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Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 9:44 am
by Yogi Bear
New to The Forum here. Looking at two used older Cobalts. One is a 1997 with a 350 mag Captain's call 500 hours new block 50 hours on the new block , supposedly it was cracked from the improper winterization. Boat is okay upholstery is okay not bad. The other is a 2003 5.7 gxi 380 hours swim platform Etc. Both are dual prop and the 97 is the MPI Gen 4. I like the Captain's call but not sure that that may have contributed to a cracked block. The 97 they're asking 18K for in the 2003 they want 28k for. But 2003 is immaculate. Appreciate comments on ride of each boats and any other comments. Both are on trailers both have paperwork and have been serviced. Both have wakeboard towers LOL. Personally I like the walk through transom of the 93 226 I do have two dogs that will go along. But there is a $10,000 difference.
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 10:11 am
by kbloom72
I would go for the newer boat. The 226 hull is known for it's great ride and handling. The walk thru transom as you mentioned will be appreciated when everyone (and your dogs) aren't stepping on your seats. I had a 2001 206 with the 5.7 Merc and it was a rocket ship.
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 6:52 pm
by Yogi Bear
Thanks..driving to Salt Lake tomorrow...we ll see.
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2023 8:34 pm
by AsLan7
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Hey yogi bear. So glad you found us.
Both are good options but the newer Cobalt would be my choice as well. Walk through is the bomb. Immaculate condition is a big plus.
And welcome aboard mate.
.
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2023 8:52 am
by Dhooghe81
Newer, swim platform, and side entry gets my vote......everytime. my new boat doesn't have captain's call and I'm fine with it. Condition is everything in my opinion.
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2023 9:21 am
by SeattleA28
Fund spending other people's money

......But yes, the newer boat sounds like it checks more boxes - immaculate, swim platform, walkthrough, cleaner mechanical history (theoretically) and overall newer design. Put this together and the cost gap overtime will likely close due to maintenance and depreciation. Just my 2cents. Let us know what you do.
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2023 5:39 pm
by jhnmdahl
Get the 2003. You can clean up the older boat a bit, but you can never take care of it on behalf of the previous owners and make it the boat that the 2003 will be. Please keep us posted!
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2023 8:14 am
by Big Block Power
So what did you buy? 226 I bet

Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Fri Jun 16, 2023 7:04 pm
by Yogi Bear
Yep bought the 226 2003. The 97 220 was a bit of a disappointment had to wait till the next day to look at the 226 well worth it very clean except for a few rust bits starting to show on the trailer. Don't know how to post a pic yet maybe somebody could tell me but I'm sure I'm going to have a lot of questions. This thing originally had the pitot speedometer then it had the Paddle Wheel and now it has the Stargazer. Not sure about the depth finder. All fluids impellers filters Etc have been serviced and look good. Steering wheel looks like it seemed better days and I've looked online for the original don't seem like there's any available rest of the boat is immaculate you could eat off the engine LOL I'll have more when I get into it thanks guys appreciate it
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 8:23 pm
by Dudley67
This post is BS without pics..

Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 9:12 pm
by Yogi Bear
Well this is funny I'm visiting the site trying to figure out how to post pics and did not post anything per set and yet somebody says it's BS. I get it can somebody tell me how to post pics and continue my conversations thank you very much
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 9:24 pm
by RWM250
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Yogi Bear wrote: Thu Jun 22, 2023 9:12 pm
Well this is funny I'm visiting the site trying to figure out how to post pics and did not post anything per set and yet somebody says it's BS. I get it can somebody tell me how to post pics and continue my conversations thank you very much
Go to the ( " ) quotation mark on the message, hit the picture button above all the imoji faces, 'attachments" buttons, "files" button, and choose where your pics are located. Choose pictures and submit.
Hopefully that helps Yogi.
Welcome aboard!!
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:24 pm
by Yogi Bear
Damn I got to be missing something. Cannot figure out how how to attach a picture. Am I supposed to be signing up for something?
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:34 pm
by Yogi Bear

Yogi Bear wrote: Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:24 pm
Damn I got to be missing something. Cannot figure out how how to attach a picture. Am I supposed to be signing up for something?
Re: Buying 2003-226 or 1997 220
Posted: Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:41 pm
by Yogi Bear