2005 Cobalt 220

[soonerborn1]

Hello,

I am looking into buying a cobalt 220 with a 5.7 volvo penta GI with a DP outdrive, I believe it is only rated at 280hp. Just wondering if this engine has sufficient power for this size boat. Not really looking for speed, just power for plaining out and pulling tubers.
Thanks,

Justin

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

That is more then enough motor, especially with the duoprop.

 

[Skiya]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

I have a 5.0 VP 270hp on a 21' Chaparral and can pull skiers,wakeboarders and tubes no problems. If you want to plane quicker look into smart tabs from nauticus, if it don't already have tabs. I get up on plane in half the time w/ smart tabs than before I installed them.

 

[soonerborn1]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

I have a 5.0 VP 270hp on a 21' Chaparral and can pull skiers,wakeboarders and tubes no problems. If you want to plane quicker look into smart tabs from nauticus, if it don't already have tabs. I get up on plane in half the time w/ smart tabs than before I installed them.

Ok thanks, not sure what smart tabs are, are they like trim tabs?

 

[Skiya]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

http://www.nauticusinc.com/
Smart tabs are automatic tabs that work w/ a gas actuator piston that will level off the faster you go, the more water pressure hits them the more they rise. Whats nice about them is you don't drill thru your transom, they just mount to the transom. And for about 1/3 the price of powered tabs.

My boat came w/ a 4 blade aluminum prop and I switch to a 4 blade SS prop, the hole shot was better w/ the SS prop but the biggest difference was made by the smart tabs. Very little bow rise and on plane in 3 seconds. You can also cruise on plane at a slower speed w/ the tabs. Everybody that has put them on are happy they did. Easy to install and make a big difference in performance. I bought the optional bracket to have them up or down b/c my bunks stick out a inch or two, just lock them to the up position when on the trailer.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

That is more then enough motor, especially with the duoprop.

I agree, that boat will snap onto plane with that motor. You won't need tabs of any sort for getting out of the hole.

Cobalt seems reluctant to sell under-powered boats and they work hard to make them plane easily without sacrificing ride. I've driven quite a few (including a 220 powered with a 5.7 GI DP) and they all get on plane in a hurry, feel solid through chop, and stay on plane easily. The most shocking for me was a 2011 262 with an 8.1 DP that gets on plane within it's own length (like an inboard ski boat) with 8 people aboard. Very impressive boat.

If you want a rocket, look for a 246 with an 8.1. Those things fly.

 

[Philster]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

That is a darn fine package. 5.7 in a boat that size... and the DuoProp setup is a premium config on a boat that length. That's living large, and you won't even need to think about trim tabs, in my humble opinion.

 

[Maclin]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

I have the carbed predecessor Volvo Penta 570/DP 5.7l 4bbl with 275HP in a 22 foot Cuddy and it performs very well. With full load of passengers and gear it snaps onto plane, pops Skiers up with no effort, good top speed and cruise, and the DuoProp can keep it on plane at lower than expected speeds, very good package for that boat in my opinion.

 

[atx111]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

I have the same 5.7 GI DP package in my Cobalt 230. In the two years I've owned it, I've never wished I had anything else. It just jumps out of the hole and planes really, really fast. That hull will give you a super smooth ride as well.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

You will not need or want smart tabs with that boat/engine combo.

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

Should be a great boat! And agree ^^^^^^^ with bruceb58....

I have close to the same size boat with the 7.4 gi VPDP and it has incredible hole-shot, and easily see's 45-52 mph GPS depending on prop-set... Pulling tubers or skiers is never an issue...

 

[soonerborn1]

Re: 2005 Cobalt 220

You will not need or want smart tabs with that boat/engine combo.

Awesome! Thanks for all the info.