What boat? New to the forum.

[Nealcj8]

Hey guys I'm new to the forum but not new to boating. I've had several boats over the years, mostly inboards and a couple of ib/obs. My current boat is a 2006 Supra 21v and my wife and I are thinking about swapping to a Cobalt. We no longer do that much skiing or wake boarding we mostly just cruise around the lake so I want something that rides good and takes rough water good. So my question is what boat would y'all recommend? I am wanting something in the 24 foot range and something in the $30,000 range. I have kinda been seeing a few 240's and 246's close to my price range and I really want a big block!!

[AsLan7]

Hey welcome to the cobalt chat forum Nealcj8. So glad you found us!

Supra's are awesome boats. Very well-built. Your transition to a cobalt will be very satisfying. They ride so nicely in the water and have plenty of power.

A 220 or 240 would be right up your alley with a bigblock. Nice dead rise hull for smoother riding; manageable size; plenty quick out of the hole for water sports. Plus I am a big fan of the center walk-through to have maximum seating capability. Cobalts are the Lexus/Mercedes of runabouts. JD power and Associates rank them consistently number one.

Folks here will chime in with many other great options. Welcome aboard the cobalt express and please post pictures as we cannot get enough here.

[liquid]

I'd be looking at the 220 personally. BB, why don't you take this one.

[AsLan7]

The 220 with a big block and center walk thru sounds like it would be right up your alley NealCJ8. Especially coming from a 21' inboard with your affinity for water sports!


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[Ytmsn]

Welcome Neal! I may have a 240 coming up for sale soon if I get it bought. I already own a 240 and really really like it a lot and this one popped up on my radar. You wouldn't go wrong with a 220 or 240 either one

[AsLan7]

Or you could stretch your budget and step up to my fave...a big block powered 262 (bowrider) or 263 (cuddy)
(handles Presque Isle bay and Lake Erie crossings to Canada very well. )

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[Big Block Power]

The 220 with a big block and center walk thru sounds like it would be right up your alley NealCJ8. Especially coming from a 21' inboard with your affinity for water sports!

Hey that's my boat!
Neal must be another jeep guy
So where do you do your boating. That might help.
I love the 220. I only had 4 of them. Some longer than others.lol
Step up your budget another $10 and you can have it.
The 250 would also be a nice boat for you. The 220 really does everything so nice. Handles rough water great and pulls great. Plenty of room. We normally always have 6-8 on it at all times. A big block is going to cost you between $30-$40 the 5.7gi or gxi works well in a 220. Yes the cool factor of a bb I know. But that will save you. They will run $23-30 with a 5.7 depending on the year you want. Do you want a padded sun deck. Then your 240-242 gets a bit harder there. 262 is a great boat. Ask away. We will help you spend your money.

[ColinC]

Not sure how current the boat has to be, but here's a 2001 263 that might fit the bill...

https://saginaw.craigslist.org/boa/d/20 ... 77462.html

- big block volvo DP
- captain's call
- 377 hours
- freshwater

Asking $31,900

[Big Block Power]

Yea do you want a cuddy or open bow.

[Nealcj8]

Thanks guys for the replays. No thanks on the Cuddy , I prefer an open bow. I am going to have to stick with the earlier 2000 models to kinda stay in my budget. I have two little girls so I need to kinda stay with something watersports friendly I'm hoping they will want to ski a little someday I have been looking at the 240s on line and I think they look like something I might be interested in. We mainly boat on the Tennessee river and sometimes it gets a little rough. Yes BB I am a jeep guy. We do the rock crawling thing so I have actually moved up to a full tube chassis buggy.

[Nealcj8]

Which one is better the Volvo or the mercruiser?

[Big Block Power]

Very cool on the buggy.
Really either engine drive package is great. Really depends on the dealer your going to use.What do they service. Mercury is a hour from me, my brother works there. I have a Volvo. Only because that's what came in it used. If new it would be black. I have nothing at all bad to say about either. Volvo is much easier to do maintenance on though.

[Tuscany]

You have a lot of questions, it I think you are approaching it without asking yourself the right questions first.

First and foremost, where are you going to get service?
Do you have a relationship with any marina/boat sales?

IMO, you might serve yourself better by finding a service center that comes well regarded. Then, see what boat/engine type they sell and service.
If your heart is set on a Cobalt, make sure you have service available.
For instance, my dealer is small, but sells Chaparral, Mastercraft, Cobalt and Bennington. They service both Merc and VP, and is a short tow from my home.
Looking to upgrade with something bigger from Chaparral, I looked at a Cobalt R5 totally by chance in their showroom. One thing lead to the next, and I ordered a new boat. But before I ordered, I learned everything I could about power options and Cobalt options. Take your time and learn, it will give you more confidence with your decisions. And when the right boat comes down the pike, you will pounce.

[AsLan7]

Which one is better the Volvo or the mercruiser?

I've owned both and either is fantastic.

IMHO, You really can't go wrong.

Personally I like Volvo duoProp drives for shifting smoothness (although our current Merc is incredibly smooth) and ease of serviceability and Merc engines for their racing legacy, look and horsepower edge.

[Table Rockin]

Early 2000s 240 bowrider are great boats. I'm a big fan of the wrap around layout and walk through transom. My 240 handles chop really well. Table rock can get choppy closer to the damn and I've never had an issue. It falls in your price point as well. Do it!