Cobalt comfort

[Freddie]

I’m new to Cobalts, but am searching for a 23’-25’ Cobalt. I’ve had a Chaparral 19’ bow rider and currently have a 2017 South Bay 24’ pontoon and a classic 20’ Donzi Minx. I love the Donzi for the speed (60+) but my wife has metastatic stage 4 bone cancer in her spine, and can’t handle the rough ride so I’m changing from the Donzi to a heavier bow rider, but may consider a cuddy. She loves the pontoon, but I prefer more speed.
I have a vacation home on a 10,000 acre lake in central Florida, and the lake can get a bit rough for the Donzi.
I am looking for a comfortable well built boat that will go 50-60 on occasion, 40 mph comfortable cruise. I like the design, interior details, and comfort of the Cobalt 232 and 252, and prefer a big block for the speeds. I’m trying to stay below $25k, so mid 90’s to early 2000’s seem to fit. I’m 67, a retired firefighter, and am taking care of my wife, so I prefer something in excellent condition not needing work.
I’m impressed with the quality and amenities the Cobalt brand offers.
Thanks for any information or advice you can send my way!

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma! To hit 60 you'll need a 220 or a 252, and most of the models will hit the mid 50s pretty easy, it just depends on the motor and setup. And these boats are luxury boats, not race boats! But any of them will ride better than your Donzie.

[Big Block Power]

Welcome let's see the minx!!
232 with a bb is a good choice. You go cuddy go up to a 253.

[Freddie]

Thanks! Mid 50’s is fine, really looking at a good cruise speed, but generally, a 60 mph boat will have a better cruise than a 50 mph boat. Not looking for Donzi performance, it’s now about comfort, a quality interior, and respectable cruise speed. The 25 mph pontoon cruise speed is too slow if it’s just us two or a small group. The pontoon is great when the whole family is there!
A BB 232 seems like a good fit.

[Freddie]

I’ll post the Minx picture when I’m at my computer.

[Big Block Power]

Yes I cruise between 35 to 40mph. Then idle for a hour. Lol

[AsLan7]

I’ll post the Minx picture when I’m at my computer.

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Hey Freddie. Forgive these guys for their short memories.

We saw your Minx when you posted it here. Feel free to post it again though as it is a sharp looking Donzi. We had a 16 Donzi.

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As did my dad...
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.Great boats with a true 24 degree deep vee hull.

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Our 263 will hit 60 and rides incredibly well with a 22 degree dead rise hull. It actually hit the rev limiter so the ECU automatically cuts engine power momentarily every few seconds as the alarm would sound. It was under propped so over 60 is attainable with these models. Very fast hulls produced from 2000-2007 in the 260 series. (262 bow rider & 263 cuddy both of which we have owned).

You may be able to find a base model for $25k with the 496HO. It’s a little larger than what you are looking for but it’s something to consider.

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[Freddie]

Aslan7, thanks for the pix, I do love the Donzi, just need something different now... thank you for the info, I’ll look at the 262, since a 252 was an option.

[Freddie]

The Donzi... New 350 mag MPI 300 hp and Alpha one Gen 2 with 40 hours.

[cmattj]

The Donzi... New 350 mag MPI 300 hp and Alpha one Gen 2 with 40 hours.

We Loce Donzi...

Ok ....back to Cobalts!

Ok just a couple of pics

[AsLan7]

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Man I loce those Donzi pics.

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[akorcovelos]

After owning one I can honestly say the 252 is the best bang for the buck when talking used Cobalts, just make sure you get the 454/502 Mag motor if you want 60’s. Got mine in near mint condition for $20k and have only had to do regular maintenance. I’ve chosen to do a few things, but really not for any reason other than I can’t ever leave we’ll enough alone.

[Foxcroft007]

Mid 50s...not me. 48 on gps is as fast as it goes. 23 pitch prop on bravo 1...magnum 350 cobalt 220. I believe my prop is the issue as I can’t get rpms past 4,700-4,800.

[Big Block Power]

Mid 50s...not me. 48 on gps is as fast as it goes. 23 pitch prop on bravo 1...magnum 350 cobalt 220. I believe my prop is the issue as I can’t get rpms past 4,700-4,800.

4800 rpms is good. You running a mirage plus prop? 52 should be good in a 22.

[Foxcroft007]

Correct mirage