MapisM
Well-Known Member
I'm particularly interested to hear about the 263, but also informed views on Cobalt boats in general are more than welcome.
Ta!
Ta!
Cobalt boats - views/experiences
- Thread starter MapisM
- Start date
Coupe
Well-Known Member
PM to JamesTT should do the trick /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Nautorius
Well-Known Member
I have looked at them several times but was put off by the (then) dealer SQM. They are top quality craft that feel really solid, and have great sea handling. Definitely made for the day market/overnight but do that role well. Design is always very in fashion so a forward looking company.
Cheers
Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Cheers
Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
JamesTT
Well-Known Member
Hi Mapis, I have a 263, what would you like to know?
MapisM
Well-Known Member
Hi James, well, anything relevant, really.
I mean, I have many years of boating experience, also with sterndrive boats in that size range, but never had the opportunity to try any Cobalt so far.
Now, I've been asked from a friend of mine to help him in the selection of a lake boat, and one he's looking at is a 263.
I've only seen her out of the water at the moment, and I must say that I was quite impressed by the overall quality.
Very well screwed together, by far the best US boat I've seen so far - reminded me of Windy, in some respects.
This is a 2003 model, very similar outside to the one in your avatar: blue hull and grp arch with sunshade. But with smaller engine (VP 5.7 GXi DP - 320hp).
Aside from any suggestion you might have, based on your experiences, there are a few specific points I'd be glad to hear about:
1) the white rubber seal at the base of the grp arch has moved outside in a couple of points. Is yours still nicely in place?
2) the blue gelcoat is overall very nice for a 2003 boat, but in places it's fading a bit, particularly astern (where it's more exposed to direct sunlight, I reckon). Did you notice the same?
3) the block as I said is smaller than yours. Current owner says that the boat (clean and light) reaches 42 kts WOT, and even if he never used it for waterski he told that she has plenty of acceleration. But I'm a bit concerned about that, because I've seen in the specs that the boat is pretty heavy, and this friend of mine wants her also for an occasional waterski usage. Not to run slalom courses obviously, but he does like monoski, and as you possibly know it takes a good holeshot to pull a skier with a mono out of the water.
Many thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
I mean, I have many years of boating experience, also with sterndrive boats in that size range, but never had the opportunity to try any Cobalt so far.
Now, I've been asked from a friend of mine to help him in the selection of a lake boat, and one he's looking at is a 263.
I've only seen her out of the water at the moment, and I must say that I was quite impressed by the overall quality.
Very well screwed together, by far the best US boat I've seen so far - reminded me of Windy, in some respects.
This is a 2003 model, very similar outside to the one in your avatar: blue hull and grp arch with sunshade. But with smaller engine (VP 5.7 GXi DP - 320hp).
Aside from any suggestion you might have, based on your experiences, there are a few specific points I'd be glad to hear about:
1) the white rubber seal at the base of the grp arch has moved outside in a couple of points. Is yours still nicely in place?
2) the blue gelcoat is overall very nice for a 2003 boat, but in places it's fading a bit, particularly astern (where it's more exposed to direct sunlight, I reckon). Did you notice the same?
3) the block as I said is smaller than yours. Current owner says that the boat (clean and light) reaches 42 kts WOT, and even if he never used it for waterski he told that she has plenty of acceleration. But I'm a bit concerned about that, because I've seen in the specs that the boat is pretty heavy, and this friend of mine wants her also for an occasional waterski usage. Not to run slalom courses obviously, but he does like monoski, and as you possibly know it takes a good holeshot to pull a skier with a mono out of the water.
Many thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
JamesTT
Well-Known Member
Hi Mapis,
I bought mine new in 2005, the model ran from 2001 to 2007, there were only two sold in the UK but quite a few were sold into Europe. I have a Bravo 3X drive and the Meruiser 496HO (425 bhp).
The hull design which is common to the 262 and 272 open bow boats is very well regarded by US boaters and magazines/ websites often quote the model as a benchmark in this size.
There are some really well informed members on the BoatingABC.com forum in the US, it is clear that dealers and Cobalt employees have an input any of your more technical questions may be better answered there.
The boats are sold with a 1o year hull warranty and a 5 year warranty on the engine/drive and most of the accessories so they tend to be looked after by main dealers during the first 5 years as it's not worth going anywhere else and the used boats tend to be in very good condition, I had three used Cobalts prior to the 263.
I have run 310 hours in 4 seasons, the boat burns 13gph at a 30knot cruise which is one of our main uses for the boat and tops out between 48 to 5oknts depending on load. As you say it is really a day boat with overnight potential for two but having said that you can get in and out of places pretty quickly.
