Cobaltchat.com

Gents: I'm curious as to the reliability of our Cobalt boats - specifically regarding hours and major service required. I'll go first.

Year: 2013
Boat: 232
Power: Merc 350 Mag MPI
Drive: Bravo 3
Hours: 230
Water: lake
Major service engine: none
Major service drive: none
Major service boat (less engine & drive): replaced swim step under warranty

Let's try to keep this factual for information purposes only. While we all apparently love our boats, anomalies can and do happen. I'm curious to see how age, hours, water type, and possible engine/drive brand will impact the results. Alright boys, please chime in...

Chris

I'd like to hear more on this topic too.

While I don't have much to contribute, my dealer mentioned that the only maintenance required (on Gateway series boats anyway) to retain the warranty is an outdrive (Volvo) check/alignment after the first 20 hours. I'm planning to look into this further, as it seems like there should be more.

I think your question has more to do with individual maintenance and how the engine outdrive components from Merc or VP are holding up.
I don't think Cobalt Boats have any effect on engine or outdrive longevedy.

I owned a Chap 233 Chaparral with a 5.0L Alpha for 13 seasons and 295 hours or freshwater service.
Absolutely zero problems, and that was the main reason I traded it.. the odds were stacking against me.
I credit yearly engine and outdrive oil changes/servicing, proper warm up and my gentle nature on equipment for my good luck.

Hopefully, We'll enjoy the same luck with out new Cobalt.

Year: 2002
Boat: 190
Power: 5.0 GL
Drive: SX
Hours: 90 (47 when I bought it!)
Water: one lake
Major service engine: New engine in 2004 (guy had 13 hrs on it when he put it in his garage for winter after not running it the entire summer)
Major service drive: none

I've discussed my mania before about finding this particular model. When i say i looked at boats for years i am not joking. I still look at boats for sale everyday. I targeted this model years ago and promised if i found a clean one I'd snatch it up. I was more focused on early 2000's 220's when this gem appeared.

I know I've said it before but my boat literally looks like it rolled off the showroom floor yesterday (with the exception of the mashed skeg i have myself to thank for). Everything works. It's spotless. It's perfectly powered for my lake and my needs. I'm the 3rd owner. Guy who sold it with 22 hours on it after 12 years, guy who bought it for half of a summer before buying a brand new R7 & me.

Pics for reference again - Sorry for blur/finger

one more

I have a Galaxy 23' cuddy with a Mercruiser that I've used the crap out of for over 10 years, and just last summer started this restoration project on my 240. It has a Bravo III outdrive and used every weekend for many summers, some with pulling kids on tubes and skiers. No worries, no issues other than a fuel filter change. Oil in the motor and outdrive changed changed every fall, and the impeller changed every other year. That's it.

I only hope the 240 project is as good...

Interesting info so far. Nice find Liquid!!! Quite a gem.

So, I included the boat with the engine and outdrive to see what factors influence reliability.
In a way, I look at the modern Cobalt as being similar to a Porsche - usually low to mid usage and maintained at a high level.
Being that most of our boats are used in fresh water, from what I have read, with regular maintenance, our engines can go for well over a thousand hours.
So, along with engine and drive issues (major), I am interested to hear about issues we have experienced with our boats (major warranty stuff and the like).

I brought my boat home yesterday, so I'll be doing the compound (light), polish and wax routine next week. Pics to follow.

Chris

I have a 2014 with no major service - just oil changes, winterizing, and the usual stuff. The boat is:
Cobalt 210
Volvo V8-225
Duo Prop outdrive
fresh water - 100 hours?