Cobalt 200 question

[Trim]

Came across a dealer that is getting rid of his 2012 stock. He has a brand new Cobalt 200 with a 4.3L GXI V-6 225hp. He is selling it for $29,500. I'm thinking about making the plunge. Everything I have found about the Cobalt 200 boats are retailing for over $40,000.

My question is, is this deal too good to pass up?

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Thats a lot of weight for a v6 so you won't break any speed records. Even with the base engine being the V6, the msrp is 50k. I may overlook the base engine for that much of a discount. What else does it come with. the 50k (even though I understand msrp is a fallacy) is just the starting point and the options notch it way up. Adding several of the popular options and leaving some of the bigger ones off, with that base engine, the MSRP is over 74k.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I have seen the 200 for some cheap money at boat show's, etc. So, I don't think that you are robbing the bank.

what is the MSRP?

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

The base engine probably explains the big discount. That's a 4000 lb (dry) boat - a lot of weight for a 225 V6.

 

[Trim]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I think the MSRP was $48,000+

I'm not sure what the options are, going to go back after Thanksgiving break to check into it more and possibly demo it. What excites me is the brand, Cobalt, being one of the best boats around. Also being able to use it for a number of years and getting most of my money back on it. I'm not going to be trying to set any speed records so I do not think the weight of the boat with the smaller engine will bother me. Still imagine I could push 45mph in it which is fast enough for me.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I think the MSRP was $48,000+

I'm not sure what the options are, going to go back after Thanksgiving break to check into it more and possibly demo it. What excites me is the brand, Cobalt, being one of the best boats around. Also being able to use it for a number of years and getting most of my money back on it. I'm not going to be trying to set any speed records so I do not think the weight of the boat with the smaller engine will bother me. Still imagine I could push 45mph in it which is fast enough for me.

The dry weight is actually 3500lbs but as it always is with more expensive boats (or fishing heritage boats such as the much cheaper Tahoe) the gas tank is large and that one is 40 gallons. My 18 foot sig boat is 3000lbs dry, sadly with only the 190hp engine instead of the 270hp option. It has a 33 gallon tank and I think the 6 does a suprisingly respectable job considering that engine usually goes into much lighter boats. My top gps speed is 51.8mph of course thats with a 21" alum prop, just me and maybe 5 gallons of gas and those circumstances almost never happen. In the real world with a full load of passengers and gear it is a 45/46 mph boat at full 4850 wot. When you have a nicer boat, at first you are pleased at the quality of the ammenities, how well it takes chop compared to cheaper boats, the attention you get from people who wanted your brand but couldn't afford it at the ramps and sand bars or just love boats. Then after a couple years your attention turns to wanting a little more speed as the 45/46mph starts to feel slow. While that MPI engine has a bit more hp, you are already dealing with a full passenger load in extra dry weight right off the bat. I think you will love the boat, but in time will regret the small engine and I'm not even discussing tow sports. This really is the classic difficult choice. I would want no less than the 5.0mpi for that boat. The thing I'll finish with is that we only go wot in short bursts since my wife doesn't like to bounce around and so the top end gains of maybe 5mph with a larger engine may not be noticed often but the towing and out of the hole times would certainly be. Does that price include a trailer? For what I could sell my boat for, the upgrade to your subject boat is a small check to write which is an interesting thought.

 

[Trim]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

That price does include a trailer and a custom boat cover.

jkust, I'm not sure if I understood everything you were saying. Were you saying that you think I would end up being disappointed with the smaller engine size?

 

[rallyart]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Build that boat on Cobalt's website. Take 15% off the MSRP you come up with. That's a normal retail price for them.
You should get a reasonable discount off that if you buy before year end.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Were you saying that you think I would end up being disappointed with the smaller engine size?

Yep, that's not a lot of HP for a boat of that weight and that generally with a Cobalt you think of style and performance which would mean at least one of the 260/270/300 power options.

I'm guessing they're offering such a deal on that model as not many folks would spend $40k on a stylish boat that lacks power.

Maybe see if they have that same model with one of the higher hp options for a reasonable price difference.

Mark

 

[moosehead]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Completely agree with the above posts, the above configuration is underpowered. I have an '03 200 with 320 hp 5.7 GXI with duoporops. At my altitude that is equivalent 260 hp and all of it is required. While you do not have to go this far at sea level, IME the 200 at minimum needs a V8. I cannot speak to the newer high output v6's.