The boats are very heavy for the length due to the lay up, more so with the arch (aluminium) and a big block, mine also has the teak rear deck and extended swim platform so she is very back end heavy but I am sure that that this improves the ride as the boat lands back end first when she does get airborne.
I have used my boat in some quite rough seas and I have had a few issues with stress cracking around the screen fixings/ cabin door entry but these have been fixed under warranty and have not reappeared.
The CE marked boats are fitted with a second raised deck installed over the first deck to assist in the CAT B rating and ensure that the cockpit is self draining, I did have an issue with water trapped between the two decks which became evident in the first season whenever the boat was stopped quickly as the cabin carpets were getting wet. It took a while to identify the problem but again the factory became involved and had the dealer install an inspection hatch in the raised deck and fit drains to the lower deck which has cured the issue, maybe worth checking this.
The only other real issue that I have had is that I noticed last season that the arch paint had started to bubble in an isolated area high up, this wasn't covered under warranty and has cost a lot of money to re paint as the paint system is Awlgrip.
My drive gearbox has just been rebuilt under warranty, fortunately it didn't fail but the dealer noted that the oil was contaminated during the winter service and it transpired that a gear had been incorrectly set during assembly (4 years ago) causing pitting and swarf, again this took a while but the factory got Mercruiser technicians involved and they stood on the issue. Other than that I have had no major issues that haven't been dealt with. In fact in 4 seasons I have never had a breakdown or any unplanned failure that has prevented the use of the boat, touch wood!
Addressing your findings-
1 The white rubber arch/deck seal is in fact a full width moulding. Part of the service schedule is to check and reset the arch fixings annually as it can move around although on the CE boats this is a big job as there is an additional bulkhead installed from the engine to the gunwhale that needs to be removed to inspect the bolts. The rubber sole cannot fall out as it is drilled to take the arch fixings, I don't think that this will be an issue.
2 Yes, my boat is black and over 4 seasons on a marina berth the back end had started to fade. I now realise the importance of using a good wax with a UV inhibitor. When I lifted the boat this year I spoke to Meguiares in the US. The advised a 4 step process, oxidation remover, colour restorer, polish and then several coats of wax, it took four full days with a random orbital polishing nachine but she came up like new. The ongoing regime is to wash and then treat with a handy spray wax in a bottle after each outing, hopefully negating the UV issue.
3 I remember when I was considering options for my boat, there wasn't much in speeed between the 5.7GXI and the big block 375hp version, as the extra weight in the 8.1 motor must become a factor. As noted earlier I went for the 425hp HO model a decision made easier by the 2 dollars to the pound exchange at the time, I am glad I did. If the boat has a dual prop drive which will be likely, ie a better grip on the water than I would think that the 5.7Gxi will be fine for skiing, the extended running surface of the hull really seems to help with the hole shot, not sure if you have noticed but the transom is notched where the drive is located by 18 inches as the picture below of my boat before delivery fresh of the boat at Liverpool docks-
[image]
[/image]
If there are any more questions please let me know, good luck.
[image]
[/image]
[image]
[/image]
I bought mine new in 2005, the model ran from 2001 to 2007, there were only two sold in the UK but quite a few were sold into Europe. I have a Bravo 3X drive and the Meruiser 496HO (425 bhp).
The hull design which is common to the 262 and 272 open bow boats is very well regarded by US boaters and magazines/ websites often quote the model as a benchmark in this size.
There are some really well informed members on the BoatingABC.com forum in the US, it is clear that dealers and Cobalt employees have an input any of your more technical questions may be better answered there.
The boats are sold with a 1o year hull warranty and a 5 year warranty on the engine/drive and most of the accessories so they tend to be looked after by main dealers during the first 5 years as it's not worth going anywhere else and the used boats tend to be in very good condition, I had three used Cobalts prior to the 263.
I have run 310 hours in 4 seasons, the boat burns 13gph at a 30knot cruise which is one of our main uses for the boat and tops out between 48 to 5oknts depending on load. As you say it is really a day boat with overnight potential for two but having said that you can get in and out of places pretty quickly.
The boats are very heavy for the length due to the lay up, more so with the arch (aluminium) and a big block, mine also has the teak rear deck and extended swim platform so she is very back end heavy but I am sure that that this improves the ride as the boat lands back end first when she does get airborne.
I have used my boat in some quite rough seas and I have had a few issues with stress cracking around the screen fixings/ cabin door entry but these have been fixed under warranty and have not reappeared.
