New to Cobalt...and boating

[NautiGirl]

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.

You think that much? I make Katie watch shipping wars all the time which is a really poorly faked reality TV show based on people who haul things off uShip for a living. They are usually bidding around 30 cents a mile. No idea how realistic that is. I know BBP used uShip to get a boat from TN to WI. Maybe he will chime in /w some numbers.

[Bfun220]

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.

You think that much? I make Katie watch shipping wars all the time which is a really poorly faked reality TV show based on people who haul things off uShip for a living. They are usually bidding around 30 cents a mile. No idea how realistic that is. I know BBP used uShip to get a boat from TN to WI. Maybe he will chime in /w some numbers.

5k seems high to me. Is was a couple of years ago but I was looking at shipping a boat from Texas to wisconsin for less than half that.

[cmattj]

Seattle Boat company as you know is one of the largest Cobalt dealers. I’m sure you know that as Cobalts are everywhere in your area.

It couldnt hurt as T mentioned to drop in and build price one..

Dealers can pencil down easier on paper and what’s the worst that could happen. You wait for one.

Shipping is easy peasy.. fly in. Touch. Drive. Survey. And if it’s love , for about $1.20 a mile a insured carrier with Duramax ( had to plug GM) delivers your baby to you.

[MIboater]

Loonsi, we also boat on Lake Washington (hence “MIboater) and love our 252. Seattle boat didn’t haven’t anything for us, and we found an incredible boat in Michigan, flew there, test drove, and purchased within 1 hour. Granted, this was from a reputable dealer, which gave us confidence. Shipping easy (albeit a bit worrisome for a few days, valid concern, but a transhield cover works wonders).

Couple other benefits? Taxes And other states seam to be roughly 10-15% cheaper than Seattle area.

Definitely can find gems if you search nationally. Good luck!

[jhnmdahl]

A bit late to the conversation, but keep in mind some things like seagrass carpeting or a second battery with switch and charger are not all that hard to add later, while other things like engine and wakeboard arch with bimini are almost cost prohibitive to think about changing. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, and then break those up into easy to add or not easy to add; narrow your shopping based on must haves that aren't easy to add, and weight the rest based on the price and condition of the boat.

Have fun,

John

[whitelightning]

Another word of advice, ALWAYS buy the most horsepower you can. You will NEVER regret power and there is no such thing as too much when you crack the butterfly.

[Big Block Power]

Ok 22 ft boat shipped from Tennessee to Wisconsin, boat shipped Texas to Wisconsin, boat shipped Colorado to Wisconsin all under a grand. It depends on the person and timing. My low was 750 from Colorado. All 20-22 ft boats.
I wouldn't hesitate about buying from out of state I've bought plenty without ever touching it. No issues. But did my homework. I'm here for ya. I'll spend your money!

[Ytmsn]

Thunder had his shipped from New Jersey (?) to Phoenix, close to 2500 miles and it was nowhere near 5k.
A7 shipped from Vegas to Erie and it seems like both were around $1500? I'm sure when they read this they'll straighten me out will real numbers.

[MnLakeBum]

I can’t say enough good things about our 2018 R5 Surf. I couln’t find any used R5’s at any sort of a discount when I was looking last year so we ordered new at a 18.5% discount off of MSRP. The R5 is rock solid and is super comfy even with 11 on board. Cobalt’s have their legendary ride and they will hold up for 25+ years if well cared for. My next door neighbor has a brand new 28’6” Chapparrel with that I was in last week and although it’s a damn nice boat, it’s not a Cobalt.

[Tuscany]

A bit late to the conversation, but keep in mind some things like seagrass carpeting or a second battery with switch and charger are not all that hard to add later, while other things like engine and wakeboard arch with bimini are almost cost prohibitive to think about changing. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, and then break those up into easy to add or not easy to add; narrow your shopping based on must haves that aren't easy to add, and weight the rest based on the price and condition of the boat.

Have fun,

John

This is perfect, spot on advice.
In my case, my list of "must haves" vs. "nice to haves" radically changed when I went from "considering" to "ordering".
What I first specked out, and what I ended up with was completely different.
Just don't rush it. Budget your money, then get over it and add in the extra 20k you weren't planning on spending, keep building scenarios on the Cobalt website, and it will all fall into place nicely.

[tgrace98]

I can’t say enough good things about our 2018 R5 Surf. I couln’t find any used R5’s at any sort of a discount when I was looking last year so we ordered new at a 18.5% discount off of MSRP. The R5 is rock solid and is super comfy even with 11 on board. Cobalt’s have their legendary ride and they will hold up for 25+ years if well cared for. My next door neighbor has a brand new 28’6” Chapparrel with that I was in last week and although it’s a damn nice boat, it’s not a Cobalt.

Is 18.5% about the standard discount? I know people are usually paying in the 140ish range for a new R7. Just wondering/day dreaming

[Tuscany]

The issue is location. Cobalt divides their dealership sales area with clear borders. You can not buy a new Cobalt from an out of border dealership, so the do not have to compete with one another. Somewhat of a racket, but I get it...

So, it depends on what your dealers profit margin is. You are in a very prime sales area... I am not, and I wince at the prices paid..
You would have a whole lot better value buying my boat, and I'll buy another new one.

[tgrace98]

The issue is location. Cobalt divides their dealership sales area with clear borders. You can not buy a new Cobalt from an out of border dealership, so the do not have to compete with one another. Somewhat of a racket, but I get it...

So, it depends on what your dealers profit margin is. You are in a very prime sales area... I am not, and I wince at the prices paid..
You would have a whole lot better value buying my boat, and I'll buy another new one.

haha yeah in my area I have the Harbor, Dri-Port, Lake Viking, and Village Marina. I have heard from others that the Harbor doesn't really discount much and that is where I currently have a slip. Most likely what I can see myself doing in a few years when its time is tell them what I am looking for and hope someone trades in what I want. I'm still waiting to see what Cobalt/Malibu do. I have heard rumblings that a 500hp option will be out in the coming model years.

[Ytmsn]

Jeesh. 500 ponies? I'd thump ole Chill in his little punkin head for one of those!

[tgrace98]

Jeesh. 500 ponies? I'd thump ole Chill in his little punkin head for one of those!

I know right? when that happens I walk into the harbor and say take all my monies!

and T I love your R7 but it is missing 2 must haves for me. Arch and windlass. Arch is a must so I can leave the bimini out all the time because it is normally 90+ here in the summer. and windlass because I am always anchoring out in a cove.