Advice Needed - Purchasing my very first Cobalt

[jhnmdahl]

Before you spec carpet, check out the seagrass and decide which you'd rather have wet in the bottom of your boat. I got the seagrass and love it.

We also ended up with a white bottom, sandstone stripe, and navy sides. Not the flashiest color scheme out there, but classic and not too bad to keep clean.

John

[Nhabash]

Thank you John. I have been debating about Seagrass and may end up ordering that or soft track instead of carpet. However, I am also thinking this can be a down the road upgrade. It just is going to depend on what’s available!

[DCLfan]

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)

"No plan survives first contact with the enemy" might not be the best way to think your wife's first view of the boat, but...

I had decided to get a boat this year, for use this season, when we started boat shopping in June to replace a 25-year-old 18 footer. That meant we'd take something in stock. I wanted new (against the wisdom that good quality used is just as good as new, and a lot cheaper - I wanted new, non negotiable). I was lucky that the local dealer had something that had nearly everything I wanted, and little that I didn't, in a CS22. It had a 250-hp merc, and an pole bimini - shade was also non-negotiable). The use case was cruising, and slalom skiing. I'd decided to be happy with the 250 V6 - an improvement over the old boat's 175hp (though the new boat would weigh twice as much).

It all came down to the test drive - we took two in the CS22. The review my wife and my half-owner brother-in-law was that the boat was "too far away from the water" (remember we drove up in an 18 footer), though the engine was probably going to be ok (dual prop B3 drive), and the interior was nice. We docked next to a new 220S, which had recently returned from a test spin. It had an arch, which does look cooler, and does give you something to grab on to when stepping in/out over the side of the boat. We went to make our deal on the CS22. The 220S literally followed us, however, like an episode of the Twilight Zone - it was outside the showroom when we got there, getting dried off for a return to the holding shed. I was asked by my brother-in-law what I knew about the 220S (I'd been researching nearly constantly for three weeks by that point), and I noted that since it had the 350hp V8 (three steps up in power) and the arch, it would cost more - though many other parameters where the same. Price up to that point had been important, or so I thought. We got the salesmen to put the 220S back in the water and we went for another lengthy test ride. We bought the 220S later that day - for more $$ than the CS22.

I'm happy with the outcome, the arch is cool look, and useful too (no tubing!), and we never have to wonder if we have enough engine - though the 250hp would probably have been adequate as we had no intent of hitting 50 mph with 12 people in the boat anyway.

My point here is look around at what else might available at the dealer, jump at any unexpected interest in an upgrade by your spousal unit. And do a good test drive, we spent at least 45 minutes on each with us driving. My case might be different than yours - I wanted something for this summer's use, and we did put 61 hours on the engine before ending the season over the weekend. You might be able to wait and order exactly what you want for delivery next year, unless the deal on the 2018 is too good to pass up, or you have an extended boating season. Though it is almost heresy here to accept anything less than the largest engine available, what it has might be acceptable - load it up with salesmen when you test- you don't say where you are, but they might not have much to do in late September anyway. And full disclosure, I did end up with 350hp, the published max for the 220S, but my arm was twisted.

You understand the concept of what can be added or replaced down the road. I prefer to be out on the water rather than removing carpet and adding seagrass, but that's me. My credo has always been, if you want something done right, pay an expert to do it - but I'm a programmer, hardware isn't normally my thing.

Welcome to the forum, and have fun buying a boat.

[Nhabash]

Thank you DCLFan for the great advice. Your experience is almost exactly what happened to me with the 220S. I went into the dealer looking for a Yamaha jet boat actually, which I was determined to buy. The salesman asked me to just climb into the 220S and look around (his words). The quality of the materials, the flow inside, and the general look of the 220S convinced me this is the boat I want. I spent the last month after that visit researching Cobalt boats and then options and am now more convinced than ever this is what I want.

We live in GA and boat on Lake Oconee and love it. I think we still have some boating time left in the year to enjoy a a new boat but the weather has been sketchy lately. The dealer did not give me an incredible deal but Cobalt has a deal going (depending on options) where you can save 25k from list price. That is what’s motivating me to buy at the end of the season instead of waiting until next year.

