone else ever bought a brand new Cobalt? Is this the typical delivery of a brand new boat? I honestly feel like I would have gotten more information regarding the boat had I bought a used boat from an individual. Am I expecting too much?
Get to gas station and boat takes 27 gallons of fuel - guess nobody bothered to actually fill the tank!
Follow him to the ramp, I pointed out this was the biggest boat I have launched and that it's been a while, he offers to back down the ramp. Tells me to start the boat & lower the drive once it's in the water then let him know it's OK and he would back in the rest of the way. Get the boat launched, he parks, him and fiance get on boat and we head out. He drives for less than 10 minutes, shows me ho the trim works, doesn't point out half the controls (I've discovered some cool stuff on my own - like the dimmer switch and circuit breakers, how the chairs adjust etc). Has me drive for less than 10 minutes than says if it's OK I can take him back to the dock and we can go enjoy ourselves on the lake for a while before it gets dark. I drop him off and as he is standing on the dock says I can call (can't remember the person's name) and schedule a captain's delivery if I want.
Little things I have since discovered on my own - the mooring cover actually has 2 poles (they were hidden under the dock lines that had been put in a storage locker) that help keep it up, the depth finder has some cool adjustable features, we should not be towing with the bimini top up (it was collapsed but still standing), DON'T trim up too far with the swim step extended.
Immediately upon pulling the boat out of the water we went straght to a marine store and purchased transom straps - thanks to this board I will not tow a boat, even a fairly heavy Cobalt, without transom straps.
I have to say I was really expecting a little more out of a cobalt dealer. I felt rushed through the entire process and if I had a choice would have bought the boat at another dealer. Unfortunately they are the only dealer within several hundred miles.
Anyone else ever bought a brand new Cobalt? Is this the typical delivery of a brand new boat? I honestly feel like I would have gotten more information regarding the boat had I bought a used boat from an individual. Am I expecting too much?
