The choice

[vacayooper]

I'm looking to move up to a new boat and have narrowed my choices to a Chaparral SSi 246 and a Cobalt 232. I have also considered the Four Winns and Crownline but I believe the first two are from a quality sense better then the last. Any suggestions?

 

[QC]

Re: The choice

Well I agree with your comment about quality, and I have personal experience with a 236 and 256 SSi. Great boats, but I think I favor the Cobalt. There is something about them that just sticks with me. Always has and I like the 232 a lot.

If you want to go 50+, go with the 8.1 no matter what they tell you Second choice would be either the 320 5.7 Volvo or 320 6.2 Merc, but I'd want the 375. The 8.1 375 Volvo pushes the 256 SSi to 53 MPH with a light load and trimmed out. A 220 Cobalt will barely make 50 with a 320.

Edit: Also depends on dealer strength where you are. I don't like the local Chap dealer, lots of BS and cruddy service. The Cobalt dealer on the other hand has a very good reputation.

 

[vacayooper]

Re: The choice

The Cobalt I'm considering is fitted with the 496 Bravo III with 375PHP. The Chaparral 246SSi is fitted with the 8.1 Volvo.

 

[KCook]

Re: The choice

The superiority of Chap over Crownline and FW is not as much as Chap would like you to think. The Cobalt really does stand out. Here is a thread on another site -

http://www.boatingabc.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/5148

Kelly Cook

 

[vacayooper]

Re: The choice

Thanks for the link. We did notice the Cobalt heads were cramped compared to the Chaparral but the rest of the boat was outstanding and the price was not that much more. So based on the actual need for an onboard head we decided to explore boats with the room but the head was not a deciding factor. Price aside, because who am I kidding all of the brands I looked at could be replaced by others for less money, but if any of us made entirely need based decisions life would be so boring! I am a fan of solid construction and based on my inspections the Cobalt is far and away a more solid boat and made to stay that way. Looking for other viewpoints so fire away.