Advice on a new Cobalt

Longarm151 · Post by **Longarm151** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:16 pm

Hi everyone,

I m hoping to pick everyone's brains on a decision that is killing me. I apologize in advance for the long story:

In March of 2019, we purchased a new Cobalt 220S from our Cobalt dealer. I had asked about ordering one built exactly how we wanted it but our sales rep said we most likely wouldn't take delivery until mid-July. Not wanting to miss out on all of that prime boating time, we opted for a stock 220S. It's been a great boat and we have made many family memories on it. Frankly, I love the boat. The thing with this boat is that there are many things I wish we had and aren't easily added.

We had always planned to upgrade a few years from now but I'm worried that all of the COVID boat buyers are going to crash used boat prices when they realize what they got themselves into a few years from now and my trade won't be worth as much.

So...fast forward to now. We met with our salesman and priced out an R5. Unfortunately, no matter how creative we tried to be with our household budget, we just could not make it work. We were disappointed but thought about either building a custom R3 or 220S.

Here's my problem: A loaded 220S would have everything I wanted and have a payment that is affordable. A loaded R3 would also have everything I wanted and the payment is at the upper end of my budget.

With the above being said, am I better off dealing with the pain for awhile and getting the R3? Is there a noticeable difference in the handling of the R3 versus 220S, especially on rougher water? Are there advantages for one model or the other that I am missing? Has anyone upgraded from a 220S to an R3 and what was your experience? Would you you do it again?

Thanks for taking the time to read this and give me your thoughts.

cmattj · Post by **cmattj** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:27 pm

Two things in life we should never be.
1. House poor
2. Car poor

But entertainment poor should be the # 3.

It’s obvious you want the R3 . It’s an upgrading design and the features are cool.
Plus there sleek , low and sexy.

Wait until you’re ready as buying now a very expensive 220S you will be regretting it later.

So what Color R3 or “R4”if you can be patient. And can we take some kids college funds and put a 8.2 HO in it?

Longarm151 · Post by **Longarm151** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:50 pm

I want to keep the same color scheme that we have now, Shale Gray hull side, black boot stripe, and white hull bottom. My wife, on the other hand, wants something different. An argument for another day I guess.

Ironically, I was joking with a friend the other day that I was going to name the new boat "College Fund".

Big Block Power · Post by **Big Block Power** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 3:58 pm

So what options did you not get in the 220s that you wish you had? I hope this doesn't start with the 240!
The r3 is a totally diff boat. It will ride and handle totally diff. You should get in one first and ride in it. To me it's like going from a 222 from my 220. I hated the 222. Just saying. Or find a nice used r3 that is loaded. As the odds one on here for sale now and more are coming. Snatch one of those up. Just saying.
Do you come out better if you sold your boat out right not trading it in?

Longarm151 · Post by **Longarm151** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 4:06 pm

Ugh, it does start with the 240.

Bigger engine, tower, and transom speakers to start. Then add all of the little toys like LEDs, filler cushions, etc.

The dealer gave me a pretty good price for the trade-in and I HATE selling things, like cars, on my own. I've avoided it all all costs over the years because I just don't want to deal with the hassle.

dustinm · Post by **dustinm** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 4:45 pm

I think you can do this on the cheap. Lets start by asking whats your wife's car have for an engine?

Big Block Power · Post by **Big Block Power** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 5:11 pm

Longarm151 wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 4:06 pm Ugh, it does start with the 240.

Bigger engine, tower, and transom speakers to start. Then add all of the little toys like LEDs, filler cushions, etc.

The dealer gave me a pretty good price for the trade-in and I HATE selling things, like cars, on my own. I've avoided it all all costs over the years because I just don't want to deal with the hassle.

Ugh this is so painful and I get criticized for being the engine judge on here. But this is why. I just wish dealers and manufacturers would just build things for people that they would be happy and use them like they want to be used. Yes I know some people love this engine but really in a 23 ft boat. Let's get real. Sure it works but are you truly happy. No. Just start with a 300 and go from there. It really makes me mad they offer these in this kind of boat. Sorry. Put it in a lightweight entry boat. I won't say Any names. Yes they start with a B.
Ok let's get you into a r3 and be done with it. Buy Chris's and be happy
viewtopic.php?f=52&t=4531

dustinm · Post by **dustinm** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:06 pm

My dealer thinks Im "over compensating" when I requested 300hp for our CS23. 99% of theirs are 280hp V6 powered and they tell me Im just throwing money away. Just think if I requested the 380hp like BBP recommended..

