Older model Cobalt

[jmoorepghpa]

I just got a 1976 18' cobalt bowrider. This thing has 300 actual hours on it, was freshwater only, always stored on the trailer and always kept covered. It is absolutely beutiful! Seems to be constructed like a tank too and has some really nice features like windshield wipers and full compartment covers over every inch of the interior. Anybody know anything about older Cobalts?

 

[Launch25]

Re: Older model Cobalt

Cobalt has always been among the best-built small boats on the market. They're a leader in quality contruction, etc. much like Tiara is in the larger powerboat segment, or Island Packet in sailboats. They're built in Neodesha (sp?) Kansas, company founded by Pack St. Clair who still runs the business.

Your boat sounds great!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Older model Cobalt

Howsa 'bout some pictures JM. Sounds like a real find.

I just got a 1976 18' cobalt bowrider. This thing has 300 actual hours on it, was freshwater only, always stored on the trailer and always kept covered. It is absolutely beutiful! Seems to be constructed like a tank too and has some really nice features like windshield wipers and full compartment covers over every inch of the interior. Anybody know anything about older Cobalts?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Older model Cobalt

I worked at a Cobalt dealer about 20 years ago and being built like a string-bean (at the time) I was the guy who got tabbed to run wires for accessories, etc. That said, it meant I got to see pretty much everything you're not supposed to see in most boats - the under the gunwales, behind the dash, inside the hull areas that don't see the light of day. I was always impressed that the fit and finish in those blind spots on a Cobalt were as nice as they were in the areas you could see out in the open. No rough run vinyl hanging loose, no shredded carpet edges under the side panels, no wads of stitching at the end of a seat seam. Everything was done "right" – and THEN SOME! Their attention to detail was (and still is) second to none...
- Scott

 

[j442w30]

Re: Older model Cobalt

They are very nice boats, not only is their attention to detail impeccable but they make sure their boats handle well too. You pay a premium for but you will recoup a lot in resale. I love the way the new ones look with the solid colors on the hull sides.

 

[Aquaman]

Re: Older model Cobalt

A friend of mine has a mid to late 70's Cobalt. Very nice boat. He says he'd only get rid of it if I sold him my Chaparral...I'd sell the Chaparral only if I could buy his Cobalt. We each decided to keep what we have and be happy!

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Older model Cobalt

Cobalt used a great deal of epoxy instead of fiberglass resin in many of their boats.

Very good construction even the oler ones.

Post some pictures!