Should I buy a cobalt? Even an older one?

[Corey]

Hi everyone. Found this forum a few days ago, and been reading non stop. I currently have a 2002 crownline 22’ on a NY lake. It’s been a great boat, never had any issues, but it’s showing its age. Kids are now older (college) and I’ve been eyeing a cobalt A25 for sale down the street from me. But it’s a 2014. It’s in great condition, but still it’s 10 years. Wondering if the upholstery etc will begin to tear…. And worried I’ll be kicking myself going from a boat that starts every time to a boat I know nothing about! However, it looks like a beauty. For the same price I could get into a newer Chapparal….. but now that I’ve seen the Cobalt I can’t get it out of my mind! Any of you have thoughts on it?

[Howl Yes 242]

That A25 is a beautiful boat and really high end finishes. I prefer the R series to the A series, but that is just me. The Chap is a good boat, but it will never be a Cobalt.

[milkerson10]

We bought a 2012 Cobalt A28 in 2019 and we love it. We have never had any issues with ours beside a solenoid replacement on the hydraulic swim platform. They are very well made boats.

[billk2632]

Last year I bought a 2014 R5 to replace my 1999 SeaRay. SeaRay was still in very good condition at 24yrs old. The Cobalt still looks and and runs like new. I think Cobalt does a better job, upholstery fittings etc seem a step above. Taken care of, 10yrs on a boat is not really old.

[Corey]

I understand this model has been discontinued. Will parts etc be difficult to get/replace in the future? Right now it is missing one of the sea grass mats… will have to see if I can order new ones directly from Cobalt or aftermarket!

[billk2632]

Cobalt generally does not keep parts after 7yrs. But most things were not true Cobalt parts, things like carpet, covers hardware can be bought from the original suppliers. Carpet in particular is easy - I had to replace a piece of mine.

[Cctvdc]

Just got replacement sea grass for my R7 and can only be bought in complete sets not individually thru my Cobalt dealer. I had explored different company’s for replacement but did not have success in finding exact color and material. Sea grass comes with Cobalt snaps that need to be installed on sea grass. Existing sea grass is in good shape and will last a few more seasons but I wanted to get it before it becomes unavailable i got it from Cobalt to keep our boat as it came out of the factory.

[Roy J]

Eventually you will have to replace the interior in any boat. I replaced mine in my '98 202cs when it was about 15 years old. I replaced it exactly like original and the replacement interior is holding up really well, and the boat looks like new. It wasn't too expensive and not a big deal. I've kept my '98 Cobalt in excellent condition and it is a reliable and beautiful boat. You can keep the boat in like-new condition if you want to and it will give many, many years of service, and it is much cheaper than buying a new boat.

[pchoate1]

@ MILKERSON10
I have an A25 and the swim platform stopped working last weekend. You mentioned you had to replace a solenoid on yours, can describe where this solenoid is and part number. I have wiring diagrams but not sure where all of the components are located.
Thanks.

[jhnmdahl]

I have a 210 that's an early 2015, so about the same age, and it's kept indoors and covered when not being used. It's pretty close to new condition, even after ten years. Things like foam backing on seagrass carpet will eventually wear out from age if not from use, but don't show signs of it yet. I would expect this boat to stay looking a lot like a new boat for another 10-20 years unless something unfortunate happens.