Advice Needed - Purchasing my very first Cobalt

[Nhabash]

Hi All - I am a new member in this forum and about to pull the trigger on a 2018 220S. Since this is my first time with Cobalt, and have never owned a boat (always rented), I have a few questions I am hoping you can help with. The specs are:
- 2018 Cobalt 220S, brand new from dealer
- Option:
- Arch, White, Fwd. Folding w/Bimini, Ebony
- LED Interior Accent Lighting R/G/B
- Flip-Down Swim Step w/o Ladder
- Standard Sound
- Volvo V6-240 SX w/ Closed Cool
- Depth & Water/Air Temp Gauge Pkg.
- Carpet - Gray
- Bow Tonneau Cover - Ebony
- Cockpit Tonneau Cover - Ebony
- Aft Walk-Thru Carpet
- Prop, Aluminum, Volvo

My questions are:
1. We like to cruise, so sports are minimal and limited to pulling a tube and maybe light wake/knee boarding. Is the engine big enough?
2. I understand the role Duo Props plays, should I spend the money to get the DP version of this engine?
3. Is the EVC option worth the money on a 220S?
4. Anyone has experience with Electric tower? I do have to pass under (what looks to me to be) a low bridge and this would make it easier.
5. Is it easy as a DIY job to add a Dinette table or should I ask for that up front?

I have been reading through the posts on this forum and already plan on a few upgrades down the road including the Sound System, Air Compressor, Fender Clips, Flag Pole, etc. but all these seem to be easier DIY jobs I can keep myself busy with over the winter months

Thank you for answering.

[Big Block Power]

Hi All - I am a new member in this forum and about to pull the trigger on a 2018 220S. Since this is my first time with Cobalt, and have never owned a boat (always rented), I have a few questions I am hoping you can help with. The specs are:
- 2018 Cobalt 220S, brand new from dealer
- Option:
- Arch, White, Fwd. Folding w/Bimini, Ebony
- LED Interior Accent Lighting R/G/B
- Flip-Down Swim Step w/o Ladder
- Standard Sound
- Volvo V6-240 SX w/ Closed Cool
- Depth & Water/Air Temp Gauge Pkg.
- Carpet - Gray
- Bow Tonneau Cover - Ebony
- Cockpit Tonneau Cover - Ebony
- Aft Walk-Thru Carpet
- Prop, Aluminum, Volvo

My questions are:
1. We like to cruise, so sports are minimal and limited to pulling a tube and maybe light wake/knee boarding. Is the engine big enough?
2. I understand the role Duo Props plays, should I spend the money to get the DP version of this engine?
3. Is the EVC option worth the money on a 220S?
4. Anyone has experience with Electric tower? I do have to pass under (what looks to me to be) a low bridge and this would make it easier.
5. Is it easy as a DIY job to add a Dinette table or should I ask for that up front?

I have been reading through the posts on this forum and already plan on a few upgrades down the road including the Sound System, Air Compressor, Fender Clips, Flag Pole, etc. but all these seem to be easier DIY jobs I can keep myself busy with over the winter months

Thank you for answering.

Welcome from Wisconsin

My questions are:
1. We like to cruise, so sports are minimal and limited to pulling a tube and maybe light wake/knee boarding. Is the engine big enough?

Ok I always get the largest engine avail. Just saying. If you're asking that question now then no it isn't. I never heard anyone say I wish I had a smaller engine.


2. I understand the role Duo Props plays, should I spend the money to get the DP version of this engine?

100%get this. Huge bonus.

3. Is the EVC option worth the money on a 220?-

I could do without. Low on my list.

4. Anyone has experience with Electric tower? I do have to pass under (what looks to me to be) a low bridge and this would make it easier.

I would only get this on my next tower boat.

5. Is it easy as a DIY job to add a Dinette table or should I ask for that up front-

-yes nice to have. I did mine in a hour.

Have the factory install the fender clips. But if you add them you put them where you want them.
Flag you can do.

[jhnmdahl]

Another take on your questions:

My questions are:
1. We like to cruise, so sports are minimal and limited to pulling a tube and maybe light wake/knee boarding. Is the engine big enough?
- Almost certainly big enough to tow a wakeboarder, tuber, skier, etc., and I think duoprop will make more of a difference getting on plane quickly than the next bigger engine. Smaller engines usually also mean smaller fuel bills...