As I said before, it is all going to come down to what’s available at the dealer that meets my must have list which I now have thanks to the great people on this forum. What I will not do is spend this kind of money and not get what I want. So may have to wait and order the boat for next season.

P.S. I too am a software developer (used to be hands-on) but I now sell/manage software development projects

[Ytmsn]

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)

"No plan survives first contact with the enemy" might not be the best way to think your wife's first view of the boat, but...

I had decided to get a boat this year, for use this season, when we started boat shopping in June to replace a 25-year-old 18 footer. That meant we'd take something in stock. I wanted new (against the wisdom that good quality used is just as good as new, and a lot cheaper - I wanted new, non negotiable). I was lucky that the local dealer had something that had nearly everything I wanted, and little that I didn't, in a CS22. It had a 250-hp merc, and an pole bimini - shade was also non-negotiable). The use case was cruising, and slalom skiing. I'd decided to be happy with the 250 V6 - an improvement over the old boat's 175hp (though the new boat would weigh twice as much).

It all came down to the test drive - we took two in the CS22. The review my wife and my half-owner brother-in-law was that the boat was "too far away from the water" (remember we drove up in an 18 footer), though the engine was probably going to be ok (dual prop B3 drive), and the interior was nice. We docked next to a new 220S, which had recently returned from a test spin. It had an arch, which does look cooler, and does give you something to grab on to when stepping in/out over the side of the boat. We went to make our deal on the CS22. The 220S literally followed us, however, like an episode of the Twilight Zone - it was outside the showroom when we got there, getting dried off for a return to the holding shed. I was asked by my brother-in-law what I knew about the 220S (I'd been researching nearly constantly for three weeks by that point), and I noted that since it had the 350hp V8 (three steps up in power) and the arch, it would cost more - though many other parameters where the same. Price up to that point had been important, or so I thought. We got the salesmen to put the 220S back in the water and we went for another lengthy test ride. We bought the 220S later that day - for more $$ than the CS22.

I'm happy with the outcome, the arch is cool look, and useful too (no tubing!), and we never have to wonder if we have enough engine - though the 250hp would probably have been adequate as we had no intent of hitting 50 mph with 12 people in the boat anyway.

My point here is look around at what else might available at the dealer, jump at any unexpected interest in an upgrade by your spousal unit. And do a good test drive, we spent at least 45 minutes on each with us driving. My case might be different than yours - I wanted something for this summer's use, and we did put 61 hours on the engine before ending the season over the weekend. You might be able to wait and order exactly what you want for delivery next year, unless the deal on the 2018 is too good to pass up, or you have an extended boating season. Though it is almost heresy here to accept anything less than the largest engine available, what it has might be acceptable - load it up with salesmen when you test- you don't say where you are, but they might not have much to do in late September anyway. And full disclosure, I did end up with 350hp, the published max for the 220S, but my arm was twisted.

You understand the concept of what can be added or replaced down the road. I prefer to be out on the water rather than removing carpet and adding seagrass, but that's me. My credo has always been, if you want something done right, pay an expert to do it - but I'm a programmer, hardware isn't normally my thing.

Welcome to the forum, and have fun buying a boat.

Well said and all very good points DCL!

[BobRae99]

Oops I edited instead of deleting this post - disregard

[BobRae99]

I'll start by acknowledging that you can always use more power, but when budget limitations are involved, decisions have to be made. That was my situation last winter when shopping for a boat for this season.

I bought a new 210 in dealer stock with a V6/280 DP and find that I have more than adequate power. The boat didn't have an arch or bimini, so I ordered a Cobalt bimini and the dealer installed it. I think you should consider a boat with a V6 280 DP as a minimum but, perhaps without the arch and add a bimini. We've been happy with that combination. If you have the budget, I think the V8 300 Dp would be a better power choice.

There are lots of 220s in dealer inventory in the US, but maybe not at your local dealer. If you have your dealer do a search they can find what you want and bring it in.

[Driller]

Things I wish my boat had:

Rudder Indicator
Trim Tabs

I wouldn't trade for my under water lights and interior lights (both RGB and synced), but I boat a lot at night during the hot summer months.

