cobalt 263 ,offshore boat advise

[Dell uk]

Hi everyone ,ive been boating for a season now ,its brought back some great childhood memories and yes I'm completely addicted .

Few questions really I had a maxum 2100sc with a 5.0 220bhp mer in it.
I just do the usual runs, pool, Yarmouth ,lymington etc etc I'm moored up in x-church. I want to buy a quicker boat with better sea handling but without the weight of a sports cruiser and not twin engine . I'm set on whatever boat I get it must have a 496 ho engine in it as all I want from my new boat is something to have fun and go fast on,im not looking to do long distance trips I just want a fun boat to do day trips on but with a bit more comfort than a donzi or a baja and a lot better handling than the maxum.I looked at a 275 ccr and 250 ccr but the massive weight has put me off. I really like the cobalt 263 . whats the mer 496 ho like on fuel ? it costs me 45 pounds to Yarmouth n back atm on wot? has anyone got any recommendation's on offshore power boats with a cuddy? I like the 271 fastech by formula but cant find one . I seem to find everything I want in the states and even Europe.Is it more trouble than its worth to go down the import route? great forums ,many thanks dell )

 

[Kieronm]

Hi Dell, I have just sold a Baja 26 Outlaw fitted with 496 HO, lovely engine (can be a bit thirsty at WOT), there is a really nice formula 27 SS for sale at Network Yachts Pwllheli which has the Volvo equivalent of the Merc fitted, very nice boat, low hours and mint condition, worth a look.

 

[julians]

that engine will be thirsty, but if you're willing to pay the costs then will be a load of fun. You'll struggle to sell it when you've finished with it though.

I cant comment specifically on the cobalt, but I'd imagine it will do what you want perfectly well, they look like nice boats though and were on my shortlist before I bought a Windy 25.

The Windy 25, I would suggest would be a good fit for what you want, apart from I dont think it was ever made with that large a petrol engine, it usually came with a diesel engine (maybe max 300hp). With the biggest diesel engine is still plenty fast enough for most people, its party trick though is maintaining a decent speed when other similar length boats would be slowing down, it really does go well through a chop, and handles fantastically. With the D4 260hp diesel engine it'll do 42knots lightly loaded , with a clean hull. The more powerful engines should be good for 45 knots. Still probabably not quite as fast as a cobalt with the big petrol engine, which must be good for ~48 knots ish I'd imagine. The problem with the windy is they're a bit pricey compared to the american brands.

 

[LAMBADA]

Cobalt 263 is a beautiful boat, I've owned a smaller Cobalt in the past and it was superb, really well built and good in the rough stuff. I've also owned a Formula and they are equally good, as Kieronm says the 27 SS in Pwllheli is spot on.
Try looking at posts by James TT as he owned a beautiful Cobalt 263.

 

[Dell uk]

Thanks for reply's lads ,definitely given me some food for thought .
I had a look at the formula 27ss ,lovely boat ,unfortunately out of my budget.
I'm looking more in the 25k - 30 at a push really .
My thought process is try to get as much value for my money ass poss rather than a newer lesser boat. Ill check james posts out ,many thanks )