If it were you and why....

[sasada]

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

Just an FYI...Cobalt 250s of this era have Porta Potties.

Cobalt?250 (2005-)? Reviews,performance,compare,price,warranty, specs,Reports,Specifications Layout, video | BoatTEST.com

 

[moosehead]

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

I bought a somewhat similar Cobalt 200 in 2012 in Denver, a 2003 with 250 hrs on it. It has been a joy and bulletproof. A few first-hand views follow:

1) Low Hours Boats from the Mountain West are an advantage if cared for and stowed properly for winter. Many on this board feel low hours boats are liabilities, however the opposite is true here given our short season and proper care.

2) The Cobalt you are looking at was sold by Great Lakes Marine in South Denver. They are likely the best wrenches I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with, their service and knowledge are top notch. They'll know this boat, call them with the HN and ask them about it. If they took care of it, even for only half the boat's hours, then you're in extremely good hands.

3) I've done almost all my own maintenance, the VP has been bulletproof. It's only weak links are (a) fuel pumps, and (b) steering actuator and steering cooler. I had to replace the latter items, the fuel pump has been good. That's it. Otherwise the VP outdrive and accoutrements are rock solid, and my 5.7L is a long proven workhorse.

4) Corsa makes great exhaust systems, if you otherwise won't **** off the neighbors, the captain's call optional thru hull switch is a blast. Flame away.

5) The Cobalt walk over transom is well designed with removable snap on cushions, and the swim platform is best in class.

6) IME, Cobalt quality is an understatement. It isn't just a luxury item, but is directly correlative to ride quality, durability, stability, longevity, increased utility, and a quiet cabin. They are the most seaworthy crafts in their relative categories. Design isn't just aesthetic, as wider beams, thoughtful storage, quality of fitments and fiberglass, and other features produce an imminently more functional boat. The only potential downside to the Cobalt build is that they tend to be heavier, so the larger powerplants are recommended. The Dorsey trailer is also of equivalent quality to the boat.

Note you may want to prop up a bit if you are at sea level and this boat was propped for high altitude. I'm also happy to go put an eyeball on it for you, it is a nearby zipcode.

 

[etracer68]

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

The Crownline for me, hands down. The ladys will love you for the HEAD, and washup. The crownline is layed out better in my opinon.

 

[greenbush future]

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

Both are really nice boats, with your history of traveling the US for deals, I would suggest shopping around the entire US, location has a ton to do with condition, especially with boats. And in some areas that boat will be much more or less cost wise. It may be worth it to look, MI still is recovering from economic stuff. You may be able to do better $$ shopping them. They both seem kinda high priced, but that will be true with any dealer purchased boat.
Are you able to evaluate and inspect on your own, or would you survey the boat you decide you want? What I'm getting at is there is a extra cost involved with dealer, vs private seller. You may be able to cut a better deal buying from a private seller. 10 year old boats can be a bit of a gamble, what value will a dealer offer when buying used, and paying a bit more for it? If there is no other value, I would think buying from a private seller may be worth considering.
I like the Cobalt, but only because I dislike Crownline boats in general. Has nothing to do with functional, they just don't do much for me personally. Have fun with the selection, both are really nice boats!!

 

[sasada]

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

I bought a somewhat similar Cobalt 200 in 2012 in Denver, a 2003 with 250 hrs on it. It has been a joy and bulletproof. A few first-hand views follow:

1) Low Hours Boats from the Mountain West are an advantage if cared for and stowed properly for winter. Many on this board feel low hours boats are liabilities, however the opposite is true here given our short season and proper care.

2) The Cobalt you are looking at was sold by Great Lakes Marine in South Denver. They are likely the best wrenches I've ever had the pleasure of dealing with, their service and knowledge are top notch. They'll know this boat, call them with the HN and ask them about it. If they took care of it, even for only half the boat's hours, then you're in extremely good hands.

3) I've done almost all my own maintenance, the VP has been bulletproof. It's only weak links are (a) fuel pumps, and (b) steering actuator and steering cooler. I had to replace the latter items, the fuel pump has been good. That's it. Otherwise the VP outdrive and accoutrements are rock solid, and my 5.7L is a long proven workhorse.

4) Corsa makes great exhaust systems, if you otherwise won't **** off the neighbors, the captain's call optional thru hull switch is a blast. Flame away.

5) The Cobalt walk over transom is well designed with removable snap on cushions, and the swim platform is best in class.

6) IME, Cobalt quality is an understatement. It isn't just a luxury item, but is directly correlative to ride quality, durability, stability, longevity, increased utility, and a quiet cabin. They are the most seaworthy crafts in their relative categories. Design isn't just aesthetic, as wider beams, thoughtful storage, quality of fitments and fiberglass, and other features produce an imminently more functional boat. The only potential downside to the Cobalt build is that they tend to be heavier, so the larger powerplants are recommended. The Dorsey trailer is also of equivalent quality to the boat.

