Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

[sasada]

I own a 21.5' Monterey and really do love it! For some reason every year about this time I look at used boats daily and am regularly drawn to Cobalts, Cobalts, Cobalts and Four Winns. I am no expert but would say I know a fair amount about bow riders and fishing boats. Obviously Cobalts are very well made boat that are top of the line but what draws me to them so much is the hull design and especially what they look like from the side. I see a lot of similarities in some of the Four Winns models too. What is it exactly that I am seeing? Has anyone else noticed this? Have a great day all! Can't wait for open water!

 

[sasada]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

Suprised there are no Cobats or Four Winns owners out there willing to cough up a reason....or even another brand owner for that matter!

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

Cobalt had their styling for years. Four Winns, since the bankruptcy, has upgraded all their bowriders to the new style, which is similar in appearance to Cobalt. But only in appearance, build quality in Cobalt is much better. I do not care for the "new look" Four Winns boats at all. Like my 20' monterey much better than anything FW makes. I like Cobalt's, but not the prices.

 

[sasada]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

Cobalt had their styling for years. Four Winns, since the bankruptcy, has upgraded all their bowriders to the new style, which is similar in appearance to Cobalt. But only in appearance, build quality in Cobalt is much better. I do not care for the "new look" Four Winns boats at all. Like my 20' monterey much better than anything FW makes. I like Cobalt's, but not the prices.

What do you have for a Monetery? I really like mine too! I have a buddy that has a VIP that is the same size as mine but one year older and the 1st time saw/got in my boat he commented how much more modern mine looked and how everything seemed to be quite a bit nicer than his. I just said "Thanks!" but it made me feel really good. Probably not as good as buying a Cobalt would though! lol!

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

We have had two monterey's. Great boats !

 

[cayman drew]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

I just bought a 2012 Four Winns H210. I've previously only owned off shore fishing boats but my family is growing and it was time for something a little more practical that everyone can enjoy. I'll be honest, I didn't know much about Four Winns and the dealer I bought it from was also a Cobalt dealer, so I did get to climb around on several of those as well. But the price on the Cobalts... Just to much. I too really like the way it looks but I also like the way it handles. The build quality seems to be very good. No complaints so far.

 

[Jake007]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

I have owned this Cobalt for 13 years now and it is by far the best boat I have ever owned. We have had boats in my family forever. What drew me to them was the style and the visable quality. I too could not stomach the dealer price. I would suggest finding one used which is what I did. Most owners keep them perfect. At a couple of years old you can significantly cut the price and still have a "like new" boat. I recently had some major work performed on my boat and the mechanic was praising what great shape the boat was in. Don't be afraid to go out of town to pick one up especially if it is fairly new. Happy hunting! Good luck!

 

[bear_69cuda]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

I had the honor to own this boat, that I sold regrettably due to life events... It was by far the most incredibly built boat I've encountered... Handled like a dream, the Volvo 7.4 duo-prop set-up rules! Awesome power to weight ratio... Cobalt misses nothing on fit and finish.. And it does look nice from the side!

 

[CC245]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

I have always been impressed with the quality of Cobalt. When I bought my last boat I found this Four Winns as a new left over and got a great deal. The boat has been great with no problems. Both are great boats.

 

[sasada]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

I had the honor to own this boat, that I sold regrettably due to life events... It was by far the most incredibly built boat I've encountered... Handled like a dream, the Volvo 7.4 duo-prop set-up rules! Awesome power to weight ratio... Cobalt misses nothing on fit and finish.. And it does look nice from the side!

I looked at your Cobalt hyperlink....wow that was one nice rig!

 

[Shabah 182]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

Sasada , what model Monterey do you own and what do you like or dislike about it? I have a Monterey Montura 218 cuddy that was purchased late last season. Only got it out once, but love the look and layout. Looking forward to a great season in 2013.

 

[sasada]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

Sasada , what model Monterey do you own and what do you like or dislike about it? I have a Monterey Montura 218 cuddy that was purchased late last season. Only got it out once, but love the look and layout. Looking forward to a great season in 2013.

Its a 218LS Montura Bowrider with a VP 5.7L GSi, SX outdrive, and Captains call exhaust. We really like it! I just wish it was faster (nothing is ever fast enough haha) and had a walk though transom. I love the overall layout and the quality for the price is way up there. For its size it seems to cut rougher water very well. My dream boat would be 2' longer with a walk though transom (through the center) and push the 70mph mark...and captains call is a must. But for now this boat offers a lot of quality and bang for the buck.

 

[jkust]

Re: Cobalts and Four Winns...others not quite as much...???

I like Cobalts but most of our MN lakes are small and so almost all of our boats are under 20 feet. Cobalt last made a small bowrider way back in 2002. Our big water, but where the boats are still relatively small, is dominated by Cobalts and Chaparrals. You almost will never see a Chaparral on our normal sized lakes or a Cobalt unless it is an expensive area. They are historically heavy because they are built well and don't cut the corners and they sweat the details. Heavy boats handle chop and waves better so 600lbs more on the same sized boat makes a big difference when you are already handicapped with a small boat.