2020 Cobalt SC25 Bowrider - 100 Hour Review, Observations & Ratings
Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2021 7:36 pm
*Full Disclosure: New to me with only 72 hours and was stored at Marina Indoors with concierge wash down performed after each operation. Stored on lift & covered for the past 5 months, washed down and wiped after each use and/or rain in SWFL on the gulf. I am following the window sticker format for write up structure.
Structure/Safety/Performance/Appearance A+
The Good
Comparable to Mercedes, smooth quality ride, cuts 1-2’ waves like butter with minimal bouncing, jolts or structural groans while cruising along at 33mph with 12 adults onboard.
I am not sure if it is the Kevlar reinforced hull or composite transom, however, she feels solid and safe and the gas milage from the Yamaha 300 is a bonus. Guests have all commented on the solid feel of the ride at slow & high speed and the steering is exactly how folks have described – painless.
The Bad
Nothing that stands out worth mentioning
Dash/Instrumentation C+
The Good
The instrument cluster with Dual Garmin 7607 displays is very easy to read in the daylight and even better at dusk into the night. The USB ports, switches are very well placed and the chrome accents on the steering wheel are well placed so you do not burn your hands in the summer sun.
The Garmin 7607 has extensive custom display capabilities that allow you to create heads up displays that empower you to copy/cut/paste the information that you want to be displayed.
Take five minutes and watch some YouTube videos and you will be able to see how easy it is to accomplish – Left displays navigation and Right displays key data in 2” size font so I do not need my reading glasses – GPS Speed, Depth, Oil Pressure, Sunrise/Set, Fuel Level, Time. Also you can 1 button press to display a sweet Yamaha default screen with a lot more detailed information.
The Bad
Garmin EOL the 7607 model during 2020 so I am a loss on why they used it in lieu of the 7607 XSV as the XSV is extensible with integrations & modules for Traditional, clearvu and sidevu with fish finder capabilities, video and other goodies so you need to purchase an adapter $$$ if you want to integrate with other devices. As other Cobalt users have posted on CobaltChat forums, the fuel gauge and transducer are sorely lacking, sorely.
Stereo A+++
The Good
The base unit that comes with the SC25 just kicks ass, rock & roll, R&B, Classical and Smooth Jazz all sound amazing on the base system even when cruising at higher speeds with wind. Bluetooth paring is a snap, with XM integration and other apps – simple and straightforward. The Transom Stereo is a nice-to-have although the location placement if you have small kids could be an issue. If you are ordering, you might want to consider splurging on some tower cans to really put the sound out. Suggest you check that out on your demo ride with the dealer. Hint: Bring your own music to test with.
The Bad
Nothing that stands out worth mentioning
Exterior B+
The Good
The Cobalt SC25 is definitely a head turner when you pull up to the dock, restaurants or sandbar. Expect lots of questions, interest and permission to board and look around. Our grey/white simply looks elegant against the other boats, simply elegant.
Anchor Locker is well placed, Windshield is sold and when you hold the frame, you know it is a well built boat. The Fender Clips when used also add to the classy appearance and presentation. The cleats are well placed and are definitely upgraded from the usual ones found on cheaper presentations by Cobalt competitors. Graphics and Cobalt Badging are solid and polish up well. The railing is also upgraded, IMO from competitor boats and mounted solid on the craft, you don’t feel the give that some vendors have.
The Bad
Rusty Chinese knock-off screws, bolts and washers are staining the gelcoat and require constant attention otherwise they will get out-of-hand. Cobalt is victim like so many other vendors of having supplier issues. I am not referring to the Bimini which is supplied to Cobalt, I am referring to most of the rub-rail screws, cleats, swim platform, anchor plate and possibly even the rub-rail itself. I have pulled out over 15 screws from the rub-rail and replaced with real stainless-steel screws and when holding the new ones vs the installed ones, you can feel the difference immediately. Additionally, I compared the weight of one of the non-rusting to the rusting and you know they are from different suppliers. I have replaced most of the Bimini ones as well, again, they are victims of knock-offs. I have contacted my local dealer and will post their reply when I receive it. *If not for the Rust Issue, I would rate Exterior A++++
Interior B+
The Good
Elegant, Refined and Well Thought Out. We take out lots of family and friends and everyone complements on how look & feel of this boat. More people use Mercedes in their praise and it is well deserved. The seat stitching is amazing and it takes a long time (IMO) for the direct sunlight to get it hot enough where you want a towel between you and the material. The Helm Seat is extra wide and extremely comfortable with well-placed cup holder and storage area for your VHF, Cell and other at-hand-items. The walk-through door has a solid latch and if you are out and the weather turns a bit cold, when you button her up the wind is really cut back making it more enjoyable for everyone. Our Cobalt came with a pump out head, however, it has never been used and remains zip tied close.