The CE marked boats are fitted with a second raised deck installed over the first deck to assist in the CAT B rating and ensure that the cockpit is self draining, I did have an issue with water trapped between the two decks which became evident in the first season whenever the boat was stopped quickly as the cabin carpets were getting wet. It took a while to identify the problem but again the factory became involved and had the dealer install an inspection hatch in the raised deck and fit drains to the lower deck which has cured the issue, maybe worth checking this.
The only other real issue that I have had is that I noticed last season that the arch paint had started to bubble in an isolated area high up, this wasn't covered under warranty and has cost a lot of money to re paint as the paint system is Awlgrip.
My drive gearbox has just been rebuilt under warranty, fortunately it didn't fail but the dealer noted that the oil was contaminated during the winter service and it transpired that a gear had been incorrectly set during assembly (4 years ago) causing pitting and swarf, again this took a while but the factory got Mercruiser technicians involved and they stood on the issue. Other than that I have had no major issues that haven't been dealt with. In fact in 4 seasons I have never had a breakdown or any unplanned failure that has prevented the use of the boat, touch wood!
Addressing your findings-
1 The white rubber arch/deck seal is in fact a full width moulding. Part of the service schedule is to check and reset the arch fixings annually as it can move around although on the CE boats this is a big job as there is an additional bulkhead installed from the engine to the gunwhale that needs to be removed to inspect the bolts. The rubber sole cannot fall out as it is drilled to take the arch fixings, I don't think that this will be an issue.
2 Yes, my boat is black and over 4 seasons on a marina berth the back end had started to fade. I now realise the importance of using a good wax with a UV inhibitor. When I lifted the boat this year I spoke to Meguiares in the US. The advised a 4 step process, oxidation remover, colour restorer, polish and then several coats of wax, it took four full days with a random orbital polishing nachine but she came up like new. The ongoing regime is to wash and then treat with a handy spray wax in a bottle after each outing, hopefully negating the UV issue.
3 I remember when I was considering options for my boat, there wasn't much in speeed between the 5.7GXI and the big block 375hp version, as the extra weight in the 8.1 motor must become a factor. As noted earlier I went for the 425hp HO model a decision made easier by the 2 dollars to the pound exchange at the time, I am glad I did. If the boat has a dual prop drive which will be likely, ie a better grip on the water than I would think that the 5.7Gxi will be fine for skiing, the extended running surface of the hull really seems to help with the hole shot, not sure if you have noticed but the transom is notched where the drive is located by 18 inches as the picture below of my boat before delivery fresh of the boat at Liverpool docks-
[image]
If there are any more questions please let me know, good luck.
[image]
[image]
MapisM
Well-Known Member
Wow James, thanks a lot for the time you took to prepare such a detailed and informative post.
Very interesting to read about the raised deck, 'cause I really didn't notice it.
Actually, I'm even wondering if it was there, in that boat.
In fact, I'm pretty sure that the boat I looked at didn't have any additional bulkhead in the e/r either, because I did check how the arch is bolted, and from the e/r compartment I was easily able to see the four screws under the gunwhale, together with another couple of similar screws, placed laterally, for the cleat. All without removing any bulkhead!
On the other hand, I know for sure that the boat was originally sold in EU, and the CE plate was indeed there (located on stbd side, below the helmsman seat). As I recall, it showed B mark, 8 people max, and 375kw max power (!).
Do you know if those modifications were maybe made by the distributors, thus making it possible some differences from one EU Country to another?
Anyway. I will possibly have some other questions after the sea trial, if my friend will eventually decide to go ahead.
He's also looking at a few alternatives in the meantime, and there's one of them - a Colombo Vantage 26 - that is very interesting.
Many thanks again for the moment!
Very interesting to read about the raised deck, 'cause I really didn't notice it.
Actually, I'm even wondering if it was there, in that boat.
In fact, I'm pretty sure that the boat I looked at didn't have any additional bulkhead in the e/r either, because I did check how the arch is bolted, and from the e/r compartment I was easily able to see the four screws under the gunwhale, together with another couple of similar screws, placed laterally, for the cleat. All without removing any bulkhead!
On the other hand, I know for sure that the boat was originally sold in EU, and the CE plate was indeed there (located on stbd side, below the helmsman seat). As I recall, it showed B mark, 8 people max, and 375kw max power (!).
Do you know if those modifications were maybe made by the distributors, thus making it possible some differences from one EU Country to another?
Anyway. I will possibly have some other questions after the sea trial, if my friend will eventually decide to go ahead.
He's also looking at a few alternatives in the meantime, and there's one of them - a Colombo Vantage 26 - that is very interesting.
Many thanks again for the moment!
