New to Cobalt...and boating

[Table Rockin]

Loonsi....dont forget the umbrella option for the swimdeck ...just kidding buy one from sliderule here and save yourself 700 bucks

[Big Block Power]

Add a magma grille! Yes stainless steel cup holders on the platform also.

[cmattj]

Yes a good used is the way to go. Plus I like your thinking as “ shelf life” for interior and exterior vary between mfg.

I love Sea Ray and we have owned a 230 select that we put 1200 hours on , and all the stitching and hull gel coat stayed perfect.

But it’s all in the care, and not the hours. I’ve been to Marina’s and service shops, and seen the 3 year old boat sitting uncovered all season.

My thoughts are your top tier boats like the R5 Cobalt, Formula 260, and Sea Ray 250slx have similarities in lay out and functionality , as they compete in the world stage for big bow riders. They also are similar in power options.

In the end it’s a big $$ ..so knock yourself out everytime you see her and know her shelf life depends on you. But as I’ve owned a few boats in my day. Shelf life with Cobalt is the Best.

Let’s get a red one.

[whitelightning]

I recently picked up what today would be a $140,000(retail) boat for a fraction of that cost. It has a few upgrades such as a killer JL Audio stereo/amps/subs and Bluetooth head, new snap-in carpet, extended swim platform, etc. that along with a powerful engine package and owners that cared for it keep it exciting and feeling like a relatively new boat. People go nuts over it every where we go since apparently all white Cobalt's are like finding hens teeth. To each their own but a great used boat can provide a high level of entertainment, pride of ownership and keep a hefty sum from leaving the bank.

[Big Block Power]

I'm sorry. Brunswick I think was trying to sell SeaRay for a reason. When I stepped on one last year at the boat show I was amazed at how poorly it was built. Sorry it isn't even close to Cobalt.
Really from the hull to the gel to the complete interior it was just bad. Back in the day yes they were nice. Just my 2 dollars

[Bfun220]

SeaRay didnt even make my top 3 when I was looking for a boat. I had a Maxum and the SeaRay seemed to be the same boat with a little less plastic. I know some people still love SeaRay, my uncle has a 34ft and a 40ft SeaRay.

[cmattj]

I’ll disagree that the Sea Ray and a Maxum in the same bowrider series are comparable vs price point . Everyone is going to have a different top 5 on what makes us go oooooooohhhhh “ I want that Boat”
sheesh maybe Bayliner who outsells everyone will make a boat that lasts as long as the payements

I think we have all had great success with our past boats and that’s what brought us all here. It’s nice that we can help someone miss a few bad calls from our experience.

[Tuscany]

Only two boat builders in my world, Formula and Cobalt.
What’s a Sea Ray?

[Norris_Boating]

Regarding a used one, I live in the Seattle area and there isn't a used Cobalt within who knows how many miles of us. The dealer I've spoken with says they get maybe one used R5 per year and it's taken up within 24 hours. I've seen a few online in other states, but nothing close. And a used R5 doesn't seem to save me much $$ on the new ones, but I'll, no doubt keep looking.

This should tell you what you need to know about the quality and demand of a cobalt. In my experience trying to find one that is 1 - 2 old is rare and the cost savings aren't what I would expect on a used boat.

[Loonsi]

Great stuff!

Boat will stay in a slip year round. No need to trailer.

Test drove a 2018 R7 the other day and was blown away. Just beautiful and performed better than anything I've ever been in. How do people feel about the Surf? My thoughts...the differences are fun and my kids are getting to the age where they would like to try surfing, etc. But man, I just love the look of the classic Cobalt over the more "sporty" Cobalt.

Another question, was doing some looking last night and did find some nice used R5's (and R7's for that matter), but nothing anywhere close to WA State. Any thoughts on purchasing something 2500 miles away and having it shipped?

[Tuscany]

Plane tickets are relatively cheap..
If you found something that looks serious, take the flight. U-Ship is an easy way to have it delivered.

My 2cents?
I would sit down with your local dealership “owner”(don’t go through a salesperson), and see if he’ll order a new one for you with a 30-35% discount.
It never hurts to ask.

[Loonsi]

Good call Tuscany.

You've all got me thinking about buying new vs. used. Admittedly, not a super experienced boater and don't want to spend ALL of my time nervous about dinging up the boat. If there are already some dings, I'd be less concerned.

Local dealer has some fall deal that they do every year with next year's models. They offer a nice discount in October for you to build your boat and then have it dropped in the water when boating season comes around. They've also offered to put me on the "short list" of people to call when a used R5 comes around, but tells me to prepared to buy immediately because they don't stick around for long.

[Tuscany]

The problem with "short lists"?
You have zero leverage. It's kind of take it or leave it, which means that you severely over pay.

When you order, there is no physical boat on the floor to draw other bids. It's just you, the dealer, your check book buying a sheet of paper, and nothing more than that for 4 months until the boat arrives.. If the dealer is interested in selling a new boat, and if you press for a bigger discount with your check book open and their name scratched in with your limit set, I'm guessing he reaches for the check and quietly makes the deal..
I could be wrong for your area, but like I said, it never hurts to give it your best shot.

As far as dinging it? That's life. Hurts on a used boat just as bad.

My other 2 cents for that?
Big fenders...
I use 12 x 35 Taylors, and the dock doesn't get near my gel.

[Norris_Boating]

I just ordered an R7 surf.
I didn't go with the WSS look you can choose between the classic or the WSS look.

[Norris_Boating]

My guess is shipping that far will negate most of the savings of buying used. 2500 miles? I bet it is 5k minimum for shipping.