How about Cobalt??

[derekpfeiffer]

First off i'm new to boating.

Several of my friends recommended Cobalts to me and I ended up finding an 1989 cobalt 19br w/ a 4.3 rated at 175hp merc and alpha one drive. I hope it's not underpowered. It has 1255hours on it and is in immaculate shape. Gave 5900 for it. There aren't many decent older boats around the midwest that i've found...either seem to be old POS's or 5-10yrs old and they want a fortune for them. After buying this i'm getting nervous after reading all these posts about rotten stringers(the floor seems to be very solid in this one) and the interior is perfect like never been left out. Also some are saying the life expectancy of these motors is only 1000-1500hrs. I just really don't want to get a money pit going here and regret not buying a new or nearly new one.

Any insight would be great

 

[tonyg11780]

Re: How about Cobalt??

Well, welcome first of all. And to answer your questions, first always do your best to keep the boat dry. Do not let water sit in the hull. Always take the drain plug out when you pull it from the water. Try to keep it covered whenever possible, and you should hopefully get years of use if it is in good shape now. Second, I was a tech for tracker boats and can tell you that the 4.3L is really a great engine. It will last just as long as you let it. I wouldnt run it wide open everywhere I go, and keep the oil changed in it and your lower unit at least once a year. And ALWAYS winterize it before it gets too cold. Anything will last if you take care of it. Problem is, most people dont...most run the P*SS out of them and complain when they have to pull a rod out of the side of the thing...

Hope this makes you feel better...

Tony

 

[Don S]

Re: How about Cobalt??

Moving to the Cobalt boats forum.