The Bad
Again, the hinge lift screws under the seats have rust stained underneath side of the cushions and no amount of scrubbing seems to be able to remove it. I have already replaced with Stainless screws and cleaned the hinges/lift mechanism with WD40. I am slowly replacing most of the under-seat rubber gaskets and stoppers as they are not up to standard and have or are in the process of falling apart. The single biggest issue with the interior is large aft seat across the back – while amazing and definitely a crowd pleaser, one or two small drain holes do not adequately allow rain water to flow out requiring you remember to lift and drain the water out which happens to be towards the inside of the boat, not good. (I am thinking of adding a few additional holes to remedy).
Option Upgrades that our 25SC came with:
Options Upgrades: A+
300 Yamaha – Love this Engine, burns clean and just a solid performer
Arch, white (Fwd Folding) W/Bimini, Ebony – some rust leakage at mounts
Battery Maintainer/charger (110v) – works flawlessly
Battery Switch W/Acr-dual – works flawlessly
Bow & Transom Shower Package – Nice, recommend
Bow Cushion Insert (port & stbd) – Nice, recommend
Bow Tonneau Cover, Ebony – Good Quality, recommend
Cockpit Tono Cover, Ebony - Good Quality, recommend
Flagpole W/flag – Heavy Duty, feels solid and it is
Led Interior Accent Lighting, r/g/b – Good Quality, nice to have
Pump Out Porta Potti – N/A, we don’t intend to use
Sof-trac Mat (c/pit&bow Snap-in) titan/blk – Good Quality, recommend
Transom Stereo Remote – nice to have, buyer beware, located along the floor it could be very, very easy for little ones or adults to step on the knob and kill the unit.
MISC
100 HR Service, On Water, Yamaha certified mechanic, $377.00 said the motor and associated break-in review was AOK.
Transom/Depth Error – As found on a number of CobaltChat and other forum entries, a number of folks have had issues with inaccurate readings or no readings with respect to “what is my current depth” when operating in normal/cloudy/sandy/churned up water and I can be counted among them.
Following advice given on CobaltChat, the solution that has worked wonders for me and some other local Cobalt owners is to go forward with some speed and then quickly change into reverse with enough force to shake/stir the fluid in the transom bracket holding it in place in the hull. You may have to do it a couple of times and please make sure passengers are sitting down before you do it. I have found that I need to do it if I have not taken her out for a while. So the easiest thing when pulling away from the dock is to simply ‘shake-her’ and you are all set.
Garbage – a couple of Lowes/Home Depot/BBB bathroom suction cup hooks on the inside of the head door makes a perfect place and easy access for your community garbage bag
Port Side Vanity Locker – the USB & Mini Port for Audio-in works great, however, the old school cigarette lighter can be made useful by adding a USB charger adapter plug-in for additional charging capabilities when friends and family are aboard.
Bath Mats – a couple of color matching bath mats make great accessories when docking for onloading/offloading of passengers when they have to use the seats to egress your boat.
Bow Inserts – ours came with all the extra ones, they fit extremely well using quality latches to hold them in place. They are pricey; however, I would say they are worth it for the two lounging chairs as they really make the difference. If you are going to be using the bow ladder for beaching, the center cushion is a bit of a pain to take in and out and when taking it out, folks have to move from the sets to put them underneath which usually already has stuff in it. Plus, they are not light weight so before ordering I would spend some time laying/sitting and think about your usage requirements at the dealer.
BlackStick Shade – OMG, this is a life changer and worth every dime spent on them. Well made, sturdy and unbelievably useful for providing shade. Ours came with the back unit in place and it holds up at cruising speed (25mph) + and does not whistle or make noise while using, you simply do not even notice it.
