273 acquisition

[AFD]

Hello, I currently looking to buy a late model 273 (2015) with 8.2 MC with seacore and 62 hours.
The boat presents very clean, has been bottom coated, antifouled.
The boats currently being surveyed prior the deal being finalized.
I’m in Australia.

1. I was wondering if there are any specific issues I should look for?
2. Has anyone fitted a bow thruster?
3. Any advise.



Thank you,

[AsLan7]

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Hello AFD. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Amazing how large those registration numbers are. Is that the size requirement in Australia?

Being a 2015 is great news as parts will still be available from Cobalt since it’s less than 7 years old. The in house production of things like cushions can still be purchased if damaged.

Have you had the engine ECU scanned? It can tell you the true hours on the engine and any fault history. A survey is a fantastic use of money. Well done.

Others will chime in shortly.

Bow thrusters being installed would be a first for the site. Be sure to document that.

Again, welcome aboard mate!


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[Big Block Power]

What registration numbers. I can't see them. I'm missing something. Matt I need help finding those. Matt can find anything. Even turtle eggs in the sand.
Anyways congrats I hope it works. She looks like a winner from here.

[CaptainTom]

I had a 273. Wonderful boat. Classic lines and definitely had a private jet feel in terms of touch and feel. Many of them were exported to Europe. Here in the US, it was the largest trailerable cuddy offered by Cobalt. That style of boat became less popular here and the 273 was discontinued. It didn't help that they were very expensive. It was perfect for day boating with little kids (our situation) and getting out on large bodies of water but not too big that we couldn't do water sports easily. I wished mine had that extended bimini like the one you are looking at has. I also had the 8.2 MC HO and didn't have any problems with it. I haven't seen one with a bow thruster. I think you would find it unnecessary after some practice docking. Although it's 28' 10" with the extended platform (27' 6" without), the transom is tucked forward a decent amount. So, it's more like docking a 26' boat. The 273 is the cuddy version of the 276 so you might want to look at reviews of the 276.

Some things I would look for.... If there is a camper enclosure, make sure you have all of the pieces. A whole new set is around $6000 from Cobalt. I would inspect the bow cushion for tears where the buttons are. That would be an expensive part to replace. Check out the sliding door to the head and make sure fully opens and closes smoothly. The truck (looks like a little roller skate) that it rides on in the rail can come off and replacing it is difficult. There is a high water alarm in the engine compartment. It should be fused. Some of them (mine) were not.

[AFD]

Many thanks.
Interesting comment re handling, I’m coming out of a Searay 220, great boat but hard to handle at low speed.
I’ll have to learn, but I guess the low profile is an advantage here.
Good advise re the doors too.
Yer the lettering is a legal registration, yep there big.
How accurate is the fuel gauge?

Cheers

Afd

[Big Block Power]

Many thanks.
Interesting comment re handling, I’m coming out of a Searay 220, great boat but hard to handle at low speed.
I’ll have to learn, but I guess the low profile is an advantage here.
Good advise re the doors too.
Yer the lettering is a legal registration, yep there big.
How accurate is the fuel gauge?

Cheers

Afd

If the gas guage is on E and you run out is very accurate. If it's on F or half and you run out then it's not very accurate.
Sorry to say every boat is diff. Mines been pretty close. My 200 empty was half.

[CaptainTom]

I didn't have any issues with the fuel gauge on the 273. The gauge had a selectable digital readout that could display percent of tank left. It seemed fairly accurate. However, on the newer R7 I have had a problem with the gauge displaying I was running on empty even though I filled up.

As an aside, sometimes simplier is better. My last motorcycle didn't have a gas gauge. It would just stop running and you had to switch the fuel valve to reserve. As scary as it sounds, it wasn't hard to reach down and turn the gauge under the seat while driving at highway speeds. You can get good enough at it that you'll hear your motorcycle engine sputter, reach down to reserve and the engine never even dies. I never had range anxiety with the motorcycle, but with boats.....

[cmattj]

What registration numbers. I can't see them. I'm missing something. Matt I need help finding those. Matt can find anything. Even turtle eggs in the sand.
Anyways congrats I hope it works. She looks like a winner from here.

Welcome from California.
It’s as big a single engine should be but after a few outings you may skip the bow thruster and just get extended dock poles to help pull you in.
Going up 7 feet is a big jump for anyone but she will get small in the water and smaller every time you take her out.

As far as reg numbers go. There so large and pushed together they are hard to read. ( “ Eat at Joes “)? I’m guessing.
Looking good!

[AFD]

Yes, the 7 feet will make a difference, but as you say I’ll get used to it.
Survey is scheduled for Tuesday with sea trial to follow, it’s a process.
The surveyer is acting on my behalf to see it on transport given it’s in Sydney and I’m In Melbourne 900km.
I’ve read every test, watched every video, cant wait!

Cheers

[cmattj]

Yes, the 7 feet will make a difference, but as you say I’ll get used to it.
Survey is scheduled for Tuesday with sea trial to follow, it’s a process.
The surveyer is acting on my behalf to see it on transport given it’s in Sydney and I’m In Melbourne 900km.
I’ve read every test, watched every video, cant wait!

Cheers

It is very exciting.
Look forward to seeing and hearing more about the process!

[Big Block Power]

That huge binimi has to be a huge bonus there in Australia.
Any interior shots?

[AFD]

Some shots.
I noticed on line a few alternative steps to the bow, this one look to be fixed.
Double Bimini interesting option, not to sure if I’d use both though.

[AFD]

Inside

[Big Block Power]

It looks very clean.

[AFD]

Update:

Survey went well, nothing of any consequence to report, maxed out at 40 knots @4500rpm, oil pressure good, no over heating, no evidence of corrosion, dealer is now detailing, anti fouling and completing 5 year service then on a truck it goes for a 900km trip. Should it the water in about 10 days.

FYI paid A$140k ~ U$95k, what are US values like?