If it were you and why....

briangcc

briangcc

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Jul 10, 2012
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Re: If it were you and why....

The Cobalt as I abhor Merc having owned a '99 Force engine. But that's me and I'm a Volvo fanboy so take it for whatever its worth.

Planning on slipping them or towing? If you're towing, you might be at or above the tow rating on your current rig so that's something to keep in mind as well.

Really going to boil down to which one you are comfortable with. For all I know, you're a Merc guy and the idea of a Volvo sends you in a tizzy. So sea trial them both and see where you stand after that. Since the boats are getting up there in age, a survey would be a good thing considering the change you're about to plunk down on either of them.
 
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agallant80

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Oct 25, 2010
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Re: If it were you and why....

If those were the only two choices I would go for the one with better service documentation and overall condition. If they were the same then I would go for the crownline. I like the layout better, the attention to detail of the photos taken and posted is much greater than that of the cobalt. To me that says the owner of the crownline is more in love with his boat than the owner of the cobalt. That is just my $.02
 
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dan02gt

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Aug 30, 2012
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Re: If it were you and why....

Both of them are nice boats. I'm a little partial to Mercury but that's just me. The biggest thing is you're about to shell out $40+ for boats that are creeping up on 10 years old. Are there any warranties? If they blow up on the maiden voyage is it your problem or will the seller stand behind it? I would also recommend asking detailed questions about the service history and have them surveyed.

The Crowline also has trim tabs which is a plus and it looks like the Merc has a closed loop cooling system which is another big plus.
 
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jkust

Rear Admiral
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Aug 2, 2008
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Re: If it were you and why....

I want to say Cobalt but the pictures are telling me Crownline. The Crownline pics are more appealing to me than the Cobalt. Honestly I'd really need to get out on each one to give any sort of real specific comparison and reason. I like that you can get such nice boats for so cheap compared to new.
 
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Slip Away

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Re: If it were you and why....

I know, I know. I went from a 20ft cuddy, to a 26 ft. Cruiser, to a 30ft. cruiser, then back top a 20 ft. bowrider. The reason I suggest to keep your boat is, you seem to have the "want" for a bigger boat, but not the "need". Keep your boat, enjoy it until you absolutely feel the need to get a bigger boat. Prices on those two boats are not all that good anyway. the money you save in not upsizing now, will buy a bunch of boat gas for your Monty.
 
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sasada

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 3, 2012
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Re: If it were you and why....

My to rig is rated at 10,100lbs and dont have to pull far to the lake so i would be very comfortable with either. (i know i i know, figure 75% of max tow rating is more realistic :) ) I really want another 2' in a boat, with an 8.1L, and a walk-thru transom. In order for me to upgrade i must get all three wrapped up in a quality boat. I would also consider a Sea Ray. I dream of a Cobalt but Crownlines and Sea Rays are very popular where i live so resale would likely be easier with one of those. Truth be told, i would pick a Cobalt 1st and Sea Ray 2nd. BTW... i prefer a Volvo Penta but not absolutely required.
 
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sr54x4

Seaman
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Nov 7, 2013
Messages
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Re: If it were you and why....

i like the crownline better. not considering powerplant, and basing my opinion on layout/features I would go with the crownline. the porta-poty, extra 5 gallons of freshwater holding, the layout of the interior/seating arrangement are all pluses to me over the cobalt.
 
81 Checkmate

81 Checkmate

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Re: If it were you and why....

Tough choice…..like’em both.
1. Like the black better than the blue
2. Like the 8.1 liter
3. Like the walk thru
4. Like the stereo with 2 remotes
5. Flip a coin?
 
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airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Re: If it were you and why....

In my neck of the woods both are way over priced, in my opinion I see an awfull lot of cheesecake that will be needing maintenance and lots of it in the not to distant future. For me simple is better, I like uncluttered easy to work on, keep it simple etc. I have an aluminum islander with an easy on gas 3.0 and just love it. I just can't imagine having to tear out all that fancy upholstery to make repairs on all the dodads that will be needing repairs in the near future.
 
