Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

[jkeith2326]

We are getting ready to purchase our first boat, a 1980 19ft. cobalt with 260 hp. engine. I was just wondering if anybody had any info on the quality of these boats and if there was anythng I should worry about. After talking with the guy several times; he will not take less than $2900. Everything on the boat looks to be in great shape, including trailer. Should I go for this? Thanks for any info.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

Cobalt boats are some of the best built pleasure boats available built in Neodesha, KA. Have you Googled Cobalt Boats? 30 years for any boat, or anything mechanical for that matter, raises the proverbial eyebrow. Do you know what it's history is or only what someone has told you? I've seen boats 3 years old that aren't worth the powder to blow them up after neglect. If you are dead-set on that boat, take the boat to a reputable boat dealer somewhere and spend $150 bucks having him inspect it. That $150, or whatever he charges, is the best insurance you will have ever bought. More than one skipper has found himself "dry-docked" when he learns of the repair bill. There is so much that can go wrong, so much you never suspect.

Safe Boating!
Captain Chris

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

Post as much info as you know about the motor and drive in the I/O forum. They'll be able to tell you if it's obsolete, tough to get parts for, etc. Cobalts were and are top of the line but as mentioned above, it's all about current condition after 30 years. Check the deck and transom as carefully as you can looking for rot. Replacing the wood in a fiberglass boat is a major project.

 

[Capt'n Chris]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

Is that an old 15 ft Starcraft Jet Star?

Captain Chris

 

[jkeith2326]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

Thanks to those who took the time to respond. I feel much better about my decision now. The boat is 2 hours drive from where i live so I have just been going off of the pictures and description. Everything looks solid and he said that he replaced the water pump(lower drive?) last year. The boat looks very well taken care of and the wood does not appear faded. I went ahead and paid the guy $200 earnest money through paypal to hold the boat until tuesday morning when I can go and pick it up. I plan on looking at the oil and running the engine with muffs. I know it is a risky bet; but I have looked for quite some time now and for the money and the type of boat, I think it is a pretty good deal. I did google cobalt boats, but I wanted to hear from some actual boaters with knowledge. 'You can't always believe everything they put online'. From what I have been to gather, the engine/outdrive setup is a V8 chevy/mercruiser? If everything works out, I will post pics and details later next week. Once again, thanks for any info and advice you can give.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

Is that an old 15 ft Starcraft Jet Star?

Captain Chris

16' Jupiter.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

The 260HP was a 350 I believe, should have no issues finding parts. Cobalts are outstanding boats, always have been and they keep getting better. Deep V hulls cut chop really well and they have thicker hulls than most which makes them heavy but durable. Most of the boats from the 70's/80's use generic parts for the rest of the boat as well, so you don't have to worry too much if small parts need replacing elsewhere in the boat.

as with any boat, check the transom and floors for signs of rot. Do a sea trial if you can or at least hire a boat surveyor.

 

[injunearguy]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

To JKIETH RE: the 1980 Cobalt purchase

I was in your shoes last November. I made a deposit on Ebay for a 19 foot Cobalt model FGE bowrider, 1982, with the Merc 260. The seller was 1500 miles away and it was mid November and it had been winterized.

Luckily my closest friend (in Kansas City) had bought the exact same Cobalt 5 years previous for $5200. This made my $3000 price look pretty good. With his help I was able to ask the right questions and sent the seller 50% with the promise that I would pay the rest upon pickup (in West Virginia).

It has a happy ending. I put the boat in the water here in Fort Collins last week and it runs great.

Please call me. I have some additional suggestions for you.
Paul EDIT

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Anyone have info on cobalt boats-'80s

1980 19ft. cobalt with 260 hp. engine.

My friend Dave has one and he loves it.
I've never heard him say one bad word about it.