2002 206 vs 2004 200 - Thoughts on what to buy?

[Axmffn]

Hi All,

I've been searching around for a Cobalt after I got influenced (for the better!) by a friends grandfather.
I wanted to grab your thoughts on the different model years of the 206 and 200 and ask which may be a better boat/buy for me. My knowledge is minimal so thought to go to the forums of owners...which I plan to be shortly!

Both seem to be in very, very good shape. The 206 has very minimal damage crackage to the sun pad (alone the seam) but otherwise neither have rips or tears in the vinyl. Neither have spider cracks or damages on the haul. Both have been trailer kept and only in water while in use (so it seems). Both have just minimal paint wear on skeg, but both look good.

What I've found:
2002 206
- 260 hours
- 6.2L Merc Cruiser
- Dual Prop (stainless) Bravo 3
- Cobalt Trailer
- Wake Tower(aftermarket), which now has some spyder cracks where tower was installed
- Wood dash, cobalt dining table, cobalt dash compass, snap covers & snap carpet, filler cushions
- Bimini top that was never installed, but I think if I want to put it on the tower will have to come off & I'll be left with holes
- Gel coat looks very slightly faded, all white with blue stripe
- $33.5 K (Canadian Dollars)
- 3 owners - one who owned a marina, one who held onto it for 10 years, and current seller who has had it for 3.
- Selling as family wants to go to a pontoon.

2004 200
- 260 hours
- 5.0 Merc Cruiser
- Single Prop (aluminum)
- Cobalt Trailer
- Upgraded stereo system, wood dash, bimini top, snap covers & snap carpet, filler cushions
- Gel coat looks deep/rich, all blue
- $40K (Canadian Dollars)
- Single owner

What is your take, do either have problems I should out for? Is the 200 worth a $6,500 difference? I like the idea of a single owner, re-design, larger swim platform on the 200 ... but I feel like the lower priced 206 gives you more bang for your buck.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us Ax.

Both are great choices. I personally like the 6.2 mounted to the the duoprop BIII outdrive for hole shot and responsiveness. I also like wake towers but only from the factory. Aftermarket ones can look a little goofy. Any pics of these Cobalts? It may help others in their advice.

And welcome aboard mate!

.

[Axmffn]

Absoutely! Here are some photos:

[dustinm]

for that kind of money neither

[Titaniumboy]

$40,000 Canadian is about $31,000 US.
$33,500 Canadian is around $26,000 US.

[kas232ca]

That 200 looks really clean. Not sure what you are going to be doing with it, but I bet the 5.0 is fine. I would go with the 200 just based on looks.

[SAB220]

Newer is almost always better, except with antiques, and never ever fall in love with anything, except a person. I know this!
Plus, you can modify later if you so desire. Financing may be better too.

[AsLan7]

.
I’d prefer the 2004 200 after seeing the pics.

You’ll love the Extended swim platform on the water. It will make the boat seem much bigger than it currently is with the extra space.

.

[Big Block Power]

I had a 200. Great boat. I thought it waz under powered with a 350 avs a B3 drive but I'm the exception. You would probably love it. I think a 5.0 and single prop can be ok with the correct prop. You would have to try it out first. How do you plan on using the boat? That's alot of money for either of those boats though. 5 years ago mine sold for 27k
The layout is much nicer than a 206 and resale will be better also. Handles rough water just fine.

[Krob1114]

Did you decide? I vote newer. Like the color better. That's about the time Cobalt changed their method of stipes on a boat. The 2002 model looks a little more dated.

[RWM250]

I'll say I like the looks of the 200. It looks nicer, and being a single owner boat, it has probably had more love and care. Ask yourself, will you have a need for the tower on the 206? Will you be pulling a wake boarder? Do you want tower speakers? The Bimini and the swim platform on the 200 may be much more practical and used much more. I absolutely love the swim platform on my 250, it's everyone's favorite hang out parked on the water. The walk thru and duo prop on the 206 is great, but may not serve your purpose on the water. Shade on a hot day and a platform close to the water is second to none. One piece of advice I read before my purchase that was truer than anything else, whatever length boat you think you need, go at least 3 feet longer. So if you believe a 17-18 footer would fit your needs, go with either one. But.....the 200 looks very well cared for by the owner prior. They may have all maintenance records, and that too is awesome to have. I wish you all the best on your decision and purchase.

[Axmffn]

Thanks for all your feedback! It really helped. In the end I thought the 200 was a better way to go. The 200 sold after I put in very solid offer and was rejected, and the owner of the 206 decided to use the boat this year. Been keeping my eye out for another 200 in that price/year range but have yet to find one. I did find a 232 but the price was more of a look at the photos and think to myself what a very pretty boat it is!

[Krob1114]

Thanks for all your feedback! It really helped. In the end I thought the 200 was a better way to go. The 200 sold after I put in very solid offer and was rejected, and the owner of the 206 decided to use the boat this year. Been keeping my eye out for another 200 in that price/year range but have yet to find one. I did find a 232 but the price was more of a look at the photos and think to myself what a very pretty boat it is!

Sorry it didn't work out. Hang in there. The 232s that we've seen were nice.

[jhnmdahl]

Ax, figuring out what you want and what's a good deal is all part of the process. When the right one comes along, you'll be ready!

John

[Axmffn]

Hi all, wanted to circle back to everyone who replied! Went to see a local 2007 222 and it came home with me.
500 hours - Mercruser 6.2 Dual Prop - Very well cared for and serviced yearly by the dealer who originally sold it in 2007.
Owner and family were great which made the sale easy peasy.

Got to take it out this past weekend and I think I'm going to really enjoy it. The only things I have to get looked at is the trim toggle switch and some of the gauges. I noticed that when trying to trim up it's not responsive, until it is. You have to click it a few times and really hold it down for it to realize what you want to do. With the gauges they all work which was nice, but two seem to fog up!

I did want to ask a few questions for those who'd like to answer...
- It has some discoloration/mildew on areas of the vinyl. Any suggestions on what magic remover/cleaner to use?
- In terms of the original sound system, if I wanted to swap out the speakers do you have a favorite brand/model?

Here are a few pics: