Are Cobalt Boats the Best? Find out why or why not in this Cobalt Boat review

[@jeffmilligan3248]

I just purchased my 2nd Cobalt. Upgraded from a 1999 190 to a 2000 206. I grew up at a marina where Cobalt boats were considered the GOLD standard. My family and I really enjoyed 3 seasons in the 190 and it never gave us any problems. We're really looking forward to lake season in our new 206. The quality items you cover in your video, even for the older model years are spot on. The provide performance and ride quality that's very tough to beat. I've had to bring the gelcoat on both my Cobalts back to life, but found that the right products and proper amount of elbow grease can make even the oldest Cobalt look brand new. The 24-year-old upholstery has stood the test of time as well. I don't ever plan to get into any of the newest models, but admire them from afar.

[@aaronhrynyk]

I just bought a 2000 Cobalt 206 three weeks ago. It has the 350 mag and bravo III outdrives. It’s my first boat, I’ve owned waverunners for the past 8 years but the family is growing. I’ve had it out 4 times so far and we’re so happy and so excited to be part of the Cobalt community.

[@boblevy5045]

I just wanted to comment on a few things you mentioned. I just went from a 2016 Cobalt 220S to a 2022 Cobalt R6. Just about every negative that you mentioned regarding the R5 has been addressed on the new R6. Here’s a few things they modified…they dramatically improved the seating. There is great seating on both sides of the boat. The cooler is now a drop in cooler on the starboard side. They even separated the 2 batteries so there is one on each side to balance the weight. The sun pad in the back is much bigger, the head has been totally redesigned and improved, the storage on the boat is massive, the tower has been improved, the swim platform has been widened, the upholstery doesn’t have all the texture so it’s easier to clean, and the ride has been greatly improved. On the downside, the weight went up to 5,800 lbs. The flip down swim step is still a bit of a challenge for some folks but still so nice to just chill on, and the price has gone up with all the improvements. That said, I don’t think there is a better boat out there for the type of boat that it is. You should have your folks take a look at the boat. I think they will fall in love with it!

[@jonkaffai6007]

I just bought the 22 r6 outboard it is such a great all around boat ithas a yamaha 300 6 cylinder kind of a dog outta the whole but does 48 with 2 people heavy boat but handles chop great

[@fireblade274]

as the Cobalt dealer for MD, thank you and congratulations on your purchase!!! its a floating Bentley ;)

[@cjb8993]

I've been around boats my entire life and grew up on a resort where my parents had rental boats and have owned several of their own over the years. My brothers and I grew up in triple event water skiing so we've all owned Mastercrafts largely, but I wouldn't suggest one for a "bow rider" as they suck for just cruising the lake. That said, while I think Cobalt is a solid brand, I think it's far from the best bowrider out their. I owned a Formula 382 Fastech for a while, a go fast boat. Formula builds bigger boats today however for many years, they used to build open bows. They're easily the best built boat I've ever seen for either the lake or the ocean, as they're built for salt. Where I live today however, Cobalt is easily one of the dominant names in the open bow space. They're literally everwhere and there's a ton of disposable income where I live.

[@seancurran4350]

Love these review videos!!! By far the most detailed and informative reviews on the net. Would love to see Regal and Chaparral next. Keep up the great work. Cheers!!!

[@alex_rogan]

Love your videos mate. I’m currently researching Cobalt for a second hand purchase and these are just great boats. Def pricy but I do think you get what you pay for.

[@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon]

Glad you like them!

[@alex_rogan]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon yep they are great. Particularly for new boaters who don’t know what things like a lamination schedule is or even when goes into the making of a boat. I’ve had custom boats built from scratch and I’m always amazed the simplicity in what a boat actually is but there are “boat builders” and then there are Boat Builders. The details matter.

[@chrisburger4518]

I have a 2013 232 with the Merc 350 Mag MPI. It's been a great lake boat for me and my family. I agree that the Malibu design influence is less than inspiring. I feel Cobalt was in their golden years around mid 2000's to 2020's. After 10 years and almost 500 hours, I wouldn't change a thing about my purchase. I hope Cobalt will return to more traditional design influences.

[@mattpaul947]

Hey Matt can you please do a video on Regal boats and about their bowriders like the 1900. Cheers!

[@robfoster5500]

Great video. As one comment said, nearly all of the negatives that you mentioned are addressed on the R6. These must be common complaints on the R5's and they have clearly addressed these things in a big way. I went from a 2018 Chaparral H20 (21') to an R6 Surf and it is absolutely night and day difference in terms of build quality and comfort, but at a price difference of almost $150k more for the Cobalt. Notable options that I got on mine were the VP 380, Platinum Sound with Tower speakers (the Roswells are unreal!), dual 10" Garmins, trim tabs, and windlass. I'm really happy with it and plan on it giving us many years of fun on the lake.

[@robfoster5500]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon Bring on the warm weather! I don't want to slam on the H20 as it was a really great first boat and we had many smiles on the lake with it. I learned so much. Having never driven a boat before, the Cobalt wouldn't have been as good of a choice for a first timer AT ALL! lol!

[@garyvann4678]

Great presentation and history as well! We have the R3 - 2016 with the 300 HP VP. with the heavy but nice bimini canvas ski arch. Have had Formula Cruisers with twins and Regal bowriders too, If I compare the R3 to the 1994 Regal 230, with a 250 5.7, Merc. there is a 1200 lb. weight gain that makes it ride more solid but there is a 5 mph loss of speed. Still it is a top end of 48 and takes heavy Lake Michigan waves without any shake, rattle and roll.... So, it is heavier to haul down the highway too. The only thing that no one seems to understand is that the VP Gen. 4 engines are very efficient gas direct injected GDI - like many cars today. So, there could be a benefit of finding a way to clean the intake valves so that they don't carbon up like the cars do. So, I use 90 octane no lead rec gas from the dock and add Techron every tank to help with this. The swim step is a problem for seniors as when down and in deep water, it is near impossible to get on to it. Other than this, I find it is worth the extra $ to know that it is a very solid boat and rides and has the space of a larger boat.

[@wtlarsen1]

I have a 2013 cobalt 200 and in my opinion it’s the most beautiful shaped 20’ hull I’ve seen. I’ve been casually looking at 20 - 21’ bowriders as a replacement but can’t find anything close new in 2024.

[@jorgenlundgren9540]

My father bought a brand new 20 foot Cobalt condurre in 1988 that I grew up on, and I now take my family of 5 out on it all summer. It has never been reupholstered and there are no cracks in the vinyl. The gel coat still looks new. Cobalt boats stand the test of time.

[@derrickjohnson5219]

I agree with you there a beautiful boat.Nice thick construction too.I went to a dealer website that sells Cobalt and I noticed that there mostly if not all stern drives with the Volvo Penta.Excellent power but I like Mercury and Mercruser fan.The Cobalts are awesome and I love the r-6.That's what their known for is low amount of boats they make because their custom made.

[@johnnievangilder5532]

I have. 6.2L mercruiser in my cobalt 2001 246br

[@brs226]

I have a 1995 220, 5.8fl Volvo Penta. Everything is original and while there are a few small issues as to be expected with a 27 year old boat it still looks and handles amazing. I get so many compliments and most people think it's a 2000's plus boat. I like about 2 hours away from the factory and it is well worth a visit. The factory is exceptionally clean and well kept. Neodesha= Knee-oh-duh-shay.

[@chrishackett554]

IMHO Cobalt in general builds the highest quality mass produced boats in the industry, mostly due to their fit and finish and most importantly their layup schedule and materials of their hull bottoms (no wood and Kevlar mat) however, I’m very skeptical that the huge increase in price is worth the added costs, especially for northeastern seasonal boaters. I spent a year researching Cobalt, Chaparral, Regal, SeaRay, Four Winns and Monterey and physically inspected several models of each in the 24-26 range. I’m a huge proponent of Mercury outboards over Yamaha so I crossed off builders who exclusively use Yamaha and got the field down to the Monterey M65 OB vs Cobalt SC25 OB. Both manufacturers had factory direct pricing in the spring of 2021. The M65 loaded with arch and Verado 300 priced out at 99k (minus tax and trailer) vs the SC25 at 121k for similar options. I just couldn’t justify the significant jump in price for a five month boat so I went with the M65 which I believe has better storage, a self bailing cockpit and better features anyway. BTW just to show an example of crazy industry pricing, the identical M65 is now 39k more with 2022 pricing and that’s about average across the manufacturers. My neighbors are die hard Cobalt owners and wanted a new R6 OB but were priced out in 2022 and had to settle for the R5 OB which is still more than my new M65. Good video as usual!

[@kristwalstad3608]

Great video Captan Matt! Will you please review Chaparral soon? Thanks!

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Good morning again captain Mr.Johnson here.Ive done a be little more research on some smaller lakes and what I noticed is that Cobalts are very in popular on these smaller lakes and are trailerable.I found it interesting that the Cobalts were very popular on these smaller lakes so the issues left would be weight and price for me. The cs23 all of a sudden becomes alot more affordable and if you can you can get an outboard suddenly it becomes real attractive!😁

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Yes I'm going to pull the trigger for sure in 2023 if I'm still living!😂🤣

[@bapakbob3897]

I would be interested in Cobalt's comment on their need to run a job fair this past May 23rd, 2022, as announced in the Cobalt Facebook on May 16. Cobalt is looking to hire in their Lamination, Grind, Small Parts, Woodshop(??), Maintenance and Quality Departments. Why would Cobalt have so many vacancies at one time? (An old corporate accounting trick is to run off the old-timers consuming high pay and high premium medical expenses through buyouts, so the company can fill their jobs with entry-level, eg low paid staff, and improve the bottom line.) It will be interesting to see the 2023 Cobalt boats gel coat and overall finish (after newby QC inspection) with their new hires in place.

[@djstevev6793]

Not sure when they started, but my 2001 246LS has Kevlar integrated into the lamination schedule and has the kevlar badge prominently affixed to the starboard aft sponson

[@johnnievangilder5532]

I also have a 2001 246br and it has Kevlar as well

[@gs1150adv]

I'd say so. Fit and Finish 2nd to none 252 Cobalt w/502 Mer. 470 hp at prop. Bulletproof w/capt. exhaust. I'm a Cobalt homer...SeaRay make nice boat as well.

[@filipepereira4619]

Great video! We have an 09' 232 and it's a really good boat. I feel that the build quality is very good and the way it rides is amazing even when compared to some larger boats. You can feel the way it's build is very good. The design I feel it's timeless and doesn't age as bad, but that goes down to personal taste...

[@filipepereira4619]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon thanks! You too!

[@vincenienaber5918]

What do you think about a formula boat

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Finally a cuddy cabin you go down below where as a bow rider your sitting in the middle and sides.Well I have never owned a bow rider just the Rinker fiesta vee that I currently have and before that I owned a a Centry cuddie cabin

[@kennygtgmf]

2008 202 w/volvo 300HP seems a bit better built than my 20' chaparral. Had both for many years. It is the small details you don't notice at first until you get a few years in and have them side by side. Both handle about the same but the hull on the chap seems more rigid, but the cobalt weighs considerable more. Seating surfaces far better in cobalt but should be for what you spend. I do like the chap cleats better - they recess and are larger

[@roberts1770]

Does that Cobalt build quality translate to a major difference when looking at used, say 15yo versus a Sea Ray? I would of loved to hear more of a cruiser comparison. For example, Cobalt 323 versus Sea Ray 320 Sundancer.

[@robertrubel]

I have the R6 2021 model. To access the head, you no longer have to lift the seat bolster on the port side. Also they now have a drop in cooler on the starboard side.

[@robertrubel]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon I think you’ll like it. I would have preferred theR8 but they were not out yet. I bought my R6 right when things were getting crazy. Thanks for all the good content you put out on your channel.

[@cynicalrabbit915]

Back in the mid 70s Cobalt Trihulls were the Cadillac of Midwestern lakes. I may be wrong since it's been decades ago but the top model was the Mark Twain. The Cobalts were a noticeably heavier boat than pretty much any other make. In comparison other boats felt kinda cheap. I also noticed that the people who bought Cobalts were: 1 - 45 to 50 yrs in age 2 - Were better at maintenance and all around more conscientious, level headed, courteous and mainly just good folk. I've back then I felt Cobalts were 👍👍👍

[@derrickjohnson5219]

You know what Matt? Their pretty heavy 5800 lbs.now that would be something that would have to consider because I want to go from lake to with as Ford Expedition so that's puts me into a smaller lighter boat.But I can see why your mom and dad like it so much because it's total luxury on the water.

[@derrickjohnson5219]

I want to be around 6000 lbs with everything so that would mean about a boat itself of about 4000 lbs with fuel.I can do a larger fishing boat (not a walk around)and like you were referring to leave yourself some room.

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Also an outboard of at least 175 hp

[@gransport4246]

Interesting how newer Four Winns have incorporated many of the design queues of Cobalt especially in the 20-23 foot class. Four Winns of course is at lower price point so the hardware and materials aren’t as thick or heavy, but they are nicer and less expensive than the Sea Ray SPX models. Probably on par with Chaparral. It would be interesting to hear your take on Four Winns and especially now that Group Benneteau is discontinuing Glastron.

[@derrickjohnson5219]

I think a yar-craft or crestliner would fit the bill for me.

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Cs22 and R6 big difference just looking at it.

[@AlexanderTheGrateful]

I’ve never owned a V hull or a tri hull, But I’ve owned a few A hulls 😂😅

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Pretty awesome construction

[@Maynardd]

I love Cobalt!But I just can’t afford one. As nice as they are, I still think they’re overpriced compared to other boats. You can get a boat that is absolutely equivalent, for example a chaparral for tens of thousands of dollars less. And that chaparral will last just as long as that cobalt. But I got to say, my eye always catches the cobalts on the water. Just something about them.

[@matta6301]

Same thing for me… in fact I just bought a 23 ssi

[@brettrobertson2538]

is the R8 a good ocean boat or mainly a lake boat?

[@brettrobertson2538]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon so I should be looking at the dual console boats if I want to be in the ocean? also is it safe to say you want to go with an outboard vs I/O?

[@alex_rogan]

I’m sure they are fine in the ocean on mild days. Any half decent deep-v will be fine. Just got to know what you’re doing.

[@mckinleysonger9459]

You said the towns name wrong

[@derrickjohnson5219]

You don't see too many used ones out there either.

[@derrickjohnson5219]

Sure because it has to bind to the fiberglass

[@timmoore6656]

The COBALT logo letters easily break or tear. $25 per letter 😩

[@timmoore6656]

@@BoatBuyersSecretWeapon Tender rubber taxi to my boat bumps into them.

[@mattwilliams8144]

For a lake sure.

[@willtell7023]

Have a 2002 202. It has the extended running surface. It has Kevlar. Has the reverse chine. I have the 5.7 port injected Volvo Penta Dual Prop. Never had a problem and still all original engine/outdrive. Only new part is the two stage fuel pump. For some reason i have had to replace 3 times. Use rec 90 fuel. Upholstery is all original and looks new. Gelcoat is polished/waxed every 3 years. Many people think I bought a new boat. No wood and floor good. The numbers you gave for 2019 boats at 2409. Divided that into 140 million i get a little over 58k views er boat. Negative for new Cobalt. Do not like the styling. Not as classy. Warranty os pathetic compare to mine. Changing to larger beam on many of their boats means having reconfiguring boat stall. Except for large boats putting V6 is ridiculous in a 21ft boat.

[@CommercialFree78]

Is v6 too small or too big?

[@derrickjohnson5219]

148,000 isn't cheap let's face it

[@derrickjohnson5219]

lake to lake

[@lanceriffle4841]

Knee-0-da-shay