Longevity ? Help Please?

[dlighttx]

Opportunity to purchase 1993 Cobalt 198 w/ Volvo Penta 570 Duo-Prop 748hrs, looks well kept; vs 2003 FourWinns 180 w/4.3 Volvo Penta less than 300hrs. Will I be disappointed in 10 years that I now have a 30 year old boat?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

If taken care of ... nope. I have a 40 year old boat and really like it.

Condition is key. If the previous owner didn't take good care of the boat, it'll be a lot of work for you to make it nice to have a 30 year old boat. If the boat was well cared for, other people will envy you for owning a 30 year old boat.

All things being equal, I might lean a little toward the power of the Cobalt ... but that's pure "sight unseen" theory.

Welcome aboard.

 

[dlighttx]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

If taken care of ... nope. I have a 40 year old boat and really like it.

Condition is key. If the previous owner didn't take good care of the boat, it'll be a lot of work for you to make it nice to have a 30 year old boat. If the boat was well cared for, other people will envy you for owning a 30 year old boat.

All things being equal, I might lean a little toward the power of the Cobalt ... but that's pure "sight unseen" theory.

Welcome aboard.

Thanks for the "Welcome"! During a thorough inspection, any places other than transom & "under-floor storage areas" where I can get an idea if the real shape the hull is in?

 

[tazrig]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Thanks for the "Welcome"! During a thorough inspection, any places other than transom & "under-floor storage areas" where I can get an idea if the real shape the hull is in?

Walk up and down the sides of the boat hitting it gently with the side of your fist or a small rubber mallet. You want to hear a solid "thud" sound everywhere you tap. If you hear or feel a hollow spot then you have rot. Also check the rubrail area of the boat all the way around. This is where they join the top of the boat to the bottom. If you have substantial cracks or signs of de-lamination than you have reason for concern. If you have decided on a boat than it's well worth the $200-$300 to have a professional marine surveyor check it out for you. If there is a reason for you NOT to buy the boat they'll find it. Also a sea trial should be a must before you buy. As far as being concerned about owning a 30 year old boat don't be. Mine is 37 years old and I'd put it's construction and condition up against ANYTHING coming of the assembly lines today!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Check the stringers an bulkheads . . . as well as the transom. That may be the major difference between the 1993 and the 2003 boats. 20 years is prime time for structural issues to appear.

As the others have said . . . 20 years is not a problem, if the boat is in good shape. Cobalt would be the more premuim brand. So, if you like it, go for it.

 

[dlighttx]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Walk up and down the sides of the boat hitting it gently with the side of your fist or a small rubber mallet. You want to hear a solid "thud" sound everywhere you tap. If you hear or feel a hollow spot then you have rot. Also check the rubrail area of the boat all the way around. This is where they join the top of the boat to the bottom. If you have substantial cracks or signs of de-lamination than you have reason for concern. If you have decided on a boat than it's well worth the $200-$300 to have a professional marine surveyor check it out for you. If there is a reason for you NOT to buy the boat they'll find it. Also a sea trial should be a must before you buy. As far as being concerned about owning a 30 year old boat don't be. Mine is 37 years old and I'd put it's construction and condition up against ANYTHING coming of the assembly lines today!

Sea trial will definitely be performed prior to purchase. Hadn't thought about a marine surveyor. Is there a trade group I could find on the internet to see about hiring one near my area? Thanks!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Sea trial will definitely be performed prior to purchase. Hadn't thought about a marine surveyor. Is there a trade group I could find on the internet to see about hiring one near my area? Thanks!

SAMS and NAMS are the trade groups for Marine Surveyors. Both have decent web site for finding an accredited surveyor in your area.

 

[dlighttx]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

SAMS and NAMS are the trade groups for Marine Surveyors. Both have decent web site for finding an accredited surveyor in your area.

Thank you!!! I'll find one in my area and include in the process.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?



my 31 year old boat-- it was restored but I'm happy to own it. about 1/4 the price of a new simular sized boat.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

View attachment 184868

my 31 year old boat-- it was restored but I'm happy to own it. about 1/4 the price of a new simular sized boat.
View attachment 184869

With a 300 hp. you must fly! What's the top end on that? Great looking restoration by the way. :thumb:

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Will I be disappointed in 10 years that I now have a 30 year old boat?

In ten years you may be disappointed that you even still have a boat.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Yup, I went 7 years on my sailboat and 8 years on my first powerboat. I *might* make it to 10 tears on my 'new-to-me' boat.

The thing that I think about is, after the 10 years (or so), when you are ready to move on, who would want a 30 year old boat :noidea:

So, you might end up almost giving a 30-year-old boat away, even if it were still in good operating condition, etc.

 

[Natesms]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

You are getting up there on the hour meter on the cobalt. Some people say not to buy anything over 600 hours, however those are the same folks who say don't buy a car over 60K miles, when properly cared for it's not even halfway though a relatively trouble free life.

Don't forget to do the same checks on the 2003 with regards to the floor. I'm currently replacing the floor in a new-to-me boat and it's a horrible project. $$$ wise the project is just fine, the amount of work required however is not worth it.

 

[BrianCinAz]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Opportunity to purchase 1993 Cobalt 198 w/ Volvo Penta 570 Duo-Prop 748hrs, looks well kept; vs 2003 FourWinns 180 w/4.3 Volvo Penta less than 300hrs. Will I be disappointed in 10 years that I now have a 30 year old boat?

You will need new manifolds sooner in the 1993 Cobalt. Your drive will need overhaul sooner in the 1993 Cobalt
Factor another $2000 in the price of the Cobalt to offset the 448 hours and the additional years.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

When your ready to give your 330SS away let me know!

Yup, I went 7 years on my sailboat and 8 years on my first powerboat. I *might* make it to 10 tears on my 'new-to-me' boat.

The thing that I think about is, after the 10 years (or so), when you are ready to move on, who would want a 30 year old boat :noidea:

So, you might end up almost giving a 30-year-old boat away, even if it were still in good operating condition, etc.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?




I always get compliments on the boat.

The Glastron runs good at 55mph GPS with the drive down. If I trim up it gets squirrellyl bouncinging up n down and begins to chine walk.
The hull was not designed to go any faster. You can see the rebuild on Frisco Boater's post. I bought it from him

 

[04fxdwgi]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

Got over 1300 hours on my 21 year old '92 Chap 2550 SX w/ bone stock origional 7.4 Merc and Bravo 1 ((Gimbal housing was replaced 3 years ago (before I bought her) due to the common steering pin issue)). Transom and stringers solid as a rock. Take care of her and keep on top of the maintenance and she'll take care of you.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

take care of her and keep on top of the maintenance and she'll take care of you.

exactly! :thumb:

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

When your ready to give your 330SS away let me know!

Yes, I will keep that in mind. Regardless of any financial impact, at that point, it would be one of the two happiest days of boat ownership.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Longevity ? Help Please?

^^^ the 330SS is awesome and I know you will take excellent care of her. If it weren't for the $4,000 slip & $ 350.00 gas every week i'd still have my big boat.