Cobaltchat.com

I have been boating for 30+ years and preparing to purchase my 1st Cobalt. I have been looking at tow different boats here in the area over the past couple of weeks and I will be preparing to go look at them this weekend. Just have a couple of questions.

1st boat - 1996 232 BR w/7.4 carb mercruiser 300 hp 440 hrs = Rated for 8 passengers or 1440 lbs - Boat weighs about 3500 lbs ish

2nd boat - 1998 232 BR w/7.4 Volvo Penta 360 hp and captain's call = Rated for 11 passengers or 1770 lbs Dry weight of 4k lbs.

Both boats look to be in great condition. The 1st boat is a one owner and sounds pretty immaculate. - It has both a travel cover and the original winter cover but no trailer. 2nd boat only has snap on cover, includes a trailer, and aftermarket wake board tower.

>> What is the difference between the two boats that results in the 1998 being an 11 passenger vs 8? This is per the tag inside of the boat. They both look identical.
>> I have always owned Mercruiser. Will the Volvo offer same ease of repairs, dependability, and performance. Volvo is fuel injected.

Trailer would be nice to have, but not required as I have a 6k lb boat lift that I am hoping will not struggle lifting the boat. I could take or leave the wake board tower. Thoughts. THX

The only spec from the Cobalt manuals that changes from 1996 to 1998 is that the weight goes up from 3500lb to 3880lb. I would think the additional 380lb would move them in the opposite direction, reducing the number of passengers the boat could accommodate.

I wonder if their testing methods or capacity formulas changed between years? Maybe the extra weight stiffened the boat up to accommodate extra horsepower, and that also affected capacity somehow? Either way, I tend to automatically lean toward the newer boat but these are old enough I'd pick the one that seems to be in the best shape.

Anybody else have any insight?

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So glad you found us jp19...

Not sure about the certification plate change but I will say that having both carbureted and fuel injected boats; hands down fuel injected for the ease of starting, reliability, and ease of use.

We have owned both Merc and VP. No issues with either at our marina in PA. It seems parts availability may be a little faster with Merc in our experience.

Keep us posted.

And welcome aboard mate!
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AsLan7 wrote: Wed Jan 08, 2025 6:56 pm .
So glad you found us jp19...

Not sure about the certification plate change but I will say that having both carbureted and fuel injected boats; hands down fuel injected for the ease of starting, reliability, and ease of use.

We have owned both Merc and VP. No issues with either at our marina in PA. It seems parts availability may be a little faster with Merc in our experience.

Keep us posted.

And welcome aboard mate!
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jhnmdahl wrote: Wed Jan 08, 2025 5:35 pm The only spec from the Cobalt manuals that changes from 1996 to 1998 is that the weight goes up from 3500lb to 3880lb. I would think the additional 380lb would move them in the opposite direction, reducing the number of passengers the boat could accommodate.

I wonder if their testing methods or capacity formulas changed between years? Maybe the extra weight stiffened the boat up to accommodate extra horsepower, and that also affected capacity somehow? Either way, I tend to automatically lean toward the newer boat but these are old enough I'd pick the one that seems to be in the best shape.

Anybody else have any insight?

Thanks for reply. I was wondering if they added some material to the structure that would make it be rated for more people or just re-evaluated. I went and looked at the 1998 today and it was somewhat of a letdown. It needs a bunch of interior work and the exterior is extremely faded. Might come to life with a sanding and polish but not sure I want that kind of a project. The 1996 won't be like that. It is clean as a pin and pretty lower hours at 444. However, I really wish it was rated for more than 8 people and was fuel injected. But I would probably have to spend more than $11k. There has to be something in the structure that changed the boat that much I would say.

I think it was right in the 97' time frame that Cobalt went to an all composite construction. Foam transom in all boats in 97' that could add to the additional rating. Could just be the difference between a "wood" boat and an all composite construction. All composite, fuel injected would be my choice. Its January in Missouri so you have some time to keep looking if your not finding exactly what you want!

Very true, sounds like it would be much more desirable if it was a 1997 or 1998 with fuel injection. I think someone mentioned that in 1996 it would still have the composite stringers, but still the wooden transom. THX for reply. That must have something to do with the weight of the boat and the ratings.

Unless you have unusual circumstances, like lots of kids, you don't want 11 people on a 232. 7 or 8 people is crowded.

Also+1 for fuel injection. I would think it is harder to find guys that can work on a carb in many locations.

I own a 1998 232 with 7.4 gi. The engineIs has 310hp. The thing to remember is torque. My pet peeve getting the boat on plane with tons of people and beer. With previous boats I’ve owned, I’ve had to get people to move up to the bow. Pretty embarrassing.