Long Time Boater - 1st Cobalt Boat

[Jimmy Buoy]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to introduce myself. I've been boating for over 35yrs and am now on my 7th boat and a first - a beautiful 2003 Cobalt 293 with twin 5.0 Volvo GXi Dual Props. My wife and I have only had this boat in the water for the sea-trial then it was time to get her into storage while there were spots left! Looking forward to spring and getting to know her.

I've always done my own work on boats as much as possible and have quite a range of experience. Hopefully I will be able to provide some helpful input to other Cobatchat members as questions arise. I've already got some questions about this Cobalt but I'll post those at a later time.

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[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us JB! We welcome your boating experience my friend.

Great boat you got there. Love the pics too. Classic color combo.

And welcome aboard mate.

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[Lifelongbtr]

That boat looks like a lot of fun Jimmy, where do you boat?

[Jimmy Buoy]

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So glad you found us JB! We welcome your boating experience my friend.

Great boat you got there. Love the pics too. Classic color combo.

And welcome aboard mate.

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Thanks Aslan!

I had never considered a Cobalt only since I've never seen one for sale in my area. Once seeing the 293 listed got me very interested as it looked incredible and it appeared to have a long list of options that I found quite attractive. I searched for info on the builder and again was so impressed with the build process (all glass/composite construction I like) and the quality of the materials used in Cobalt boats including the year of manufacture for this boat. The Sea-Trial sealed the deal! This boat rocks!! Compared to my previous boats (including a Formula 27PC) the Cobalt performed beyond expectations. Minimal bow rise to get on plane, quiet and quick with a solid ride even in a rough chop (20kt wind that day) plus a top speed breaking 50mph without feeling wrung out! Very quiet and composed at 30mph is where we'd usually cruise. Trimming the drives up a bit didn't cause porposing like my last boat experienced - so well mannered!

Obviously, I'm looking forward to spring!!

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[Jimmy Buoy]

That boat looks like a lot of fun Jimmy, where do you boat?

Thanks Lifelong! Hopefully she will put the "pleasure" back in pleasure boating for me.

We boat either on the Southern end of Lake Huron or the Northern St. Clair River. If the wind is strong from the South it can whip the River up so we'll go boating in the Lake and if the wind is coming from the North, the Lake will get crazy and we can boat in the River. Either way, the water is usually clear and the most brilliant blue (but cold for me at least until mid July).

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[Holy Smokes]

Welcome to the family! Loved our 293 for 8 years. Drop me a PM with an email and I can send you several files on various systems on it.

[Jimmy Buoy]

Welcome to the family! Loved our 293 for 8 years. Drop me a PM with an email and I can send you several files on various systems on it.

That would be great - thanks! PM sent

[Lifelongbtr]

That boat looks like a lot of fun Jimmy, where do you boat?

Thanks Lifelong! Hopefully she will put the "pleasure" back in pleasure boating for me.

We boat either on the Southern end of Lake Huron or the Northern St. Clair River. If the wind is strong from the South it can whip the River up so we'll go boating in the Lake and if the wind is coming from the North, the Lake will get crazy and we can boat in the River. Either way, the water is usually clear and the most brilliant blue (but cold for me at least until mid July).

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That's awesome, you have options for the conditions!

[Krob1114]

Welcome. I think you'll be able to have a lot of questions answered here.
Especially if you're ready to spend more money. Is this the first boat with twins?

[Jimmy Buoy]

Welcome. I think you'll be able to have a lot of questions answered here.
Especially if you're ready to spend more money. Is this the first boat with twins?

Thanks for the welcome! I've had 8 boats over 35yrs ranging from a 12' aluminum with 5hp to the largest being a 2001 SeaRay 340 Amberjack with twin 8.1s (straight shaft drives). Sold the Amberjack 2yrs ago and got a Formula 27PC with twin 4.3/Bravo3 but it became more of a project boat than anticipated so after two years sold it. Also wanted something in better shape with more of an upscale feel. Thought I'd be sacrificing performance. Nope. This Cobalt outperforms the 27PC in every way. To be fair, 5.0GXIs vs 4.3MPI AND the Cobalt is about 2000lbs lighter I shouldnt be surprised but damn - The Cobalt is quicker to plane with less throttle, less bow rise, quieter, feels more planted, responds better to trimming the drives (the PC began to porpose with too much drive trim and had different responses at different speeds), has more than 10mph on the top end, and does all this without me working like a mad man to get the right mix of drive trim/tabs/throttles.