Get the best stereo you can afford. Cobalt's install might not be the best, but it is probably the most common upgrade on this site which owners perform. There are a lot of top quality installers out there who can install a custom system to your liking after the boat arrives.

I also love the 8.1 Gi.

White bottom, I really like the shale colors, but you can't go wrong with blue

[Big Block Power]

I'll start by acknowledging that you can always use more power, but when budget limitations are involved, decisions have to be made. That was my situation last winter when shopping for a boat for this season.

I bought a new 210 in dealer stock with a V6/280 DP and find that I have more than adequate power. The boat didn't have an arch or bimini, so I ordered a Cobalt bimini and the dealer installed it. I think you should consider a boat with a V6 280 DP as a minimum but, perhaps without the arch and add a bimini. We've been happy with that combination. If you have the budget, I think the V8 300 Dp would be a better power choice.

There are lots of 220s in dealer inventory in the US, but maybe not at your local dealer. If you have your dealer do a search they can find what you want and bring it in.

Ok not sure I would recommend a v6 if any water sports are involved and you want to get back into a salom ski. Also after 1 year of owning this boat you already want to go to a r series and a 300-350hp engine.
Go with a v8 its a huge investment. If you were only going to just use it for cruising then maybe a v6.
Go with seagrass or a marine mat. No carpet. You want a tower get that. I love ours. It's a pain but it's a must have. Only a pain because Mines old and heavy no assist.

Also can you get the Garmin guages? That would 100% be on my must haves. Captains Call?
Filler cushions! Perfect pass.

[BobRae99]

I'll start by acknowledging that you can always use more power, but when budget limitations are involved, decisions have to be made. That was my situation last winter when shopping for a boat for this season.

I bought a new 210 in dealer stock with a V6/280 DP and find that I have more than adequate power. The boat didn't have an arch or bimini, so I ordered a Cobalt bimini and the dealer installed it. I think you should consider a boat with a V6 280 DP as a minimum but, perhaps without the arch and add a bimini. We've been happy with that combination. If you have the budget, I think the V8 300 Dp would be a better power choice.

There are lots of 220s in dealer inventory in the US, but maybe not at your local dealer. If you have your dealer do a search they can find what you want and bring it in.

Ok not sure I would recommend a v6 if any water sports are involved and you want to get back into a salom ski. Also after 1 year of owning this boat you already want to go to a r series and a 300-350hp engine.
Go with a v8 its a huge investment. If you were only going to just use it for cruising then maybe a v6.
Go with seagrass or a marine mat. No carpet. You want a tower get that. I love ours. It's a pain but it's a must have. Only a pain because Mines old and heavy no assist.

Also can you get the Garmin guages? That would 100% be on my must haves. Captains Call?
Filler cushions! Perfect pass.

I’ve got a new generation V6 in a 210 and it is more than adequate. With the small weight difference in the 220S, I doubt it would be any different. There is plenty of torque in the engine for water sports when combined with a DP setup. While a V8 might be more exhilarating or a bit quicker, I wouldn’t avoid buying a well equipped 220 with that engine if that was what your budget allowed. The other option is to buy a 3, 5, 10 year old boat with the largest engine you can find. Some people do that. I always seem to make what seems to be a poor choice (value wise) by buying new.

[dogwspts]

Just bought the 220S with 250 Hp 4,5 Mercruser Duo Prop Bravo 3. Two people and a Goldendoodle I get about 47 WOT. Handles the rough water great as I boat in the James and Chesa Bay in Va. You will like it ..Good luck.

[DCLfan]

As to 220S features, I got lucky and the dealer boat had most of the features I would have custom ordered. These were:

Seagrass, Battery Switch ACR/dual, Docking Lights, Fender Clips, Rearview Mirror, DTS throttle

What it had that I would not have ordered was: Satellite Radio

The swim platform was standard. I wanted at least the bimini and was happy with the arch.

What I didn't get that I wanted was the rudder position indicator.

