Cobalt 242 or ... ?

[Minisoda]

After owning bass boats for the past 15 years, I’ve decided it’s time for something the whole family can enjoy! We are looking for something in the 24-25’ range with a head. We’ll be on the St. Croix river east of the Twin Cities... there are some big cruisers out there and I want a boat that can comfortably deal with the chop.

So far, my research has led me to the Cobalt 242. I’ve also looked at the Regal 2500, Sea Ray SLX 250 and Chapparral’s. The Cobalts just seem to be a cut above.

I am looking for a used boat in the 2010-2015 range depending on what kind of prices I find. No firm budget, but would like to stay around $50k

My questions:

- any models outside the 242 that you’d recommend given my requirements?
- should I say away from boats that have seen saltwater? I see some decent deals in Florida.
- for the 242 model, what kind of changes did they have in model years from 2010-2017ish? Anything major I should watch for?

Thanks for the feedback!

Soda

[cmattj]

Welcome and seeing your experienced in boating you’re already there. Yes Cobalt is up there in quality so the price points are higher.
Salt water boats cheaper. For obvious reasons as the shelf life is half when not taken care of.
Half the ads I see from Florida are showing “ New exhaust “ so I’d pass personally.
We have a lot of members with the 242 and close sisters to her as they will chime in.

It is the ideal tow it and stow it size.

[AsLan7]

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Hey Soda. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Cobalt is definitely at the top of the food chain in the runabout category.

Saltwater is a whole different animal when it comes to its corrosive effects compared to fresh water. Be careful if going that route while purchasing

Have you looked at Formula?

Again welcome aboard mate!

.

[Minisoda]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Given the saltwater feedback, I think I’d prefer to pay a little more and not have those concerns hanging over my head.

I have looked at a couple of Formulas online, but it looks like the used ones in my price range just don’t have the interior fit and finish of the Cobalt’s in the same year.

Anything I should be thinking about not listed above?

[tgrace98]

So the 242 was replaced in 2014 with the R3 or R5. Also you could look at an A25 if you can find one in your price range. They are really nice boats and have a hydraulic swim platform(only boat in that size to ever have that).

Other than that I think you are right on. Cobalt updated the 242 in 2008 and just did subtle changes until it was retired. Don’t be afraid to go a little older if you are firm on your price. I just sold a 2001 Cobalt and I still got asked all the time if it was a 2017 and not a 2001. They hold up well with age and so does their value.

[Minisoda]

Love the A25, but we definitely want the on water convenience of a head. Probably saved myself a few bucks with that decision as well!

[Big Block Power]

West about finding a 250. They have a nice center walk through.
Welcome.

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma! Don't overlook any boat from the 2000s. Lots of the 240 series have been completely refurbished with new motors and interiors. Lots are already pristine and near new condition because their owners are persnickety Cobalt sno...., I mean, umm, owners.

Stay away from saltwater just because. The saltines on this site always get their panties in a wad when we say that, but it is what it is... If I lived on the coast and had to deal with the corrosion on a daily basis, then I'd deal with it. But I don't, so I won't.

[Driller]

2011 242 here. I upgraded the stereo on mine, added interior LEDs, underwater lights, and a GPS. Other than that, she’s stock with the 8.1 Gi. It was the biggest boat I could get in my slip and had the right amount of space. Tons of storage room on the 242.

I myself wouldn’t go with anything smaller than the 8.1 if you going to pull wakeboards or skiers. It’s a fairly big boat.

You should be able to find a 242 in great condition with low hours within your price range. Take your time and find the right boat. I looked for 3 months and test drove quite a few prior to finding mine. Of course I didn’t have BBP to help, he’s a great resource.

[Minisoda]

Driller,

Funny you should mention that! Just found a 2011 242 in immaculate condition, the color I want and the 8.1... listed at $61,990 which i think is a little high. I have my eye on a 2010 with 300hp motor for $45k.

The 2011 also has the quilted upholstery look on the walls which is a really nice touch. Anyone know what year they started that?

[Driller]

Driller,

Funny you should mention that! Just found a 2011 242 in immaculate condition, the color I want and the 8.1... listed at $61,990 which i think is a little high. I have my eye on a 2010 with 300hp motor for $45k.

The 2011 also has the quilted upholstery look on the walls which is a really nice touch. Anyone know what year they started that?

It must have been 2011, I have had people comment on mine thinking that they didn't start the quilting until later. Mines a 2011 also.

The 62K seems a little high (depending on the condition and the hours), I think I gave around 62k for mine with a Hydrolift included, so mine was mid-50s. However, depending on the upgrades (stereo, lights, etc) and if a trailer is included (mine did not) it might be a good deal. Ask BBP to take a look at it if it is listed online. He's the boat whisperer of the group.

[Big Block Power]

Driller,

Funny you should mention that! Just found a 2011 242 in immaculate condition, the color I want and the 8.1... listed at $61,990 which i think is a little high. I have my eye on a 2010 with 300hp motor for $45k.

The 2011 also has the quilted upholstery look on the walls which is a really nice touch. Anyone know what year they started that?

It must have been 2011, I have had people comment on mine thinking that they didn't start the quilting until later. Mines a 2011 also.

The 62K seems a little high (depending on the condition and the hours), I think I gave around 62k for mine with a Hydrolift included, so mine was mid-50s. However, depending on the upgrades (stereo, lights, etc) and if a trailer is included (mine did not) it might be a good deal. Ask BBP to take a look at it if it is listed online. He's the boat whisperer of the group.

Pass on a 300 in a 242. You won't be happy. Heck I want happy with the 300 in my 200.lol but hey you might like it. Diff strokes for diff folks. Post the listing. I haven't started looking yet. Been busy playing with 2 boats now.

[Big Block Power]

If you need links let me know but search Houston, and Missouri and Iowa for a few 250s. I liked a few of them. Little older but cheaper. I don't get caught up in the year sometimes.

Really one saw one good 242 on CL it was in ft Collins Co. Only down fall is its set up for high alt. Big Block and CC!

Gordys here in WI. https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2011 ... %20listing
https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2009 ... %20listing

[Minisoda]

Thanks BBP! I will check craigslist in those areas right now. The first link you sent is the one I have my eye on... matches our requirements really well. Just seems a little high on price.

I’d also really like a private party purchase to save the MN tax.

[Big Block Power]

Thanks BBP! I will check craigslist in those areas right now. The first link you sent is the one I have my eye on... matches our requirements really well. Just seems a little high on price.

I’d also really like a private party purchase to save the MN tax.

Yea you get a huge break on taxes there. I'm jealous about that.
Call Gordys. They should have plenty of room. But really looking at pricing they are not that far off. Homeskillet lives there maybe he can put his eyes on it fit you if it gets closer.