Cobalt

JeffN

JeffN

Active member
Member
Joined
Mar 6, 2001
RO Number
3672
Messages
1,369
Looking at an older Cobalt, 1986 Condurre in nice shape. Anyone have any comments on Cobalt or this model?
 
Both of my sons have owned Cobalts in the 22' range. They are considered the Cadillac of boats in their size range, are extremly well buit with excellent fit and finish. I would also expect that you would receive very good factory support should any questions arise. That said the boat you are looking at is still 25 years old and warrants thorough inspection and possibly a survey depending on how much risk you are willing to take.
 
Cobalt is a very well built boat. It is an extremely heavy boat for it's size. Make sure it is powered adequately to meet your needs. I have been in some that were not (base power). Very disappointing, considering the money spent.
 
'The Cadillac of fibreglass boats.' Remember when Sea Ray used that line in the 60s?

True enough about the survey-a $-5k boat can double fairly easily in price.

You all think they're on par with Formula?
 
quote:
Originally posted by JeffN

'The Cadillac of fibreglass boats.' Remember when Sea Ray used that line in the 60s?

True enough about the survey-a $-5k boat can double fairly easily in price.

You all think they're on par with Formula?

Click to expand...


Not even close to a Formula. Two different boats with two different purposes.
 
Hmm, 2 opposing opinions or did you mean far superior, Dave?

The 2 boats, about the same year, would have been in the category, 23' cuddie/go fast.
 
Disagree Paul. The finish is comparable. Check the "things" that should be through bolted and make sure they are not screwed in. Formulas are designed to run rough water. Not all Cobalts are. IIRC, the most comparable Formula would be a 242LS. 24* deadrise vs. 20*. In this case, the Cobalt will get kicked in anything but light chop. However, teak platform vs. built in glass platform. Cobalt has them there. The Formula had a base 350ci/260hp alpha setup. It was a max speed mid 40mph slug. Not sure about the Cobalt's setup, but as I said, I've been on a slug or two. The Cobalt is a nice lake/river boat. I would not be afraid to, and have, run a comparably Formula outside (well within sight of land) and ran back in without spinal compression.

A lot depends on how JeffN is going to use the boat in Vero Beach, FL.
 
This was the Formula I missed , for various reasons, last year, a LS-3, 22.5'. It sure looks more offshore than the Condurre which is lower profile.

1024i.jpg


Cobalt.jpg
 
And I'd in the flat chop of Indian R. mainly, sometimes taking it on the road to who knows where but not much offshore if at all. Maybe the keys(in my dreams).
 
And from a former owner:

'We had a 1987 223 Conduree with a single 454 and Alpha drive. Very well made boat and great in calm water too small for the rough stuff though.'
 
quote:
Originally posted by JeffN

And from a former owner:...single 454 and Alpha drive. ....
Click to expand...


Hummm. Alpha's can't handle that power.
 
True, so I've heard. This one is a small block.
 
I had the fishing version of your top pix. It got vandalized and I sold it to my mechanics nephew. He pulled the engine (can't say what he did about the drive) and put in a 454. That became an honest 60MPH top end boat with a 30 MPH cruise. He used it and may still be using it in the Chessie.

For 98% river/light chop, I think a Cobalt would be a better choice. A lesser deadrise would decrease fuel consumption and at rest, would not rock as much on the hook. IMO, there is such a thing as too much boat based on the majority of your boating needs just as there is such a thing as too little.
 
quote:
Originally posted by KiDa

IMO, there is such a thing as too much boat based on the majority of your boating needs just as there is such a thing as too little.

Click to expand...


Now we're delving in to that danger zone of 'size'. I'm looking at lowest cost/size I can live with for 90% of my actual boating. Maybe down the road sometime in the next few years, going bigger will be on the board but now, just piddling around the region is fine, visiting friends 25 miles up river, day tripping to spoil islands, etc.

Otherwise, I'd have been on those 2 carvers on ebay that went yesterday, remarkably, a 4206 w/diesels for $30k and a 39 cockpit for $20k-absolutely stunning prices.
 
I was speaking of utility vs. size. There are a couple of 45+ Ocean Sport Fishers in the James River. IMO, a tad too much boat. I've never seen anybody set outriggers to troll for bass. I've also seen folks in the Chessie fishing in 16 footers off the bridge tunnel. Not my idea of a great day.

WRT the Carver. Times are tough. Who know's the why. I saw a 1970ish 42 Viking go for the price of the new engines because the owner could not find a decent mech and was tired of the BS. The boat was paid for. I believe it went for somewhere around 65-70K.
 
Ah, gotcha on the size. Sales figures are amazing but an inexpressibly sad reflection on things. The only thing that's gone up are Krugerrands and the Euro$ for no good reason.

One other frustration is that we moved to a wealthy podunk in FL that has the worst buying selection for almost anything-1st time I ever had to travel to shop to find things to buy(a common compliant here). Every boat here is a flats, fishing, deck or pontoon-next to no 'pleasure' boats so I'm resorting to online shopping. Finding a boat in FL should be as easy a receiving communion in the Vatican...
 
My brother had a 90 or 91 version of the same boat with a 5.7 and Volvo DP. Beautiful boat. But, they had carpeted decks, be careful with that because carpet holds moisture which can cause the plywood deck beneath to start to rot. Get the whole boat checked carefully for rot...
 
As can be seen in sig. I am and have been a Cobalt owner and lover for several years. That said, I feel the Condure line is a little less heavy water friendly than the older 'Classic' line. I had a '79 19 foot runabout, great boat after I replaced the rotten floor, (fresh water boat, 30 years old), now have a '89 21 foot CC, Classic Cuddy. Deep, heavy, stable boat. Solid build, thick glass, aluminum plate molded into the gunnels. Still the same power as the other offerings, Merc, Volvo, Yamaha. I have the base power Merc. 260 Alpha 1. Ya it is a little under powered, cruises at 30-32 kmh rb2@gr5t 3600 rpm, and is a little over propped as I can only get about 58 kmh at 4000 rpm, should be able to get at little higher WOT.
But even after 30 and 22 years respectively, both boats were/are tight, solid and in excellent condition. I would and do highly recommend Cobalt boats.
If you are looking at a 23 foot, the Condessa, which is the classic style cuddy is available with twin screws, up to a 454 engine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top