Hi guys...need some help from those with Cobalt experience!
I am looking to buy a 226 and have a choice between two similarily priced but a bit different. Option 1 is a freshwater 1999 with the 7.4 Gi and DP. Has 650 hours and perfect pass and a wakeboard tower and needs a little TLC. Has a couple tears in the upolstery and the gelcoat needs some love to make her shine. Option 2 is a 2002 with the 5.7 Gsi and DP. It has less than 200 hours but is a salt water boat. The interior is very tight as the previous owner had some upostery work done. This one has some corrosion on the drive and a little rust run on the hull below the drive. The owner claims to have racked or garage kept the boat, however the woodgrain is pretty sun faded.
What will the major difference be in boat performance? Is the 7.4 substantially faster than the 5.7 or vice versa? The our difference does not deter me too much as the big blocks are pretty durable but is there any telltale signs to be aware of pending issues? How wrong can I go with a salty boat? I boat in the beautiful interior of British Columbia (Shuswap, Okanagan) in freshwater and always trailer. We just sold our mint 17'6" 1989 Donzi and have always wanted either a Cobalt or a Formula BR...time to move up and would appreciate any input!
I am looking to buy a 226 and have a choice between two similarily priced but a bit different. Option 1 is a freshwater 1999 with the 7.4 Gi and DP. Has 650 hours and perfect pass and a wakeboard tower and needs a little TLC. Has a couple tears in the upolstery and the gelcoat needs some love to make her shine. Option 2 is a 2002 with the 5.7 Gsi and DP. It has less than 200 hours but is a salt water boat. The interior is very tight as the previous owner had some upostery work done. This one has some corrosion on the drive and a little rust run on the hull below the drive. The owner claims to have racked or garage kept the boat, however the woodgrain is pretty sun faded.
What will the major difference be in boat performance? Is the 7.4 substantially faster than the 5.7 or vice versa? The our difference does not deter me too much as the big blocks are pretty durable but is there any telltale signs to be aware of pending issues? How wrong can I go with a salty boat? I boat in the beautiful interior of British Columbia (Shuswap, Okanagan) in freshwater and always trailer. We just sold our mint 17'6" 1989 Donzi and have always wanted either a Cobalt or a Formula BR...time to move up and would appreciate any input!