98 Cobalt 220

[raymondpickens]

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/2037976143.html

I am going to be a first time boat owner, I am not new to operating a boat. and would like your opinions if I should jump on this boat or steer clear because of the rather large motor. I have driven many with 350mags but a 454 is wow. I will probably use the boat around a dozen times a summer, and I am more of a cruise out and tie up person. Is this going to be a 50$ an hour boat? Is there anything else i should be worried about assuming it checks out? Or should I just buy a cheaper boat and bash it for a few years learning more. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can hardly wait to get to the lake in something

 

[hostage]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

It looks like a nice boat for the price. The engine is very large, keep in mind that you don't always run WOT when you are out. Though it does seem like it is a little to much engine.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

I think that is probably a fair price on the boat. The cobalts are built extrmemly well and the 7.4L will perform great on the 22-23' ft boats. I think the 7.4L is perfect for that size of boat. I don't think you'll see much difference in fuel costs as long as you aren't running wide open all of the time. The 7.4L ought to get that boat up on plane pretty well to boot.

The matching bimini's, snap on bow/cockpit covers, etc all add value to that boat, which only averages out to about 30hrs/year in use. I'd jump on it, you may be able to get him down a thousand or so.

 

[stealthdrummer]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

looks like a good deal. Like others have said, the 454 won't be that bad on fuel as long as you don't drive it like a mad man.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

Premium boat=Premium drive, looks very nice BTW.

 

[raymondpickens]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

Thanks for the imput everyone, I am feeling slightly more confident about it now.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

Nice boat! I sold my '94 Cobalt 252 with a 7.4 last spring and moved up to the 293 in my sig. As previously mentioned, just don't drive it wide open and you are fine. Keep in mind Cobalts are heavy boats and the extra power will help. That said, I had no problems whatsoever getting on plane or cruising comfortably. If you have more specific questions about the 220, check out the Cobalt forum on iboats.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

Thanks for the imput everyone, I am feeling slightly more confident about it now.

What are your concerns? theres not much difference between a 350 mag and a 454 horsepower wise, about 310 at the prop for your 7.4 and a 350 mag can run 270 to 330 or so (depending on the year you get) so your right there. Bravo III as well, I have a 2000 7.4 MPI and like others have said fuel consumption is not bad as long as you don't drive it like a mad man (I'm a mad man). If I were you I would jump on it before it sells, it looks like a very nice boat and I doubt it will last long. You cannot beat Cobalts reputation either, take care of it and you can own a beautiful well built boat for another 12 years!

 

[raymondpickens]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

Well my decision making process has once again led me to another one getting away. I saw last night that the boat sold, hopefully I can find another one by spring and i wont hesitate and just pull the trigger.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: 98 Cobalt 220

Well my decision making process has once again led me to another one getting away. I saw last night that the boat sold, hopefully I can find another one by spring and i wont hesitate and just pull the trigger.

Raymond, Relax your in good shape, the prime boating season JUST ended you have plenty of time to find another boat. Don't ever get into a hurry about buying a boat or car whatever take your time and check things out completely, being in a hurry will only cost YOU money and heartache. Be patient if it happens then it was meant to be, this wasn't your boat, you haven't found it yet.