Seeking comments on buying used R7.

[Bratcho]

Hello. I am seriously considering buying a used R7 for use on a large lake. Looking at 380 engine. I have always admired the look of cobalt boats, but have never owned one: As I look at used market - it is fairly thin given COVID - so I am trying to boil down key considerations. My attention is on balancing hours used and maintenance, fresh water use vs salt. I don’t get too hung up in the options/frills - but are there a few “great to have features .” Any thoughts on this decision process ? I appreciate your time.

[Norris_Boating]

Welcome
Even before covid used cobalts don't sit long so be prepared to move fast when you come one.
Outside of engine size, tower and surf option, I think you can add any option you want post purchase.
I wouldn't get anything smaller than a 380.
You won't be disappointed.
I have just over 200 hours and no real issues.

[Big Block Power]

Do it!
Are you using it in salt? If not only get a fresh water one then!

[Bratcho]

Thanks. Using in fresh water, big lake. Like the 380.

[Kyboater]

Like a previous post mentioned, you can add pretty much anything after the fact. But for the size and money of a R7 I’d very much want it to have a windlass. Other nice options from the factory would include arch, transom speakers and table. I wouldn’t care about the pump out head even though that’s a big plus for most. I’d prefer the porta potty so I could remove it and just use it for storage. I personally would stay away from salt water. I’ve just heard too many horror stories. Good luck shopping. At the end of the day any R7 will be awesome I’m sure.

[Bratcho]

Thanks for your note. The windlass is pretty sweet - I see it on a few boats, but not many.
Best,
John

[Norris_Boating]

Do you have any leads on them?
What part of the country are you?

[Bratcho]

I am in New England and am looking nationally using boat trader etc. I plan to have the boat shipped. Today I compiled a list of 20 r7s to consider. It’s a pain because many listings do not post the price, and i have to email them or call them. Almost all have Volvo 380s. I have only seen two merc engines.

[Norris_Boating]

Usually new boats are request a quote because they aren't allowed to post prices below MSRP on new boats

[Norris_Boating]

I like this one.
https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2015-cobalt-r7-7633432/

[tgrace98]

Some things to consider.

17 was the mid model refresh. That’s when the glass dash was introduced and the vinyl was updated. Late 17 and 18+ have the gen 5 volvo penta motors. So the 6.2 instead of the 6.0. This is also when the quick drain winterizing system was introduced.

[Bratcho]

Capt. that link you sent is a sweet boat. It’s on my target list. Thanks for comment on pricing and posting lower than MSRP - I saw this on the 2021 and 2020 models - but it did not occur to me that they are selling 2017 and 2016 brand new boats. I get it now. If the boat is well maintained- what is highest hours you’d buy?

[Bratcho]

Smooth operator: thanks for info on refresh.
I am learning a lot in this site.

[Big Block Power]

Also if your finding 20 and 21 boats they could be brand new and you won't be able to buy those anyways as they are out of your market area. You can only buy new from the dealer in your Market. Also there won't be any r series boats with to many hours on it to not buy it. They will ask have lower hours on it anyways. Don't worry about the hours. Worry about the shape it's in.

[tgrace98]

Capt. that link you sent is a sweet boat. It’s on my target list. Thanks for comment on pricing and posting lower than MSRP - I saw this on the 2021 and 2020 models - but it did not occur to me that they are selling 2017 and 2016 brand new boats. I get it now. If the boat is well maintained- what is highest hours you’d buy?

Hours really depends on where you are at. Like I have a 7 month season so 75hrs is about what I do each year. I took delivery on mine in April 2019 and I’m at 155 right now. I would be more interested in seeing service records. And from there you can determine if it’s been well maintained then the hours do not really matter. There are a few members on here with boats over 1k hours and some that have owned boats with 2-3k hours on them.