New Member in Michigan Shopping for a Cobalt

[davisef]

Hi! I'm new to the forum. I'm not a Cobalt owner yet, but I hope to be one soon. I've been reading the forums for a while and I am very impressed with the depth of information here. I can't wait to find my Cobalt! I'm focusing on a 250 bowrider or similar. Any advice or any leads on clean examples for sale are welcome!

Thanks You!!

[Big Block Power]

Welcome and how far you willing to travel and budget. 250 is popular and I think won't be hard to find.

[AsLan7]

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

Yes the 250 is popular. Try to find one with a 7.4 or larger engine. The big block works well in this size. Would you consider only local Cobalt 250’s or is shipping a possibility? Do you want a trailer?

Is this your first boat?

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[davisef]

Thanks for the quick responses!

1. This will be my first boat, however, my father and brother have owned boats for years. I was launching an 18 foot Four Winns on my learner's permit!

2. I am willing to travel anywhere in the country. My thoughts were to fly to check out the boat, then return to tow it back. I travelled to Lake of the Ozarks earlier this week to look at what I thought was a great boat....I was pretty mislead by the salesperson. The mint condition boat that needed only oxidation removed from the rear tail fins had a long list of issues and neglect plus 8 inches of ice in the bilge without being winterized!!!

3. I would like to get the 8.1L with DP. Prefer Volvo, but will not say no to a Mercruiser nor will I exclude a small block from consideration.

4. I will need a trailer. Auburnbuilder (from this forum) and I spoke and I am more than happy to buy his trailer sight unseen if I have a boat to put on it .

5. Budget is $40,000 or less for boat and trailer. There may be some wiggle room, but it has to be for the right boat.

6. I plan on keeping the boat for easily the next 20 years. Just took a break from boating when my brothers and I grew up moved away and started families. The kids are 8 & 10 now and I have been waiting for what feels like forever to be ready to buy my first boat.

7. I'll consider other model Cobalts as well. I am focusing on the 250 because it has a deeper Vee hull than others (I think) for those rough days on the Great Lakes. It must have a Porta potty and open bow. I like the center pass through on the transom too. The 262 and 272 are beautiful, but I worry they may be just big enough to exclude some smaller inland lakes.

Thanks again! I look forward to some more feedback!

[Luv2HuntAR]

Welcome to the forum. Patience is the key to finding the boat you want. If you’ve been scrolling through these threads, you’ve probably seen some great stories about some really nice finds. Best of luck.

[20mm]

Thanks for the quick responses!

1. This will be my first boat, however, my father and brother have owned boats for years. I was launching an 18 foot Four Winns on my learner's permit!

2. I am willing to travel anywhere in the country. My thoughts were to fly to check out the boat, then return to tow it back. I travelled to Lake of the Ozarks earlier this week to look at what I thought was a great boat....I was pretty mislead by the salesperson. The mint condition boat that needed only oxidation removed from the rear tail fins had a long list of issues and neglect plus 8 inches of ice in the bilge without being winterized!!!

3. I would like to get the 8.1L with DP. Prefer Volvo, but will not say no to a Mercruiser nor will I exclude a small block from consideration.

4. I will need a trailer. Auburnbuilder (from this forum) and I spoke and I am more than happy to buy his trailer sight unseen if I have a boat to put on it .

5. Budget is $40,000 or less for boat and trailer. There may be some wiggle room, but it has to be for the right boat.

6. I plan on keeping the boat for easily the next 20 years. Just took a break from boating when my brothers and I grew up moved away and started families. The kids are 8 & 10 now and I have been waiting for what feels like forever to be ready to buy my first boat.

7. I'll consider other model Cobalts as well. I am focusing on the 250 because it has a deeper Vee hull than others (I think) for those rough days on the Great Lakes. It must have a Porta potty and open bow. I like the center pass through on the transom too. The 262 and 272 are beautiful, but I worry they may be just big enough to exclude some smaller inland lakes.

Thanks again! I look forward to some more feedback!

Curious which dealer that was, I think I can guess as I had a couple of interesting experiences as well when shopping for a boat here at LOTO.

[davisef]

20mm - It wasn't a "new" Cobalt dealer, and honestly, I think it was just the salesperson I had. I don't want to bad mouth the place for just one person.

[davisef]

Update - I just purchased a boat today, a 2007 Cobalt 250 with Mercruiser 496MAG. Purchased from Joe Burns at Village Marina on LOTO. So far, everything has been very professional and easy. Pickup in the spring.

[rabiddawg]

Alright! Where the pics?

Don’t get put on probation for no pics

[Big Block Power]

Good deal congrats!

[AsLan7]

Update - I just purchased a boat today, a 2007 Cobalt 250 with Mercruiser 496MAG. Purchased from Joe Burns at Village Marina on LOTO. So far, everything has been very professional and easy. Pickup in the spring.

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Nice! Yes pics please.
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[20mm]

20mm - It wasn't a "new" Cobalt dealer, and honestly, I think it was just the salesperson I had. I don't want to bad mouth the place for just one person.

Totally understand and anyway glad it worked out. Congrats on your new boat! Bought mine from the same place and they have great to deal with.

[davisef]

[dustinm]

NICE

That didnt take long at all

[kas232ca]

Looks great!