246 bow rider big block/mercury

[Bigjimmy82]

Apologies that this is my first post, but seems like a good group here!

Looking for 2nd boat and first Cobalt! Will be replacing a 19’ Rinker cuddy cabin. Need more room for family and would like more power(can’t hurt right!). We’re set on a 246 with a mag454 or 8.1, and captains call. Have room to store inside, so would like to get a nice example and keep it that way!

Thanks in advance for any leads!

[AsLan7]

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Hey BJ82. So glad you found us!

A few questions. Do you need the trailer with this boat? Are you willing to travel? Any other models or years you would consider?

Bigblockpower can scour the earth with his uncanny ability to locate boat bargains. He’ll chime in shortly.

Let’s get you a Cobalt.

And welcome aboard mate!
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[Krob1114]

Welcome aboard. Good luck in your search. I'm not familiar with the 246. I've seen a lot of 242s. What is the difference?

[dustinm]

Can't go wrong with a 242 bigblock and CC!!! Good looking and sounding boats

[Big Block Power]

Welcome aboard. Good luck in your search. I'm not familiar with the 246. I've seen a lot of 242s. What is the difference?

It's got a 6 after the 4

[Bigjimmy82]

AsLan7 thank you for the warm welcome! I would need a trailer, but if the boat was right wouldn’t mind having to buy a trailer.

Could also entertain a 232, but would want a (2000+ I think) that have the walk through transom. I think the 226 would be a bit to small for the river we will frequent and a 262 would take up too much of the new barn haha!

Krob, yep the 246 is just older model. 242’s are just a bit out of my price range and the newer boats that size don’t seem to get the big block/cc options as much. CC was standard on the big blocks from 2000-2004 I think, so that helps.

[Big Block Power]

I wish CC was standard in those years. I would have it. Nope option.

[Bigjimmy82]

Best I can tell from brochures it was standard with the mercruiser’s/big block, you are right though, option on Volvo w/big block

[Big Block Power]

I take it you looked at the ones on boat trader and some Craigslist?
What's your budget?
The 232 is a great boat also. Also a bunch more of them out there.

[Bigjimmy82]

Yes, only 2 out there on boat trader now. Agreed on a 232, that would work as long as walk-thru transom. Goal is ~$30k.

[AsLan7]

Definitely slim pickings. Tough time a year with already limited used boats on the market Still such a sellers market.

[Bigjimmy82]

Yep, just keeping an eye and that’s what brought me here! I missed out on one a few weeks back, so don’t want to let another one get away.

[dustinm]

Heres something that Ive been keeping an eye on. Thought about selling our CS and buying it.

https://www.parksmarina.com/used-boats/ ... 02bcadc23/

[AsLan7]

Heres something that Ive been keeping an eye on. Thought about selling our CS and buying it.

https://www.parksmarina.com/used-boats/ ... 02bcadc23/

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I can highly recommend the 262 hull. Make sure you have a tow vehicle that can handle it. With trailer, fluids and gear it will top out at over 6500 pounds.

[Pilotmike]

I bought my 2002 246 in North Carolina on Lake Norman in 2019. 283 original hours and in beautiful shape, but it took some time and willingness to drive from Nashville to get it. Pre-pandemic is the issue here. Inventory is going to be very scarce and at a sellers premium.

As for the 246, it's a sweet ride and very roomy, plenty of storage and the 5.7 has nice pull. If your a speed demon its not for you, although I couldn't tell you how fast because I've never ran it WOT. About 4000 is as hard as I've pushed it, and I'm not an old dolt here. My last ride was a Caravelle Interceptor 232, sleek, fast and loud, and very fun. 63 WOT unloaded, 55 with the mother-in-law and cooler. (She never asked to come back out).

I've had many offers on this boat since I've had it and no-one can believe its nearly 20 years old. People are hungry for these boats, and if the offers keep coming in are greater than I can refuse, well, Ill miss my wife cuz she will kill me. But I'm not stupid either.