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jkust

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Re: If it were you and why....

airshot said:
In my neck of the woods both are way over priced, in my opinion I see an awfull lot of cheesecake that will be needing maintenance and lots of it in the not to distant future. For me simple is better, I like uncluttered easy to work on, keep it simple etc. I have an aluminum islander with an easy on gas 3.0 and just love it. I just can't imagine having to tear out all that fancy upholstery to make repairs on all the dodads that will be needing repairs in the near future.
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Sounds like you aren't in the target demographic for luxury bowriders. For me, the more complicated and full of rarely used features and luxury appointments, the better. I'm guessing you would shake your head at such silliness. A silly example, I got my most recent car from Ohio. The economy in Ohio was substantially worse than MN and cars at the time were cheaper there to the point there was almost an exchange rate (Michigan was cheap as well). Point is everything is regional and subjective.
 
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airshot

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Jul 22, 2008
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Re: If it were you and why....

OH yes, was not trying to intimidate just throwing out some thoughts here. I have seen many boaters get in way over their heads by buying fancy boats and not being able to afford the upkeep and maintaince so I just thought I would throw that thought out there.
 
r.j.dawg

r.j.dawg

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Re: If it were you and why....

I would go for the Crownline, only because I have never owned a Volvo. Love the Bravo III we had on our Chaparral 240. Gotta check the Mercathode is always working though. Without that your outdrive will dissolve in a few short years. Well....maybe the Volvo might be a better choice. Both boats look nice but I am leaning to the Crownline for the layout. Nothing wrong with Volvo's just I have no experience with them. Always had Mercruiser.....well until now. Was this helpful??? :facepalm:
 
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Dave0549jv

Seaman Apprentice
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May 28, 2013
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Re: If it were you and why....

I like the look of the Cobalt about 10% better. There really isn't much difference.
 
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sasada

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 3, 2012
Messages
184
Re: If it were you and why....

airshot said:
OH yes, was not trying to intimidate just throwing out some thoughts here. I have seen many boaters get in way over their heads by buying fancy boats and not being able to afford the upkeep and maintaince so I just thought I would throw that thought out there.
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I understand and respect where you are coming from. I, myself, am super tightwad! Why do you think I am looking at boats that go for 100K new and are now less than 1/2 that? :D Case I point, I drive a 2007 Toyota tundra (which I bought 18months old) and paid it off right away. My wife drives a 2003 Avalon with 143,000 that drives like the day we bought it over 100k miles ago. So I totally hear where you are coming from. Im so tight and bull headed, I general contracted my our house while holding down a full time job, family, and children! :) Totally not tooting my horn...just filling you in on the type of bonehead I am. Yes I am crazy...I flew from the Des Moines area to buffalo, NY to buy my wife's car and drove it back. I made the whole trip, flight departure to my drive way in 23hrs...inspection, bank transaction, HORRIBLE snow storm and all. I drove from DSM to Denver to buy my Tundra. Geez, when I as I type this out I realize how nuts I really am!!!

Question though...what major or serious or fancy doodads will be needing repair in the near future??? Im not sure what you are getting at. Trust me, I like to keep things nice so feel free to chime in on your concerns. Im super particular about my stuff, even my lawn. Just like many of you guys I work really hard for my money and want to be a good steward of it.
 
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sasada

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Apr 3, 2012
Messages
184
Re: If it were you and why....

r.j.dawg said:
I would go for the Crownline, only because I have never owned a Volvo. Love the Bravo III we had on our Chaparral 240. Gotta check the Mercathode is always working though. Without that your outdrive will dissolve in a few short years. Well....maybe the Volvo might be a better choice. Both boats look nice but I am leaning to the Crownline for the layout. Nothing wrong with Volvo's just I have no experience with them. Always had Mercruiser.....well until now. Was this helpful??? :facepalm:
Click to expand...

LOL...pretty sure you have steered me into purchasing a Chrysler-Force! haha
 
Thalasso

Thalasso

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Jan 18, 2011
Messages
2,878
Re: If it were you and why....

1 draw back to both.

Cobalt- Looks like you have to climb over the seats to get in.

Crownline.

Even though it has a portipottie, emptying it is going to get old quick.
I like the Crownline because it has a walk through. Not necessarily the Merc but.
 
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