I was ambivalent on the premium sound, the boat came with it, along with the transom remote control. There are very few coves on the lake that don't have houses/cottages all the way around, the opportunities for cranking it up to 11 and not bothering folks are limited. I was surprised that I could get a listening level that was adequate inside the boat, while not having much effect on the shore line, as long at the transom speakers were off, or the aft end was pointing away from shore.

On our first post-purchase ride, my brother-in-law did play Chris Janson - "Buy Me A Boat" at max. (...I know everybody says
Money can't buy happiness - But it could buy me a boat, it could buy me a truck to pull it, It could buy me a Yeti 110 iced-down with some silver bullets...)

[BobRae99]

As to 220S features, I got lucky and the dealer boat had most of the features I would have custom ordered. These were:

Seagrass, Battery Switch ACR/dual, Docking Lights, Fender Clips, Rearview Mirror, DTS throttle

What it had that I would not have ordered was: Satellite Radio

The swim platform was standard. I wanted at least the bimini and was happy with the arch.

What I didn't get that I wanted was the rudder position indicator.

I was ambivalent on the premium sound, the boat came with it, along with the transom remote control. There are very few coves on the lake that don't have houses/cottages all the way around, the opportunities for cranking it up to 11 and not bothering folks are limited. I was surprised that I could get a listening level that was adequate inside the boat, while not having much effect on the shore line, as long at the transom speakers were off, or the aft end was pointing away from shore.

On our first post-purchase ride, my brother-in-law did play Chris Janson - "Buy Me A Boat" at max. (...I know everybody says
Money can't buy happiness - But it could buy me a boat, it could buy me a truck to pull it, It could buy me a Yeti 110 iced-down with some silver bullets...)

I don't think the OP is shopping in your budget range. Your boat, as equipped is significantly more expensive than the V6 250 he is looking at.

[Big Block Power]

Ok not sure I would recommend a v6 if any water sports are involved and you want to get back into a salom ski. Also after 1 year of owning this boat you already want to go to a r series and a 300-350hp engine.
Go with a v8 its a huge investment. If you were only going to just use it for cruising then maybe a v6.
Go with seagrass or a marine mat. No carpet. You want a tower get that. I love ours. It's a pain but it's a must have. Only a pain because Mines old and heavy no assist.

Also can you get the Garmin guages? That would 100% be on my must haves. Captains Call?
Filler cushions! Perfect pass.

I’ve got a new generation V6 in a 210 and it is more than adequate. With the small weight difference in the 220S, I doubt it would be any different. There is plenty of torque in the engine for water sports when combined with a DP setup. While a V8 might be more exhilarating or a bit quicker, I wouldn’t avoid buying a well equipped 220 with that engine if that was what your budget allowed. The other option is to buy a 3, 5, 10 year old boat with the largest engine you can find. Some people do that. I always seem to make what seems to be a poor choice (value wise) by buying new.

I plead the 5th
If I'm going to get up at 50+of age on 1 ski I want a v8 in front of me. The faster im up the sooner I can breath.
Sorry I can not say anything.

Dogspots that 4.5 is a good little power plant.

[DCLfan]

I don't think the OP is shopping in your budget range. Your boat, as equipped is significantly more expensive than the V6 250 he is looking at.

He is shopping in my original budget range, however. I was listing features I wanted and features that were on the boat at the dealer - I didn't mention the engine, other than my earlier message, where I suggested that the V6 might be ok for his needs, drive it and see.

As to my list of desired features over the baseline (on both the CS22 I was looking and the 220S I got), using cobalt website prices:

Seagrass, $1,351
Battery Switch ACR/dual, $445
Docking Lights, $518
Fender Clips, $553
Rearview Mirror, $421

This is a 5% increase over the base price. More, not significantly more.

The rudder indicator I didn't get, on the VP, $233. The premium sound and satellite, which I accepted in order to get the boat this year, was about $3900. A "get it now surcharge", if you will, of about 5.6%. All of the numbers got smaller, of course, after the standard discount of about 24%, not including tax and documentation fee.

I'm not bringing the arch and engine into it, as I'd have been happy with the bimini and default engine, and the options above are independent of engine/arch, as it will be for the OP. I'm even happier now, of course, don't get me wrong, but that was a mid-stream re-specification with input from the rest of the family.