Big Block Power · Post by **Big Block Power** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:10 pm

dustinm wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:06 pm My dealer thinks Im "over compensating" when I requested 300hp for our CS23. 99% of theirs are 280hp V6 powered and they tell me Im just throwing money away. Just think if I requested the 380hp like BBP recommended..

Just tell them Ive been over compensating for things my hole life but I'm still smiling

I won't tell you then I would want at least a 350

in the cs23. Lol

dustinm · Post by **dustinm** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:19 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:10 pm
dustinm wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:06 pm My dealer thinks Im "over compensating" when I requested 300hp for our CS23. 99% of theirs are 280hp V6 powered and they tell me Im just throwing money away. Just think if I requested the 380hp like BBP recommended..
Just tell them Ive been over compensating for things my hole life but I'm still smiling

I won't tell you then I would want at least a 350 in the cs23. Lol

LOL.. I can still bolt on an Edelbrock Eforce supercharger cheaper than the VP HP upgrade. Ive got the foundation!!!

Big Block Power · Post by **Big Block Power** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:32 pm

dustinm wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:19 pm
Big Block Power wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:10 pm
dustinm wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:06 pm My dealer thinks Im "over compensating" when I requested 300hp for our CS23. 99% of theirs are 280hp V6 powered and they tell me Im just throwing money away. Just think if I requested the 380hp like BBP recommended..
Just tell them Ive been over compensating for things my hole life but I'm still smiling

I won't tell you then I would want at least a 350 in the cs23. Lol
LOL.. I can still bolt on an Edelbrock Eforce supercharger cheaper than the VP HP upgrade. Ive got the foundation!!!

There you go. You getting it from Parks?

dustinm · Post by **dustinm** » Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:36 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:32 pm
dustinm wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:19 pm
Big Block Power wrote: Mon Sep 07, 2020 9:10 pm

Just tell them Ive been over compensating for things my hole life but I'm still smiling

I won't tell you then I would want at least a 350 in the cs23. Lol
LOL.. I can still bolt on an Edelbrock Eforce supercharger cheaper than the VP HP upgrade. Ive got the foundation!!!
There you go. You getting it from Parks?

Yes

Krob1114 · Post by **Krob1114** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 8:36 am

My two cents worth.
I can't believe how much we enjoy the stern area and back of cabin area in the R3.
We used to spend all our time in the bow on our last boat, but wife is only in bow now when we're moving.
Compare the back of the CS 22 or 23 with R series. To us, it was worth upgrade.
Our dealer was pushing the CS 22....saying the 23 wasn't worth the extra cash. They were pushing the 280hp V-6 too.
I'm guessing they all have their own ideas, and make customers conform to them.

Big Block Power · Post by **Big Block Power** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 12:07 pm

It's all about price point. They know that. Shame on them. Just go to Parks and tell them I was on the Cobalt Forum and BBP said they're is no way I should buy this boat without a 430 in it and watch there jaw drop. They will go those dam forums never know what they are talking about. It's just a bunch of guys sitting around with nothing better to do.

Well they will be kind of right on 1 thing then

cmattj · Post by **cmattj** » Tue Sep 08, 2020 5:09 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Tue Sep 08, 2020 12:07 pm It's all about price point. They know that. Shame on them. Just go to Parks and tell them I was on the Cobalt Forum and BBP said they're is no way I should buy this boat without a 430 in it and watch there jaw drop. They will go those dam forums never know what they are talking about. It's just a bunch of guys sitting around with nothing better to do. Well they will be kind of right on 1 thing then

Sell what you have in stock right? Thats the system, and yes they are on commission

The Owner or GM whom orders "for stock" boats may be the culprit.
I imagine they are ordering a non special order boat, and the price point has them worried so do they leave the 240 or 280 v6??.. or check the 380 or 430 box ?
This is why the future of the 8.2HO in these models will dwindle down. We need to find the Gearhead GM out there running a Cobalt dealership

Cobalt Boats Forum

Advice on a new Cobalt

Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Re: Advice on a new Cobalt

Who is online