Bilge Pump Rear – Sticks a lot. YouTube showed how to clean the filter screen only Cobalt installers elected to use PVC Glue to hold it together so it is a total swap out / replacement. That is something that is on my punch-list.
*New builds have upgraded the Dual Consoles, my review is for folks purchasing
Structure/Safety/Performance/Appearance A+
The Good
Comparable to Mercedes, smooth quality ride, cuts 1-2’ waves like butter with minimal bouncing, jolts or structural groans while cruising along at 33mph with 12 adults onboard.
I am not sure if it is the Kevlar reinforced hull or composite transom, however, she feels solid and safe and the gas milage from the Yamaha 300 is a bonus. Guests have all commented on the solid feel of the ride at slow & high speed and the steering is exactly how folks have described – painless.
The Bad
Nothing that stands out worth mentioning
Dash/Instrumentation C+
The Good
The instrument cluster with Dual Garmin 7607 displays is very easy to read in the daylight and even better at dusk into the night. The USB ports, switches are very well placed and the chrome accents on the steering wheel are well placed so you do not burn your hands in the summer sun.
The Garmin 7607 has extensive custom display capabilities that allow you to create heads up displays that empower you to copy/cut/paste the information that you want to be displayed.
Take five minutes and watch some YouTube videos and you will be able to see how easy it is to accomplish – Left displays navigation and Right displays key data in 2” size font so I do not need my reading glasses – GPS Speed, Depth, Oil Pressure, Sunrise/Set, Fuel Level, Time. Also you can 1 button press to display a sweet Yamaha default screen with a lot more detailed information.
The Bad
Garmin EOL the 7607 model during 2020 so I am a loss on why they used it in lieu of the 7607 XSV as the XSV is extensible with integrations & modules for Traditional, clearvu and sidevu with fish finder capabilities, video and other goodies so you need to purchase an adapter $$$ if you want to integrate with other devices. As other Cobalt users have posted on CobaltChat forums, the fuel gauge and transducer are sorely lacking, sorely.
Stereo A+++
The Good
The base unit that comes with the SC25 just kicks ass, rock & roll, R&B, Classical and Smooth Jazz all sound amazing on the base system even when cruising at higher speeds with wind. Bluetooth paring is a snap, with XM integration and other apps – simple and straightforward. The Transom Stereo is a nice-to-have although the location placement if you have small kids could be an issue. If you are ordering, you might want to consider splurging on some tower cans to really put the sound out. Suggest you check that out on your demo ride with the dealer. Hint: Bring your own music to test with.
The Bad
Nothing that stands out worth mentioning
Exterior B+
The Good
The Cobalt SC25 is definitely a head turner when you pull up to the dock, restaurants or sandbar. Expect lots of questions, interest and permission to board and look around. Our grey/white simply looks elegant against the other boats, simply elegant.
Anchor Locker is well placed, Windshield is sold and when you hold the frame, you know it is a well built boat. The Fender Clips when used also add to the classy appearance and presentation. The cleats are well placed and are definitely upgraded from the usual ones found on cheaper presentations by Cobalt competitors. Graphics and Cobalt Badging are solid and polish up well. The railing is also upgraded, IMO from competitor boats and mounted solid on the craft, you don’t feel the give that some vendors have.
The Bad
Rusty Chinese knock-off screws, bolts and washers are staining the gelcoat and require constant attention otherwise they will get out-of-hand. Cobalt is victim like so many other vendors of having supplier issues. I am not referring to the Bimini which is supplied to Cobalt, I am referring to most of the rub-rail screws, cleats, swim platform, anchor plate and possibly even the rub-rail itself. I have pulled out over 15 screws from the rub-rail and replaced with real stainless-steel screws and when holding the new ones vs the installed ones, you can feel the difference immediately. Additionally, I compared the weight of one of the non-rusting to the rusting and you know they are from different suppliers. I have replaced most of the Bimini ones as well, again, they are victims of knock-offs. I have contacted my local dealer and will post their reply when I receive it. *If not for the Rust Issue, I would rate Exterior A++++
Interior B+
The Good
Elegant, Refined and Well Thought Out. We take out lots of family and friends and everyone complements on how look & feel of this boat. More people use Mercedes in their praise and it is well deserved. The seat stitching is amazing and it takes a long time (IMO) for the direct sunlight to get it hot enough where you want a towel between you and the material. The Helm Seat is extra wide and extremely comfortable with well-placed cup holder and storage area for your VHF, Cell and other at-hand-items. The walk-through door has a solid latch and if you are out and the weather turns a bit cold, when you button her up the wind is really cut back making it more enjoyable for everyone. Our Cobalt came with a pump out head, however, it has never been used and remains zip tied close.