Note you may want to prop up a bit if you are at sea level and this boat was propped for high altitude. I'm also happy to go put an eyeball on it for you, it is a nearby zipcode.

Thanks for the input! I have a VP myself a really like it. I also have corsa captains call and love that! #1 reason i want a Cobalt is that its a COBALT...To me they are like a Lexus (Im a Toyota guy).

 

[airshot]

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

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? 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.

Yep, I understand completely, I subcontracted our home as well and spent every minute that I was not at work watching the build. And yes I am glad I was as a lot of things were going to be covered up without my knowledge. Back to your boat....I think of them like autos
the more power windows, seats etc you have, the more things to go wrong. When I bought new cars I always bought the middle of the road models with the necessary luxuries, as I learned just how expensive new cars were, I started buying used cars, nice used cars preferably from private owners and began to get more luxury items as the cost was less and then the repairs started......not major engine
or transmission items it was the little luxury items like power windows and seats. A close friend of mine bought a caddy (used) with the all electronic dashboard that many new cars have now, it was pretty cool until it went haywire. Has to be replaced as a unit for just under 3000 dollars. My power window unit went out a few years back, that was 500 for one door unit, can you imagine how many window cranks I could have bought, or how many mechanical dashboards my friend could have bought for 100 or less. Nowadays I look more closely at fancy options just knowing that down the road that will probably be the expensive fix. My 22' boat sits on a trailer in my barn
where I can check and go thru everything after each outing. I check battery voltage, oil levels of engine and outdrive, air pressure in tires
look over trailer for any problems and check lights. Yep after every outing....don't like surprises and just like you....I have gone to hell and back to save a few bucks cause you never know when those few bucks might be needed to fix some fangdangled gismo that I really don't need but because it is there and it doesn't work I just have to fix it!! The best of luck on your boat purchase..........

 

[sasada]

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

Yep, I understand completely, I subcontracted our home as well and spent every minute that I was not at work watching the build. And yes I am glad I was as a lot of things were going to be covered up without my knowledge. Back to your boat....I think of them like autos
the more power windows, seats etc you have, the more things to go wrong. When I bought new cars I always bought the middle of the road models with the necessary luxuries, as I learned just how expensive new cars were, I started buying used cars, nice used cars preferably from private owners and began to get more luxury items as the cost was less and then the repairs started......not major engine
or transmission items it was the little luxury items like power windows and seats. A close friend of mine bought a caddy (used) with the all electronic dashboard that many new cars have now, it was pretty cool until it went haywire. Has to be replaced as a unit for just under 3000 dollars. My power window unit went out a few years back, that was 500 for one door unit, can you imagine how many window cranks I could have bought, or how many mechanical dashboards my friend could have bought for 100 or less. Nowadays I look more closely at fancy options just knowing that down the road that will probably be the expensive fix. My 22' boat sits on a trailer in my barn
where I can check and go thru everything after each outing. I check battery voltage, oil levels of engine and outdrive, air pressure in tires
look over trailer for any problems and check lights. Yep after every outing....don't like surprises and just like you....I have gone to hell and back to save a few bucks cause you never know when those few bucks might be needed to fix some fangdangled gismo that I really don't need but because it is there and it doesn't work I just have to fix it!! The best of luck on your boat purchase..........

You sound like a the kind of person I like to buy stuff from! Totally not trying to hijack my own thread but Caddy's man? Come on! Beautiful but NO WAY I would ever buy one...Caddys, Jags, and Range Rovers...WORST resale value for very good reasons. I will stick to my used Toyotas...although we may get the wife a new highlander...YIKES!

Back to the boat thing...I REALLY true enjoy the awesome perspectives I can get here and the advise but after talking to a gym buddy today (whom also owns a Monty) I think I'm just gonna have to bite the bullet and find the right Cobalt. I love them, I've always wanted one, it's a Cobalt, it's a Cobalt, and lastly it's a Cobalt! Haha! No really, so many people that don't own them say they are over priced. Are they? Hmmm...can't say for sure I don't own one yet. But one thing for sure that you don't hear is people that own them don't ever say they are over priced. Pricey? Yes. But never do they say over priced and I think that's for a multitude of reasons. Could i be wrong? Of course I could be but I don't "think" I am...

 

[t_south91]

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

100% go with the cobalt. Better built. Better ride. Better Boat.

I wouldn't even think twice about that decision. Cobalt all the way!!

 

[jkust]

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

100% go with the cobalt. Better built. Better ride. Better Boat.

I wouldn't even think twice about that decision. Cobalt all the way!!

That's what my head says because Cobalt is a better product at the margins in this size but the pictures are making my eyes lie to me. I only wished they still made Minnesota sized Cobalts as in under 20 feet like they stopped making back in 2002.