KCook
Well-Known Member
James can address your detail questions much better than I can. As for general reputation in the US market, Cobalt is tops for bowriders (along with Formula). EASILY superior quality to Sea Ray, even though Sea Ray is much better known. The only guys who can claim equally well built boats are running premium ski boats like Correct Craft and Mastercraft. I generally do not recommend Cobalts for the ocean, not because they can't stand up to it, but because I would feel guilty about letting the seas beat up such a sweet boat!
Kelly Cook
Kelly Cook
JamesTT
Well-Known Member
Hi Mapis, maybe the bulkheads has been removed.
Can you see the two pairs of external cockpit drains on the hull sides about 3/4 the way down each flank, this feature is only apparent on CE boats?
The CE work is completed at the factory as my boat arrived with the deck and bulkheads in place, although they did have to be removed and reinstalled as the arch is packed in the boat for the shipping.
Good luck with the trial.
Can you see the two pairs of external cockpit drains on the hull sides about 3/4 the way down each flank, this feature is only apparent on CE boats?
The CE work is completed at the factory as my boat arrived with the deck and bulkheads in place, although they did have to be removed and reinstalled as the arch is packed in the boat for the shipping.
Good luck with the trial.
MapisM
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Can you see the two pairs of external cockpit drains...
[/ QUOTE ]Aha!!! Yup, the drains were there.
So, definitely a CE boat. My guess is that they did not reinstall the bulkead after fitting the arch.
Actually, even if I'm a fan of bulkhead and watertight compartments on boats built for unrestricted offshore usage, I wouldn't have probably reinstalled the bulkeads myself, in such kind of boat.
Also the raised deck to make it self draining, frankly speaking, is bound to create problems (as you reported), rather than really improve safety.
If and when a 26 footer would enter a wave big enough to throw some serious greenwater onboard, hoping that those small drains could save the day sounds like wishful thinking imho...
Can you see the two pairs of external cockpit drains...
[/ QUOTE ]Aha!!! Yup, the drains were there.
So, definitely a CE boat. My guess is that they did not reinstall the bulkead after fitting the arch.
Actually, even if I'm a fan of bulkhead and watertight compartments on boats built for unrestricted offshore usage, I wouldn't have probably reinstalled the bulkeads myself, in such kind of boat.
Also the raised deck to make it self draining, frankly speaking, is bound to create problems (as you reported), rather than really improve safety.
If and when a 26 footer would enter a wave big enough to throw some serious greenwater onboard, hoping that those small drains could save the day sounds like wishful thinking imho...
MapisM
Well-Known Member
Thanks Kelly,
I agree with your comments, re.comparisons with other brands.
And for the kind of usage (lake) my friend is considering, I'm sure it would be a doodle for that boat.
That said, I'd expect such hull to withstand also much more serious stuff.
It has a nicely deep vee, and I read that Cobalt has a policy of not releasing any new model before it has passed acceleration tests up to 9G (!).
I never heard that before from any other builder, also in EU.
I agree with your comments, re.comparisons with other brands.
And for the kind of usage (lake) my friend is considering, I'm sure it would be a doodle for that boat.
That said, I'd expect such hull to withstand also much more serious stuff.
It has a nicely deep vee, and I read that Cobalt has a policy of not releasing any new model before it has passed acceleration tests up to 9G (!).
I never heard that before from any other builder, also in EU.
MapisM
Well-Known Member
On second thought, one thing which seemed weird while I was onboard was the height of the step from the deck to the cabin.
Now I understand that the raised deck surely contributed to that.
Do you know by chance how much higher it is compared to the original deck below, and if the raised one can be removed leaving the original one undamaged? ...aside from any CE stuff considerations, of course.
Now I understand that the raised deck surely contributed to that.
Do you know by chance how much higher it is compared to the original deck below, and if the raised one can be removed leaving the original one undamaged? ...aside from any CE stuff considerations, of course.
JamesTT
Well-Known Member
The second raised deck lifts the cockpit floor about 100mm.
The deck height does create an unusually large step into the cabin, but we have learned to live with it.
The CE raised deck moulding includes the rear wrap around seat bases, I am sure that the second deck can be removed but it would leave the problem of the rear seating, the front seats are on pedastles and I am sure that they could be refixed to the lower deck, the layout is as the picture below-
[image]
[/image]
The deck height does create an unusually large step into the cabin, but we have learned to live with it.
The CE raised deck moulding includes the rear wrap around seat bases, I am sure that the second deck can be removed but it would leave the problem of the rear seating, the front seats are on pedastles and I am sure that they could be refixed to the lower deck, the layout is as the picture below-
[image]
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