Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

[onewhippedpuppy]

Can anyone provide some perspective on these two boats? The CC is a 2001 with about 100 hrs, Volvo 5.7 GXI with 320 HP, I'm not sure if single or dual prop. The Cobalt is a 2000 with around 300 hrs, Mercruiser 7.4 MPI with 320 HP, Bravo 3 dual prop. Both asking about $22k, I probably won't pay more than $20k for either. I'm waiting on more info on both from the sellers, hence the less than complete info. Both look pretty mint, the Cobalt has one backrest that needs vinyl repair. The CC is 5 hrs away and the Cobalt is 9, so I can't exactly drive them back to back today.

So, what say the resident boat experts? I'm moving up from a 19' Tahoe and primarily do tubing, cruising, and lots of swimming with three young kids. Ride quality in choppy KS lakes is a priority, and I really want something high quality.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

i love the Launch
both are great.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

maybe it might boil down to which mfg. has more support in your area. if ya don't have a volvo dealer (parts support) in your area, ya might wanna lean to the mercrusier. visa versa. if all is equal in support. me, i'd do the cc launch. them boats look pretty darn nice and well made to me (seen em at the boat show, and was the only boat at the show that really stood out to me). on the other hand, (ya know, it's always the other hand that gets ya in trouble), there's no replacement for displacement when it comes to boats + duo prop would be a great idea i'd think....

 

[Augoose]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

I've got a '99 Chris Craft 200 and I've been very impressed with it so far- quality, attention to detail, etc. Quite a bit different from the launch but I'd make the same buying decision again.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

fwiw, i've got me a customer that upgraded from a caravelle to a launch. he's pleased as punch...

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Thanks for the feedback guys. My biggest question is in regards to the CC quality, I've looked at a few Cobalts so I have an appreciation for how well made they are. Sounds like CC makes a quality boat, which is what I suspected.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Any other input?

 

[lkbum]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Any other input?

I have never owned a Chris Craft of that vintage, so this is slightly biased. You should do some research on Cobalt boats. They are one of the few manufacturers who do almost all fabrication in house (upholstery, rails, hardware etc). They are generally regarded as the top of the line with regards to fit, finish and durability. I rode with a Mercruiser test engineer once who said that their Cobalt test boats lasted 6 to 7 years as opposed to 1 to 3 years for every other brand they tested (endurance testing of power trains in various boats). Cobalt will hold it's value and should always be an easy resale when time to trade up. Provided any two boats had the same amount of care and maintenance during their lifetimes, I would pick the Cobalt.... everytime. Just do quick search on reviews of their boats. They are numerous and detailed. With all that said, I am not too keen on some of their latest designs, I'd be looking for boat in the year range you are looking which will remain timeless in my opinion.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

I'd never argue against a Cobalt- they're well known as a high end boat. But, so is any C*C built in the last 15 years. My 1999 240 Express was top notch all the way in terms of construction and materials. If anything, the current ownership (mine was built when OMC owned the brand) has raised the bar even higher.

IMO, the OP needs to bite the bullet and eyeball them both even though they're a fair distance apart.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

I actually started my winter boat search looking exclusively for a Cobalt for all of the reasons posted. But it has been a challenge finding what I want at a reasonable price. So I've started to look at brands just one tier below Cobalt, and I really dig the look of the Chris Craft. But if the quality isn't there, I don't want a flashy piece of junk.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223


the above is a 25ft Chris Craft Launch
some aquaintances own a 28ft Launch. It is one of the finest quality boats I have seen.I love the style.
Cobalts are awsome as well.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

View attachment 220410
the above is a 25ft Chris Craft Launch
some aquaintances own a 28ft Launch. It is one of the finest quality boats I have seen. I love the style.
Cobalts are awsome as well.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Yeah, 26Aftcab454, but the one you have pictured is a NEW CC Launch 25, which is a largely different boat from the 2001 CC 22.

In all honesty it would come down to two things: 1) Do you want the L-shaped rear seat of the CC, or the traditional bench/open area of the Cobalt, and 2) Which engine does a better job pushing the weight/doing what you need it to do.

The craftsmanship is a wash between the two manufacturers, as they are both world class runabout builders. It's about the actual condition of the two boats in question, then about the engine choice, then the interior layout.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

The 2001 Launch 22 is VERY similar to the new ones. The 2001 has a walk through transom and a L shaped rear bench, the new ones do not have the walk through and instead have a bigger sun pad and rear bench across the back. Otherwise the layout, hull design, and features are pretty similar.

The Launch 22 is also very similar in layout to the Cobalt 226, as both have an L rear bench and walk through. The Cobalt bow seating does appear to be slightly larger, but the CC swim deck looks slightly bigger. The big 7.4 and dual prop in the Cobalt is a plus, but I think the 320 HP 5.7GXI in the CC will be more than sufficient for my family boating needs. Finally the CC appears to be much cleaner, and after some negotiation is less money. It should be mine on 1/11.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Finally the CC appears to be much cleaner, and after some negotiation is less money. It should be mine on 1/11.

Condition is the most important factor. Pulled up some random pictures and it looks like a cool boat. Hope the deal works out for you. Post some pictures if you get some!

 

[tazrig]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Congratulations! be sure and take lots of pics... we love pics!

 

[JoLin]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

I assume the OP has seen this?

Chris-Craft?Launch 22? Reviews,performance,compare,price,warranty, specs,Reports,Specifications Layout, video | BoatTEST.com

I certainly wouldn't be concerned about any lack of power. High end manufacturers have an image to maintain. In the same way that you can't buy a 4-clinder 'fuel saver' engine in a Ferarri, you won't find an underpowered C*C, Cobalt, Formula, Fountain, etc.

Good luck!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

The only exposure I've had to the CC products was a 24 CC Concept boat that was about the same vintage or close, I'm really guessing the years here. That specific boat looked really sexy I thought it was a very well built boat. The owner unfortunately experienced problem after problem with this boat, and eventually after 2 years of repeated visits to the shop for warranty repairs, he dumped it and swore he would never buy another. Most of his issues were related to the power plant and electrical issues. The boat would not get up to desired RPM's and it would cut out unexpectedly, requiring a restart. This was a brand spanking new boat when he received it. Could have just been his CC, but one would think a new boat should run rather well. Hope this at least help ya a little bit, buying a new toy should be a fun project.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

I would look at both in person to start.

If you can make a deal, have the boat completely inspected by a qualified marine mechanic. That would entail a compression check and engine analysis. You'd also want to have the lower unit pressure and vacuum tested to make sure the seals were good, and that there is no water intrusion or metal shavings in the l/u lube. It'd also be nice to know last time the water pump impeller was changed, and that they have maintenance records.

Both brands are premium boats and luxury rides. It's a shame that weather this time of year would prevent an in water demo of both.

 

[onewhippedpuppy]

Re: Chris Craft Launch 22 vs Cobalt 223

Thanks guys, assuming it works out I will definitely post up some pictures.