The Bad
Again, the hinge lift screws under the seats have rust stained underneath side of the cushions and no amount of scrubbing seems to be able to remove it. I have already replaced with Stainless screws and cleaned the hinges/lift mechanism with WD40. I am slowly replacing most of the under-seat rubber gaskets and stoppers as they are not up to standard and have or are in the process of falling apart. The single biggest issue with the interior is large aft seat across the back – while amazing and definitely a crowd pleaser, one or two small drain holes do not adequately allow rain water to flow out requiring you remember to lift and drain the water out which happens to be towards the inside of the boat, not good. (I am thinking of adding a few additional holes to remedy).
Option Upgrades that our 25SC came with:
Options Upgrades: A+
300 Yamaha – Love this Engine, burns clean and just a solid performer
Arch, white (Fwd Folding) W/Bimini, Ebony – some rust leakage at mounts
Battery Maintainer/charger (110v) – works flawlessly
Battery Switch W/Acr-dual – works flawlessly
Bow & Transom Shower Package – Nice, recommend
Bow Cushion Insert (port & stbd) – Nice, recommend
Bow Tonneau Cover, Ebony – Good Quality, recommend
Cockpit Tono Cover, Ebony - Good Quality, recommend
Flagpole W/flag – Heavy Duty, feels solid and it is
Led Interior Accent Lighting, r/g/b – Good Quality, nice to have
Pump Out Porta Potti – N/A, we don’t intend to use
Sof-trac Mat (c/pit&bow Snap-in) titan/blk – Good Quality, recommend
Transom Stereo Remote – nice to have, buyer beware, located along the floor it could be very, very easy for little ones or adults to step on the knob and kill the unit.
MISC
100 HR Service, On Water, Yamaha certified mechanic, $377.00 said the motor and associated break-in review was AOK.
Transom/Depth Error – As found on a number of CobaltChat and other forum entries, a number of folks have had issues with inaccurate readings or no readings with respect to “what is my current depth” when operating in normal/cloudy/sandy/churned up water and I can be counted among them.
Following advice given on CobaltChat, the solution that has worked wonders for me and some other local Cobalt owners is to go forward with some speed and then quickly change into reverse with enough force to shake/stir the fluid in the transom bracket holding it in place in the hull. You may have to do it a couple of times and please make sure passengers are sitting down before you do it. I have found that I need to do it if I have not taken her out for a while. So the easiest thing when pulling away from the dock is to simply ‘shake-her’ and you are all set.
Garbage – a couple of Lowes/Home Depot/BBB bathroom suction cup hooks on the inside of the head door makes a perfect place and easy access for your community garbage bag
Port Side Vanity Locker – the USB & Mini Port for Audio-in works great, however, the old school cigarette lighter can be made useful by adding a USB charger adapter plug-in for additional charging capabilities when friends and family are aboard.
Bath Mats – a couple of color matching bath mats make great accessories when docking for onloading/offloading of passengers when they have to use the seats to egress your boat.
Bow Inserts – ours came with all the extra ones, they fit extremely well using quality latches to hold them in place. They are pricey; however, I would say they are worth it for the two lounging chairs as they really make the difference. If you are going to be using the bow ladder for beaching, the center cushion is a bit of a pain to take in and out and when taking it out, folks have to move from the sets to put them underneath which usually already has stuff in it. Plus, they are not light weight so before ordering I would spend some time laying/sitting and think about your usage requirements at the dealer.
BlackStick Shade – OMG, this is a life changer and worth every dime spent on them. Well made, sturdy and unbelievably useful for providing shade. Ours came with the back unit in place and it holds up at cruising speed (25mph) + and does not whistle or make noise while using, you simply do not even notice it.
Bilge Pump Rear – Sticks a lot. YouTube showed how to clean the filter screen only Cobalt installers elected to use PVC Glue to hold it together so it is a total swap out / replacement. That is something that is on my punch-list.
*New builds have upgraded the Dual Consoles, my review is for folks purchasing
