Cobaltchat.com

Looking at a 2012 Cobolt 276 BR.
What should I be aware of. I boat at lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. I currently have a 2004 270 Searay Sundeck in the shop that needs $12k in repairs. Mostly for a new drive. I’m not sure we want to put that back in the boat so we’re exploring our options. What I don’t want to do is get an even more expensive boat and have more costly repairs!! The description for the Cobalt is as follows:

Only 367 Hours 380 HP V-8 This is a clean 28 foot Cobalt bow-rider with a 380 hp Volvo penta V8, duo prop Drive, factory tower, cover, bow and cockpit flooring, walk-through transom, enclosed head, AM/FM stereo, and more. Price does not include Trailer but we have used if available for $4900 or new for $6900. Financing and delivery are available. We accept trades.

So pay the repairs on the 2004 Searay that we don’t particularly love or start from scratch with another used boat that we do love and roll the dice?! I tend to think that any used boat is rolling the dice. However does Cobalt tend to be more reliable than Searay? One thing that concerns me is the Alabama regs. However there are plenty of fresh water lakes there. I haven't seen the boat in person yet.

So glad you found us NP.

That’s an easy decision. Go for the Cobalt. 2012 models were still relatively reliable and this one has low hours for a 2012. The average is 50 hours per year similar to 12000 miles per year on vehicles.

The only issue with this one is it’s underpowered with a single 380 horse. I’d rather see the VP 420 or Merc 425 hp motor. Or better yet twin small blocks in a 28 footer for maneuverability. (especially in crosswinds at the dock).

Other than that, go for it. You won’t be disappointed.
Others will chime in shortly with their opinions.

And welcome aboard mate!

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" . . . boat that we do love and roll the dice?!"

Go with your first love. But don't roll the dice. Get a marine survey. There are surveyors all over AL.

I second what Kate and Aslan said - the 276 is a very good boat, but I'd get a competent shop to go through it before buying it. I'm not sure the 276 was ever offered with twin engines as the 296 was - I haven't seen any online, and the brochure from that year doesn't mention it as an option Note the brochure also suggests there was a single Volvo Penta engine offered, rated at 400hp - see https://cobaltboats.com/art/brochures/Cobalt_2012.pdf and I think you'd be happy with that choice.