New Member & Cobalt owner

[JW in Texas]

Just a quick intro. You guys have been a lot of help in my search for the right 263. Anyway, I bought Brad Hurley's '01 263 that was on Lake Cumberland & brought it back to North Texas. It was a 2 owner boat & has lived on a lift it's entire life; first owner from new until 2016 in Missouri. He put 150 hrs on it in 15 years. Brad brought it to Lake Cumberland & actually used it, taking it to 375 hours. Boat is very clean with a 385hp Bravo 3 (my first dual prop). I started boating in '85 & have had various cruisers, a couple tunnel boats & a slew of Donzis, most recently a 27ZR. The Colbalt lives in my storage barn with a supercharged 22' Classic that I bought in '95. I've had (2) 22s, a '64 18' triple hatch barrel-back & the ZR. I bought the ZR new in '07 & owned it until '15. This time around, we wanted something that we could store in the barn & weekend on with Donzi level build quality. The 263 was the perfect match. Cobalt's build quality is first rate, the configuration is great for entertaining & we can still weekend on it. Not quite the cruise/top speed of the Donzis but I love the room & she is quick enough. Some pics are attached. Feel free to fire away with questions. i love talking boats.
J

Jay Walker
Argyle, TX

[JW in Texas]

A few of the Donzis

[JW in Texas]

27' ZR

Best boat I ever owned...so far. I have high hopes for the 263.

[jasonm]

Welcome from another Texan!

[Ytmsn]

Dang what an intro! Welcome from Oklahoma and you will have some company here with your passion for Donzis.
I have a 262 and so far one of the best boats I have ever owned, so I'm betting you will love your 263.

I think that makes 4 263s on this site now? Maybe 3..
Our resident 263 cheerleader and official welcomewagonbannerwaver is Aslan7 (A7) and he'll be glad to know you have joined us!

[AsLan7]

.
OMG Jay. And I thought I was a Donzi nut growing up on my dad’s 16 footer. He used to call Dom Aronow personally to talk props for that thing when they sheared cotter pins. But you’ve taken it to another level. Wow.

So glad you found us. The 2000-2007 260 series hull is one of the best builds to come out of Cobalt. It will not disappoint Then they went in a different direction with the rear side entry models.

Let me know if you have any questions about her.
....and I think I have Donzi envy again.

My dad in 1969....
.

[Big Block Power]

My little z20 donzi was my favorite boat. Still kind of is. Shhhh I didn't say that. We hated to sell that boat. I wish it had the swim platform for water sports. The 27zr is just so sleek. I love it. Just a good fit between the zx26 and zx28. Not much room down under but that's not what it was designed for.

[JW in Texas]

Love the Sweet 16! Probably one of those in my future someday, very cool little boats.

I waited 2 years for the 27ZR to come out. Wanted the advanced hull design & lightweight layup with a single. Dream boat is a 38ZRC. We sheared a prop shaft off @ 115mph in one out here on the lake one weekend. Incredible boats! My 27 was a 496HO so 72-73 mph boat. I re-propped with a Lake X labbed Maximus which cost me a couple up top but brought the sweet-spot cruise up to 50mph @ peak torque of 3,650 rpm. Just a great running boat but not the best for entertaining. Wife didn't want another boat with a go-fast cockpit configuration. Mine ended up in TN on the river.

[JW in Texas]

PS: The guys over on the For Sale Board were dogging me about putting up an intro with info/pics so...

[Big Block Power]

My roommate from college owns shipyard marine and this is his little poker run boat. Also I think the Donzi 28zxo is a great fit for us. Can't find them used very often and not quite ready fit a 28ft boat. Soon.
And a few vids smoking me at 60mph on his way to 110.
And another Donzi firing up on Lake Superior this year.
https://youtu.be/JbU48fqUBew
https://youtu.be/VXfH2MU1q5s
https://youtu.be/Ae9jtJvu3QE

[cmattj]

Welcome JW. Nice history !
Yes a lot of us have performance roots that have molded us into searching for the quality ( rigging) and power you can achieve making the change over with Cobalt.

As my wife used to say about a recent offshore boat we had .. “ Why don’t the front seats swivel?”
You realize that getting there fast is fun, But relaxing and enjoying the environment is better. Ahhh to grow up.

That’s why a 35ZR would look great next to the 282. Hopefully Red.

Look forward to hearing your captains report on your Rare 263.

[ATX Cobalt]

Welcome from Texas, love all the pics!

[Red Stripe]

Welcome from Michigan and a fellow 263 owner. Looking forward to hearing about all your experiences.

[Islander208]

Welcome from San Antonio. A lot of 260 owners here. Nice looking boat and great intro.

[Driller]

Glad to have you onboard. Welcome from Texas!!!