200s Engine Options

[jrsem]

I'm looking at ordering a '19 200s. This is getting to be towards the top of the budget so I can't just "check every box". Do you guys thing the Merc 4.5L/200hp is going to be underpowered? We're on a 640 acre lake (40MPH limit) where usually the worst wake is from wakeboard boats. 2/4 adults normally, at most 4 adults, 4 kids and kneeboarding, tubing. The dealers seem to be defaulting to the VP/240hp. Thanks for any input.

[AsLan7]

.
Hello jrsem.

Welcome to the Cobalt Chat forum. So glad you found us!

The 4.5L Merc is certainly an improvement over the older GM 5.0 block in terms of fuel efficiency and noise. That being said, no one has ever wished for less power. VP makes a nice product too. With your watersport activites, torque is what you want.

The 250 horsepower Merc version is most likely just a PCM tune from Merc as all the internals are the same. Check out the cost for that factory upgrade. If minimal, it may make sense. Then again, if the dealer has a 200hp on the showroom floor, he may be willing to discount it more to move it.

In the end, if you stay with the 200 horse, I think you'll be fine with your budget, your lake limit, and this engine. But if you want to blow your budget for the 250 Merc (or 240 VP), you won't be disappointed. With 4 kids & 4 adults on the boat, you definitely won't look back and say, "I wish I would have ordered that Merc 200". Life is too short. Plus it will help in resale too. Others will chime in with their thoughts. And again, welcome abord mate!

250 horse version to help with your decision. ...

.


.


.

[Big Block Power]

I'm with Aslan on this one. The 250hp is the way to go. That 4.5L is a good engine. 200 yes it will work even on your small lake but in not sure you will be happy. Heck I had 300hp on my 200 and I want happy. But it could be me. Lol
Pay the extra now for a few more ponies. It won't change your monthly payment much. Welcome aboard.

[BobRae99]

I have no experience with the VP200, but I have a VP V6/280 DP in my 2016 210 and it flies out of the water in under 3 seconds with 5 adults on board. It tops out at about 46 mph. I'd have a look at the performance sheet for the 200s/VP200 to see how it fares. if it isn't enough, I'd say the VP 240 would be more than enough performance for that boat on your lake. The cost difference is about $2,500 after discount if that helps your decision.

[jrsem]

Thanks for the welcome and the input. Your responses invoke another question...VP seems to be the engine of choice with Cobalts. I've always had Mercs. Any reason for one over the other, especially in the 200s?

[Big Block Power]

This is my opinion only. Cobalt and merc had a fight. So Volvo is taking over the sterndrive market with there technology. Merc 4.5 is there latest though. It's good. Also it depends on your dealer. What will they service and how good are they with that brand. I love merc granted they are in my backyard and want to work for them one day. Merc focus is on the outboard world right now. Maintenance Volvo is easier in my opinion. I was a huge huge merc guy but after having a bunch of Volvos I'm good with either. Hope that helps. I'm a guy that thinks about resale and the engine is one thing I wouldn't skimp on. Go big or go home. Any 18s out there? Some day you may want to trailer it to a larger body of water. I wouldn't go under the merc 250 4.5 or the Volvo 280.

[jrsem]

With the discounts on the '19s I can't even come close to considering an '18. I'll touch base with the marina I use for service at the lake since the Cobalt dealer is 1.5 hrs away and will probably not use them for service except warranty work.

I've boated on Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts but its been a few years. Lakes like that won't be often.

[Big Block Power]

Well that sounds like a great deal then. Speed limit of 40 so then you just need a hole shot. You have kids and are they going to do Water sports. I really liked my 200 just got a bit small for our big group.

[jhnmdahl]

I'm on a 40mph lake most of the time too with a Cobalt 210, and my Volvo's only 225HP. But, a lot of torque (it's a 5.7L V8), and a duo prop outdrive. I'm up on plane in a few seconds, and the boat just seems not to care how many people are on board. I've never wished for more HP, and if I were in your shoes I'd probably be looking hard at the V6-240 duo prop, non cat version.

As for what options to spend money on, some things like engine and outdrive are very expensive or difficult to change in a couple years, while others such as a wakeboard arch are sort of in-between, and things like a fancy stereo system are relatively easy to do in your garage. I would therefore prioritize the things you want but can't change later, like the engine, in planning your build sheet.

One other thought - a lot of Cobalts still look almost like new 10, 15, or more years out the door, so a lot of us have sort of drifted toward thinking of them as fairly long-term investments (used prices bear this out). I added a couple pricey options and ended up extending my boat loan out an extra year when I ordered, and am glad I did.

Make sure to let us know what you decide, and how it turns out!

John

[brianrounds]

Lakes with speed limits?

[Big Block Power]

Lakes with speed limits?

Yea right. Leave it to Minnesota. They have speed limits on snowmobile trails too .

[cmattj]

Lakes with speed limits?

Yea right. Leave it to Minnesota. They have speed limits on snowmobile trails too .

And clock wise travel only... Noise limitation and CC use laws. Depends on where you are in the country what water regulations where dreamed up.

Probably a person with a 4cyl Bayliner got that ball rolling . HaHa. Just ain’t Merica

[Ytmsn]

Lakes with speed limits?

Yea right. Leave it to Minnesota. They have speed limits on snowmobile trails too .

And clock wise travel only... Noise limitation and CC use laws. Depends on where you are in the country what water regulations where dreamed up.

Probably a person with a 4cyl Bayliner got that ball rolling . HaHa. Just ain’t Merica

Agreed Matt! As crazy as some of the rules in one of our premier western States!

Actually we have a lake in OKC that is a used for city water, but is a great sailing lake, and supposed to be one of the top in the nation from what I'm told. Tons of sailboats. No ski-doos, no motors over 10 hp, and absolutely no swimming allowed. But they allow kite surfing and Sailboards? And those guys are always in the water...

[akorcovelos]

We only have speed limits after dark, which common sense SHOULD dictate anyway...as for snowmobiles, people push 100+ across the lakes on a regular bases.

[msabbarese]

I have a 2017 200s with a Volvo 240hp non-duo prop. It hits 48mhp and has plenty of power. These new gen motors are excellent and you can get by with less HP and still get great performance. Good luck on the purchase. Don't get too caught up in the HP race when you can't speed past 40mph!