Looking to buy a used Cobalt

[CDN27]

Hello everyone,

After years of owning and running performance boats I'm looking to move to something a bit more family friendly and an ad came up on Marketplace for a 1998 Cobalt 190.I joined the forum today to learn as much as I can about these boats to help inform my decision. I know boats, I know a Cobalt is generally a big step up from the crowded field of Bayliners, Grews, Larsons, etc. so I'm excited about owning one and enjoying it with my family.

I'm set to do an inspection of it this week and would like to know what the "look fors" are on these boats. It's said to have a couple minor gelcoat cracks on the "wings" at the back of the hull but nothing on the transom where to drive mounts up. I was told there's some very minor osmosis which I will obviously have a look at but I believe that's kind of par for the course on something this old. The price would be $16,000 Canadian Dollars so just under $12,000 USD, does this sound about right? 5.0L Volvo GL, Volvo SX, some recent work, hours approximated at a few hundred. Interior and gelcoat are in excellent condition.

Anyways, hope to contribute more to the community if and when I make this purchased.

[Roy J]

I don't know much about the 190 because I have a rare Cobalt '98 inboard tournament ski boat (202cs). What I can say is that I've owned my boat since new and it has been a fabulous boat. The build quality is excellent, particularly the hull, and I believe my boat will last as long as I want it to. Other boats have wood stringers that can rot and cause lots of problems, but I don't think any of the Cobalts have that problem. Mechanically, some things wear out, but putting money into replacing parts will keep the boat running well and you will have a reliable boat. I don't think you can find a better brand in that price range that will serve you for a long, long time. My maintenance strategy is to change the oil, impeller and other wear items regularly and then fix things when they break or wear out. My alternator lasted 20 years. I also replaced the interior about 10 years ago. My boat looks almost new.

I have an inboard Ford 351 based PCM engine which has been extremely reliable. I've replaced a starter and an alternator. I actually just changed my plugs for the first time and they were pristine. I had to replace the front main seal on my transmission. I also replaced my steering cable, which will wear out over time.

Even if you have to replace the engine on this boat, I think it will be a great deal. If it only has a few hundred hours that could be a problem. Engines need to run. That being said, mine has sat for a year without running and it still performs great. My guess is that you will have some teething pains, but when you work through those you'll have a great boat.

[AsLan7]

.
So glad you found us CDN....

Older Cobalts were built like tanks but the downside is replacing the vinyl products as Cobalt does not stock anything older than seven years. The good thing is the boutique manufacturing makes other parts easier to find such as Bennett tab parts, livorsi marine, attwood bilge pumps, etc.

The 190 is one of the top models to come out of the factory in Neodesha, KS.

Others will chime in shortly.

And welcome aboard mate.

.

[Jimmy Buoy]

Asking such a question on a Cobalt chat site might just give you a pretty bias response. However, I can say that since buying my 20+yr old Cobalt last Fall she has totally impressed me! After restoring some neglected gelcoat and some other minor items I launched and arrived at my seasonal dock. Ever since, I have been inundated with so many positive comments like "that boat can't be more than 10yrs old" and "wow, that's one nice Cobalt - are you ok hanging out with us regular boats?"

Some of the difference is quality of materials used but the engineering and thought that goes into the design makes a huge difference. It just works!

Not sure about your area, but where I live it really is SeaRay country. Cobalts are rare as hen's teeth here. I have to admit - I enjoy having something rather special.

Good luck with your decision!

IMG_4849.jpeg

IMG_4846.jpeg

IMG_5011.jpeg

IMG_5057.jpeg

[Roy J]

That is a good looking boat!

[Jimmy Buoy]

That is a good looking boat!

Thanks! Happy 4th to you and yours tomorrow!