COVID Boat Purchase - 25SC

[Big Block Power]

Lots of good advise here. Let's hear what you say at the end. I agree with gib on the foot tread. I like the carpet. After a week of standing my feet were sore even on carpet

[ajcampen]

I just took delivery of a special order 2021 25SC with 300 Mercury White. Almost purchased a stock 2020 from different dealer at a similar price, as I was supposed to move to Florida in June. But the boat wasn’t what my wife or I wanted. It had tons of upgrades and we could have taken possession in early June. We felt comfortable waiting and glad we did. We were able to get the 2020 price and 2021 model. I guess every dealer is different but the cobalt site has not changed their prices yet.

I was going back and forth between Merc and Yamaha, and it seems dealers push the motor they have a relationship with. We decided that both were awesome but the white merc looked nice with our color combo.

My only regrets are the flag and mooring cover. The dealer can order and install, but it’s not the same discount as ordering through cobalt.

Get the flag via tige marine. They used to make the flag for cobalt until cobalt went to China for production. Prob much cheeped to and way better quality they say. I think the mooring cover isn’t worth it. They don’t age well and let water through. So awesome if covered year around but go custom otherwise in a different material

[dgangwer]

Thanks everyone. I’m floating around north of Key West in a rental deck boat looking for lobster. Wife is aboard and I’m trying to ease her concerns about boat $$.

She’ll be aboard for the test drive Saturday and I’m sure she’ll be impressed. We are in no hurry and any delay due to build time doesn’t matter.

Gameplan at this point is test drive then do the math on bird in the hand @ a 30% discount vs whatever discount I can get on a new build.

I appreciate all of your inputs. Takes a great deal of mystery out of the process.

[AsLan7]

Get the flag via tige marine. They used to make the flag for cobalt until cobalt went to China for production. Prob much cheeped to and way better quality they say. I think the mooring cover isn’t worth it. They don’t age well and let water through. So awesome if covered year around but go custom otherwise in a different material

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Can you still purchase a Tige Marine built flag Ajc? Thought TigeM stopped producing that one.

[ajcampen]

Their website is still up. Actual name tug tech marine. Did cobalt tell them no more production of that flag model?

[AsLan7]

Their website is still up. Actual name tug tech marine. Did cobalt tell them no more production of that flag model?

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Ah, roger. Tig Tech Marine.

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[Texanforlife]

Good info on the flag. I already ordered through the dealer so I probably should have asked for the advice a little sooner. Oh well. If it’s delayed, I can order one of these and try and get the dealer to install.

[dgangwer]

Interesting development. The Key West boatyard guy I rented from said he would try to talk me out of buying. Said he has so many disappointed boat owners. He recommended renting/boat club.

My initial thoughts are that if it’s a mistake, I have a great boat with excellent resale potential. I look forward to my CobaltChat brothers & sisters comments.

[Big Block Power]

Interesting development. The Key West boatyard guy I rented from said he would try to talk me out of buying. Said he has so many disappointed boat owners. He recommended renting/boat club.

My initial thoughts are that if it’s a mistake, I have a great boat with excellent resale potential. I look forward to my CobaltChat brothers & sisters comments.

That's crazy unless he has stake in that rental club. Plus guys that boat a year ago can get more for there boat right now so really no pain no gain

[BigGib]

Another vote here for owning over renting or a rental club. I want to be able to use my boat anytime I want, and not have to worry about booking a day or time. That being said, it's a boat and it will cost money to maintain it, but should be considerably less being a single outboard.

[Sebvelez]

I rented a few times and strongly considered a boat club before I decided to take the leap and buy. Renting added up fast and frankly the boats around here left a lot to be desired. The last one I took out had no working depth reader, speedometer, tach or gps. The boat clubs I looked into required realistically a 1-2 week reservation ahead for a half day during the weekend. And the tropical downpour over here are hard to predict making that half day a gamble. Some also had strong language regarding the number of guests allowed and others have limited the outings each boat makes during the pandemic limiting the Reservation slots even further. Speak to some club members and ask around your area to get a better idea; I was not as excited about the option once I did.

Although buying is the most expensive of the 3 options it provided the most flexibility and the best overall experience for me to get into boating every week. I looked at a lot of boats when I was flirting around with the idea of buying and once I saw the Cobalt I got excited about the beauty of it. The fit and finish and the reputation are just at another level. Like you said, if it’s a mistake then I’ll sell it and that will be that.

[tgrace98]

Another no for boat clubs. They have one here at table rock and like others have said 1-2 weeks to rent for a half day. We also have very unpredictable weather here so you could book then get washed out. Also a longer wait for some of their nicer boats. I looked into it before buying my first cobalt and decided the boat club wasn’t for us.

[dgangwer]

Test Drive Report - Nice boat. Took her out on the Intracoastal and the Atlantic. Pretty rough water due to heavy traffic & sea state. Impressive ride through it all. Excellent power.

There was a small tear in the upholstery near the walk-through windshield and several areas had ripples (minor bunching) which made me wonder if it was intentionally "understuffed" to allow for any weathering/shrinkage. Salesman said it would/could all be replaced. For the money, my expectation was flawless cushions.

Asked about what discount would be available if I placed a new order. Answer was 10%.

I have elected to pass on the purchase for now due to my personal schedule. Until I retire (22 months), boat would only be used a few days a month, every other month. Seems like too little use to tie up $100k+. Additionally, I am intrigued as to how Cobalt will respond to the increasing salt water/outboard interest. I see a Cobalt in my future and appreciate everyone's advice. Thanks!!

[Big Block Power]

Well the boat won't get cheaper in 2 years. So let's get this deal done and enjoy the water once a month

[dgangwer]

BBP - Been out cutting the grass and thinking along your lines. Last boat I bought sat in the garage for 6 months of its warranty period while I was deployed on an aircraft carrier. Didn't know I was going until 3 weeks prior.

I am also curious to see if COVID brings quality used boats to market as people may need to lighten their debt load. At this time, I live in one state and work in two others VA - FL - TX. Free time is at a premium.

I haven't called the dealer with my decision yet.....