Buying 2012 276... help

[zaayer276]

I am looking at a 2012 276 with 101 hours. I had my surveyor take it out. It ran 50 mph at 5000 rpm. So good so far. After 10 minutes of running the boat, it went into limp mode. It had overheated. Our guess is that the impeller needs replaced. The surveyor also said the manifolds and risers need replaced. There is a little rust around the O2 sensors. We believe that they are orginal. Also the fuel pump assembly is noisy. It also needs replaced. The agreed price is $52000. My question: This seems like a great deal. I am having trouble finding the price on the riser/manifold. The boat has the VP 8.1 GiC with the catalysts. I believe the riser/manifold is really pricy for this engine? Does anyone know of an approximate price for the parts?
Are these fixes deal breakers?
Thank you for all your help!!!! I have learned so much from lurking here the past week.
Brian Zaayer

[Big Block Power]

First this sounds like a salty boat. Are you a salt water boater?
Your going to have easy another 4k into this and I don't think it's going to stop there.

[zaayer276]

This is a salt water boat. It is in the Chesapeake Bay. I plan on using it as a fresh water boat. The boat was a covered lift kept boat. The boat itself has very little corrosion execpt for a few chain links on the windless.
The surveyor did not seem too worried about the salt water if I were to change the risers and manifolds. The is no noticable rust other than the slight residue of rust near the O2 sensors. He said the fuel pump assembly still works but the sound is indictive of future failure.
I did see a sensor package that replaced the O2 sensors that will allow you to install the standard 8.1Gi risers and exhaust manifolds.
I should be able to replace everything myself. It looks like the parts will run me about $2000. Is there something I should look out for before I close on this boat? Our should I run?
Just fyi, the surveyor did not see any immediate problems with the risers or manifolds, but cautioned that they are due for replacement after 10 years.

[AsLan7]

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Hey Brian. So glad you found us!

Any pics of this 100 hour 276? That may help as a picture is worth a thousand words.

I avoid saltwater boats like the plague but that’s just me. Could be a good deal if the surveyor didn’t uncover any major concerns. Be prepared though to have a backup fund to bring this Cobalt up to speed.

And welcome aboard mate!

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[zaayer276]

Here are 2 of the pictures we took during our sea trial with the surveyor.

[Big Block Power]

Sorry I'm not a salty on a fresh water environment. Again I would never buy a boat that is already showing issues. But thats me.

[Krob1114]

This is a salt water boat. It is in the Chesapeake Bay. I plan on using it as a fresh water boat. The boat was a covered lift kept boat. The boat itself has very little corrosion execpt for a few chain links on the windless.
The surveyor did not seem too worried about the salt water if I were to change the risers and manifolds. The is no noticable rust other than the slight residue of rust near the O2 sensors. He said the fuel pump assembly still works but the sound is indictive of future failure.
I did see a sensor package that replaced the O2 sensors that will allow you to install the standard 8.1Gi risers and exhaust manifolds.
I should be able to replace everything myself. It looks like the parts will run me about $2000. Is there something I should look out for before I close on this boat? Our should I run?
Just fyi, the surveyor did not see any immediate problems with the risers or manifolds, but cautioned that they are due for replacement after 10 years.

When I read this post, I almost get the feeling that you're trying to talk yourself into this purchase.
I've never seen or heard of any good stories involving salt water boats going to fresh water.

[dustinm]

A boat like this would only be feasible to own if you do all your own work. We need to see engine and out drive photos.

[zaayer276]

I do most of the work myself on my current boat. I was unaware that a salt water boat was such a problem. I thought that if you change out the manifolds and risers that would take care of the majority of the problems. But that is why I'm here ... To learn.
If it helps, the comparable boats sold were $30,000 more. That info was in my boat survey.
I still have time to walk away. Just not much time. I am 400 miles from home looking at this.

[sailor55330]

First, good luck and welcome.

I have owned boats in the salt water environment (cruising sailboats) and while many do use their Cobalts in salt, I personally do not believe that Cobalt builds boats for salt water in general. Salt is the cancer of the boating world---it doesn't care how you take care of the boat, it's going to find the weak spot and attack--even on boats that were built for blue water cruising.

In addition to the risers and the manifolds, how does the outdrive look--and for that matter, any part that has salt water going through it.

You're right, you can probably get the manifolds and risers for about 2k, but then there's the other parts that go with it it....hoses, fuel pump and then the issue of why it overheated...impeller, maybe, temp sensors? Who knows. Do your diligence and ask for maintenance records if you can get them. If you think it will cost about $2k to get her right, then I'd plan on $5k, which is in line with what BBP said. Parts for these monsters can be brutal!

She is pretty!

[Grand Lake Bum]

Agree with the salt water concerns but with eyes wide open and after fully investigating the issues with this boat it may be a good buy. I am trading my 2011 276 that I purchased new this fall when my new boat arrives. The dealer has valued my boat at $82,000 with 500 hours on the engine. But mine is a fresh water boat. The fact that this boat appears very clean and only has 101 hours on the engine is appealing.

[zaayer276]

Well I did end up purchasing it. I pick it up on Saturday! I am excited and nervous. We found that the overheating was due to an impeller. Now it is time to get her all shiny and take a closer look at that engine. At that price it was too beautiful to pass up. I will post pictures when I get her home.

[thunderfli]

Congratulations! Sometimes it’s best to just trust your gut and jump in!

[AsLan7]

Congratulations! Sometimes it’s best to just trust your gut and jump in!

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Hey thunderfli. So glad you found us!

Are you a Cobalt owner?…. Would love to see pics.

And welcome aboard mate!

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[dustinm]

Well I did end up purchasing it. I pick it up on Saturday! I am excited and nervous. We found that the overheating was due to an impeller. Now it is time to get her all shiny and take a closer look at that engine. At that price it was too beautiful to pass up. I will post pictures when I get her home.

Congrats!!!