2. I understand the role Duo Props plays, should I spend the money to get the DP version of this engine?
- I'd get the duo prop for sure if you're going to do any watersports

3. Is the EVC option worth the money on a 220S?
I don't think so. It's just not that big - you'll learn to handle it fairly quickly.

4. Anyone has experience with Electric tower? I do have to pass under (what looks to me to be) a low bridge and this would make it easier.
- I bought the manual arch and it's not too hard to take down (under a minute) to go under bridges, but if I were doing it often I might reconsider

5. Is it easy as a DIY job to add a Dinette table or should I ask for that up front?
- Not rocket science (and probably cheaper) to add one later, but there's something about it being a factory part of the boat from the start that's tempting to me. I'd call this one a maybe.

John

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma! I agree with BB, get the biggest motor you can afford. That being said, if you can get a deal on the boat that's already sitting there in inventory, then use the small motor as a negotiating point to get a sweeter deal. That 6 will pull a tube and a boarder, but resale might be a tad more difficult so get a bigger motor if it's a choice.

Since it's your first boat I think you're spot on. The electric tower option will be nice if you have to get under a bridge. When you do, look around and see it you spot a 360 with a hacked up arch nearby the same bridge.. (inside joke) If you do, give them a wave, but it might not be a good idea to tell them you joined this forum.

If your getting a table you can put the mount in. And you need to go with a dual prop.

Tuscany always says make a list of "must haves" and a list of what you can do without or add later, and build from there. Must haves include things that either can't be added later, or very difficult to do so. Things like the swim step, tower, dual prop and big motor make the list. Tables, stereos, sound systems and even lights can be added.

[AsLan7]

Tuscany always says make a list of "must haves" and a list of what you can do without or add later, and build from there. Must haves include things that either can't be added later, or very difficult to do so. Things like the swim step, tower, dual prop and big motor make the list. Tables, stereos, sound systems and even lights can be added.

Can't stress this one enough.

Tell us what your "must have" items are and how you will most use the boat. Folks here will be able to offer great advice. I'm a duo prop fan but in your case it may not really be needed. It's a tremendous asset for pulling tubers and wake-boarders out of the hole though.

....and so glad you found us. Welcome aboard mate!

.

[jma2@fuse.net]

Here's my 2 cents.

Bigger engine & DP? Absolutely!--it's about $2,000 more for the V6-280.

EVC? No. Expensive, and I'd spend the $3,800, on other options that you might enjoy, e.g., stereo, table, seagrass/Sof-Trac flooring, electric tower.

Electric Tower--yes. If I had to lower it each time to use the boat, I think I'd really like the convenience. Measure 2x to make sure the tower won't clear the bridge before you upgrade.

Dinette Table? No. I wanted one but my boat came without it. However, I never missed having it, and wondered where I would have ever stored it. As others note, you can add it later.

Fender clips? Absolutely. Cobalt uses high quality clips (there's a thread on this). Let the factory install them, and they will be installed perfectly, and where the Cobalt engineers believe they work the best. I installed the flagpole myself, and had to locate and drill one hole in my boat, which was terrifying enough. Drilling into fiberglass is not as easy as it looks, so I couldn't imagine drilling 4 holes in a brand new boat.

Although you didn't ask about the options you've chosen, I'd pitch the LED RGB lights and save the money. How often do you plan to be in the boat at night? Also, I think this is something you can DIY later.

A couple of options you did not mention that I think you should consider, are the battery switch and rudder indicator--especially the battery switch if you intend to upgrade the sound system.

[Big Block Power]

Here's my 2 cents.


Electric Tower--yes. If I had to lower it each time to use the boat, I think I'd really like the convenience. Measure 2x to make sure the tower won't clear the bridge before you upgrade.

No need to measure I'll make it fit. Don't ask
Still too early. Lol

[Nhabash]

Thank you all for your great advice. As I said, I have been reading your posts for a few weeks now and was certain I will get great advice from you all.

A friend of mine has a Pontoon with Bimini top and we have to take it down every time we take the boat out because of the bridge. While it is easy enough to do, it is an inconvenience. So I believe an electric tower is a must have for me. @BB I hear you man, but it is not pretty when it doesn't fit lol.

