Which would you pic and why?

[23Clubbing]

Not quite an owner yet.

My wife and I are looking at these two Cobalts. One a 97 200 series with the 210hp Volvo Chevy combo in beautiful condition(trailer is too, new tires, boards, brakes etc) with 200 hours.

https://www.facebook.com/share/fAK5PJe6 ... tid=79PoIi

And the other with double the hours in really great shape too, 2004 226 series with the 280hp Volvo Chevy combo. The only issues is there seems to be some cracking in the gellcoat(I’ll take pics and send them later) about midship on the passenger side at the top.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1r4RqT6u ... tid=79PoIi

Any input is welcome and thank you already in advance!!

Chris

[CBO]

If the gel can be fixed, I'd go with the 2004. There were a lot of changes in those 7 years.

[23Clubbing]

Thank you! I’ll take pics and send them on Tuesday. We are taking it out for a test drive then.

Side question, Can you post pics on this forum or do you need a hosting site?

Thanks again!

Chris

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us Chris. You can post pics using the attachment tab on your reply and then “add files”.

And welcome aboard mate!

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[23Clubbing]

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So glad you found us Chris. You can post pics using the attachment tab on your reply and then “add files”.

And welcome aboard mate!

.

Thank you!

[23Clubbing]

Ok we took the boat out for a drive, it ran great and hit 45mph in no time and was getting near 50 but the water was rough with a strong headwind.

The boat is so smooth in rough water can’t imagine what it’s like in nice water.

He has all records, oil changed, spark plugs, impeller changed every 20-25 hours or at the end of season. No smoke or funny noises.

The cracks on the port side(see in pic) occurred during Hurricane Harvey. The boat was in its slip but as the lake flooded the boat got pressed against the ceiling. It ruined the glass and frames had to be replaced ($10k?). He was told the cracks were nothing to worry about.

Anyway, he agreed to take the boat here (https://www.rinkersboatworld.com) for a full inspection. I’ll inquire about the cracks as well.

Thanks if you read this far!!

Chris

[23Clubbing]

Needs a good buff job below the belt line but seems really nice otherwise as it was always covered above when not in use.

Chris

[CBO]

Good looking boat. The sport colors are my favorite scheme. Looks like book is around 18K average retail (Average Retail Value — An average retail valued boat should be in good condition with no visible damage or defects. This boat will show moderate wear and tear and will be in sound running condition. The buyer may need to invest in either minor cosmetic or mechanical work.) and 16K low retail (Low Retail Value — A low retail valued boat will show excessive wear and tear either cosmetically and/or mechanically. This boat may or may not be in running order. The buyer can expect to invest in cosmetic and/or mechanical work. Low retail vessels usually are not found on a dealer's lot.)
I would personally get a quote to fix the fiberglass and deduct that from the price. Another thing to check is the title clean and clear, it may have been totaled or salvaged. I find it strange that the insurance company did not fix the cracks but put a new window on. You should be able to reach up on the inside and feel if there is any major damage to the matting.
Other things to consider,
-Depending on how chaulky it is a polish job is 1k or more.
-I am sure the captain chairs pans are broken and will need the Sliderule kits at 450 plus labor.
-Bellows and U-joints can get expensive as well.
-Trailer tires and bearing. I have also been told that those Dorsey trailers had problems with the braking master cylinder, something to check out.
Bottom line is that all issues have a $ value associated to them and should be taken into consideration by both parties.

[23Clubbing]

Thank you CBO!!

Great information and I’ll use that to negotiate. I’ll have to look up the slide rule kit as I’m unaware(hence why I’m here )

Already this forum seems very much like the vintage Mustang forum, great people and eager to help.

As far as the trailer, it has new bearings and tires and it was “updated/modified” to have eliminated the master cylinder and now has electric brakes.

I’ll keep everyone updated. Going to the dealer on Tuesday for an inspection plus their opinion.

Chris

[23Clubbing]

Well it’s been a bit, but we agreed on a price(18k plus all his equipment, skis, wakeboard etc) , had it checked out by a Cobalt dealer, said it was in great shape,( they were selling a 2006 with 150 more hours for 29k) and now doing the cleaning and polishing.

Using scrubbing bubbles and then will use the cleaner Cobalt recommended after that, since has UV protection. It’s coming out amazing!!!

I will post pics , before and after when she’s done.

Thank you everyone!!


Chris

[Cmagne]

Good looking boat. The sport colors are my favorite scheme. Looks like book is around 18K average retail (Average Retail Value — An average retail valued boat should be in good condition with no visible damage or defects. This boat will show moderate wear and tear and will be in sound running condition. The buyer may need to invest in either minor cosmetic or mechanical work.) and 16K low retail (Low Retail Value — A low retail valued boat will show excessive wear and tear either cosmetically and/or mechanically. This boat may or may not be in running order. The buyer can expect to invest in cosmetic and/or mechanical work. Low retail vessels usually are not found on a dealer's lot.)
I would personally get a quote to fix the fiberglass and deduct that from the price. Another thing to check is the title clean and clear, it may have been totaled or salvaged. I find it strange that the insurance company did not fix the cracks but put a new window on. You should be able to reach up on the inside and feel if there is any major damage to the matting.
Other things to consider,
-Depending on how chaulky it is a polish job is 1k or more.
-I am sure the captain chairs pans are broken and will need the Sliderule kits at 450 plus labor.
-Bellows and U-joints can get expensive as well.
-Trailer tires and bearing. I have also been told that those Dorsey trailers had problems with the braking master cylinder, something to check out.
Bottom line is that all issues have a $ value associated to them and should be taken into consideration by both parties.

Great information thank you! Shopping for used boats as well; where are you finding the average retail prices? Much appeciared, thanks again!

[CBO]

NADA Guides will give you pricing that most people are using as a guideline. If you have a credit union they should be able to give you the wholesale and trade in price as well. Here is the link,

https://www.jdpower.com/boats

[23Clubbing]

Here are some before and after. The condition was good but I don’t think it ever had a serious cleaning. It went from dingy, dirty and yellowish, back to its much brighter off white. Hard to see how big a difference it is, but my wife and neighbors were shocked. I’m very happy with how it came out.

Thanks to this site, it’s been very helpful. Now I just need the part numbers to the Cobalt emblems the sit to the right of the driver and left of the front passenger.

Chris

[AsLan7]

Nice job 23C!

[23Clubbing]

Thanks!!

Chris