Otherwise the 200 is a fantastic craft with ample capacity. You will want to use it and take along others, other gear, and perhaps add a tower. Power it up properly and you'll be happy.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

That price does include a trailer and a custom boat cover.

jkust, I'm not sure if I understood everything you were saying. Were you saying that you think I would end up being disappointed with the smaller engine size?

Yes, I'm saying you will be happy for a few years simply given how nice a boat it is, then your mind will start to want more hp. It is not uncommon to see a nice boat with the base power in the showroom that never sold. I see the price on that boat on the Cobalt Site when you don't look at the msrp page is $36,982. Funny I didn't see this when I posted previously but you have to let the image of the 200 change for a second. Given that is the number, the base engine situation, the season/end of calendar year...I see why it is priced as it is. That said, I think about how much I paid for my boat very slightly used, and the 29k seems like cheap money for that boat. Of course I got my boat when the economy was humming and boats sold in hours.

Looks like the v6 pushes it to 49 and the 350 with a B3 pushes it to 55mph. Likely a lot of variables to consider there and I didn't see any time to plane numbers to compare.

 

[CC245]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

What does your MTX have in it for power? If you have a v8 in the MTX, imagine what the cobalt will feel like with the v6. Usually people don't complain about to much power, just not enough. The best option would be a test ride to find out what you think, but like everyone has said it will feel a little underpowered.

 

[Trim]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Ok, that all makes sense.

My MTX has 5.0L 260hp. The boat weighs a little more than the Cobalt too. I see where that might be disappointing.

If that V6 will push it to 49mph like you said jkust, that is plenty for me.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

The only way for you to know if the power is enough is for you to take a test ride. It depends on how you will use the boat a well. Using as just a cruising boat? The V6 is probably the best choice for all around fuel efficiency. Are you pulling up lots if slalom skiers weighing over 200 lbs? Then it may be more if an issue regarding holeshot. I would put very little stock in top speed numbers, a they have little real world meaning since most people don't run a runabout at top speed for more than a minute or two.

 

[Trim]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Good point. My MTX will only go about 45mph so I don't think top end speed will be a concern. Am going to try and take for a test drive next week. Problem is if I really want it I have to sell my Rinker before hand and I doubt he will hold on to the Cobalt for me. If someone comes in with an offer it will be gone.

 

[CC245]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Any chance of a test ride? I think the problem with the v6 compared to the v8 would be the time to plane not top speed. If you give it a test ride and are ok with the performance, that Cobalt is a sweet boat.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

Ok, that all makes sense.

My MTX has 5.0L 260hp. The boat weighs a little more than the Cobalt too. I see where that might be disappointing.

If that V6 will push it to 49mph like you said jkust, that is plenty for me.

Sure but I bet they tested the same as how I get the top speed in my boat being with an empty tank and one guy and minimal gear.
It takes a lot of HP to even add 5 mph and so I get that they squeezed 49 out of v6 ond only a bit more out of the 350 but I bet the 350 with the much, much better B3 got there a lot faster. Im betting the 350 has a bunch more in it with a different prop whereas the v6 is simply maxed out.
I think the v6 is really a suprisingly capable engine but my feeling is you will be wanting for power especially when you load the boat with people and want to tow as well. To me really the Cobalt is like treating yourself to a lamborghini but only getting getting three wheels on it. It's still a lamborghini when your sitting still. A water test with an appropriate load of people and gear I think is really the only way to make the best decision. End of the day 29k is cheap for a nice 19.5 footer with a swim platform.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

What is sad to think about is that the dealer is prolly still making money at 29,500! Dont forget sales tax and dealer prep fees etc. Ether way... sounds like a killer deal. If you dont end up liking it after a few years... you could prolly sell it for the same money. Let's see some pics of this baby!

 

[Trim]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

I don't have any pictures right now. I will try to get some. Need to get busy trying to sell my Rinker now.

 

[cyclops2]

Re: Cobalt 200 question

V 8

Add wind, a couple of people, I carry 80# of anchors rope gear, 38 gallons, so my 2002 18.5' x8.5' Chap is pushing 3500 to 3700 pounds. It has a 5.0 L 220 V 8. does 49 GPS with 2 big guys.
Ride it with at least 1 big guy on board.

V 8