@AsLan7 - I plan to use this boat mostly for cruising. However, I would like to learn wakeboarding and eventually get enough courage to get back to water skiing (been 35 years since I've done it). That's why I am asking about the engine. I read through many posts that talk about how the boat handles at cruise speed with a smaller engine. Having said that, and as @Ytmsn said, it depends on the dealer and what they have in inventory. I am going for a demo of the boat they quoted me on Saturday, so will be able to learn more about my options there.

@jma - Great advice, thank you. I was debating on the RGB and will likely ditch this option if I have a choice depending on what the boat in inventory has. Question: when you say battery switch, do you mean add another battery and get a dual battery switch?

So with all your advice, my list of must haves is:
- Volvo Penta V6 280/300 DP with Closed Cooling
- Elec Arch, White, Fwd. Folding w/Bimini, Ebony
- Flip-Down Swim Step w/ Ladder
- Depth & Water/Air Temp Gauge Pkg.
- Dual battery w/ switch
- Rudder Indicator
- Carpet - Gray
- Bow Tonneau Cover - Ebony
- Cockpit Tonneau Cover - Ebony
- Aft Walk-Thru Carpet
- Props, Aluminum, Volvo
- Fender Clips
- Flag Pole

Hopefully all will go well this weekend and I will be the proud owner of a new 220S. All depends on the wife approving of the boat (first time seeing it) ... She likes water and boating just not spending money (I guess I should consider myself lucky!!)

Thank you all again for your solid advice.

[Big Block Power]

Will it be garage kept lift kept or outside kept.
Cobalt factory mooring cover also with bow and cockpit covers.

Another must have.
Ram Eco diesel. Jeff that one is for you. Lol

[Nhabash]

It will be dry stored at a marina with concierge service. I believe it will be stacked storage as well.

Having said that, I agree the mooring cover is a good thing. May buy it separately or just add it at last minute before purchase.

Thank you

[NautiGirl]

Another must have.
Ram Eco diesel. Jeff that one is for you. Lol

That's it. I am buying a diesel and putting the largest exhaust I can find on it. I will then chip it and put the most stupid smoke tune I can find on it. We will roll coal the entire way up the ramp. The boat will be covered in soot but damn it we will be making 1,000ft/lbs of torque so who cares? I am ordering some chrome truck nuts as we speak, maybe a cow bell to hang from the hitch. Let's do this.

[Big Block Power]

I am playing nice in the sand box Jeff!
Ok the factory cover isn't cheap but it's the best one out there. If it's dry stacked don't put the snap on covers each time. Throw the mooring cover on and be done.
Believe me I'm a huge bow /cockpit cover fan.

What hull colors are we choosing from?

[Nhabash]

Color is a tough question. I am a fan of traditional blue hull side with white hull bottom. Another option is sandstone side with black boot stripe. However, we will see this weekend what options are available at the dealer and what the wife approves

[cmattj]

Since this is my first time with Cobalt, and have never owned a boat (always rented),

Welcome from California. And congrats going forward.

Let me touch one area BBP just asked plus a couple others since this is a first time.

What color as it appears you have one in your crosshairs. It’s oddly important for a new Boat owner to prepare for what appears to be easy.

Sure you’ll read our chatter about color exclusive fun threads but all off us remember our first Boat.

You’ll get your resale out of any V8 and a duo prop(I’m not even getting into hp rating) and I’m not wanting you to experience the 5 mph zone wandering left and right endlessly with a single prop and no tabs to plant.) sooooo V8 and a duo!!

Also keep it light colored and easy to clean. Your rack storing so after a long day on the water you won’t be able to properly clean a dark hull.

So it’s alread a big investment. Get the fun lighting. Get the fun stereo with rear speakers. Get the arch. Get the oooooomg that’s fun options.

Boats are entertainment so knock your self out As your upgrades will knock the next owner out too!

[NautiGirl]

Personally, I wouldn't do a colored bottom if for no other reason than it would be a pain in the butt to keep clean. I vote Navy side with a sandstone boot stripe white bottom. Shhhhh don't tell Katie I didnt pick red.