Considering a 2011 a25

[johnehr]

8.1L, stainless steel tower, powered swim platform, and only 88hrs. Thoughts on what I should be looking for when considering buying? It’s listed for $69k in Seattle.

I have a 1990 Condurre 243 and want a bow rider built this century.

[Big Block Power]

That's a good price for that boat. I've been watching them for years.
Double check the transom around the drive housing to make sure it isn't soft or blistering. Do it

[johnehr]

Thanks for the advice. Keep your fingers crossed everything works out.

[johnehr]

Looks like the swim platform is busted and needs to get fixed, but the hydraulics for the engine cover still work. Hope it’s an easy fix and the seller accepts a good offer.

Any ideas how hard it is to get a winter mooring cover for one of these? Also, since the tower has two stainless steel pipes, are there any issues fitting a wakeboard rack on them?

[johnehr]

Thanks for the support Big Block Power. I pulled the trigger and landed the deal to buy it.

[jhnmdahl]

Mooring covers are hard to get from Cobalt once they've discontinued the model, and their OEM provider (Commercial Sewing) doesn't like to sell to end users. Your Cobalt dealer can probably order one from Commercial Sewing though, if they are willing to help.

Wakeboard racks are not too difficult to attach, and there are lots of options.

I'd have your local Cobalt dealer (or other trusted marine shop) go through it to make sure the impeller is changed, outdrive is aligned, oil looks good, etc.. With that few hours on it, there's a good chance some of that stuff hasn't been touched in over a decade.

John

[Big Block Power]

Thanks for the support Big Block Power. I pulled the trigger and landed the deal to buy it.

Congrats. Let's post some pics of the new girl!

[johnehr]

The boat is getting the swim platform fixed and a table installed. Here’s a photo of it on my lift from last week.

[Big Block Power]

She's a beaut!

[johnehr]

Thanks for the recommendations on the covers. Looks like the mooring cover is still supported so I have that on order first thing (8 weeks).

Luckily I have all the service records and see that the stern drive was fully serviced a year ago without issue. I ended up just doing a compression and engine diagnostic code test and things look add good.

Let me know if you have any suggestions for specific racks. I’m considering getting sets of monster wakeboard and ski racks as long as they fit in between the tower supports.

[jhnmdahl]

PTM Edge racks aren't exactly cheap, but they are high quality and forum members get 20% off.

https://ptmwatersports.com/collections/board-racks

viewtopic.php?t=3994

[johnehr]

Why would someone want a $4k rack vs a $200 rack? I find it difficult to know why it would be so much better.

[jhnmdahl]

Yeah, the price is a bit much. They swivel inward, clamp down on the board, and have some other features not found on many cheaper racks. But, the racks that are a couple hundred bucks still hold your boards, so there's a lot of gas money, beer money, and board money left over.

[Big Block Power]

Why would someone want a $4k rack vs a $200 rack? I find it difficult to know why it would be so much better.

Because they own a Cobalt

[jhnmdahl]

Because they own a Cobalt

Malibu uses PTM racks on their boats, and even Cobalt uses their rear view mirrors. I did spring for the PTM mirror direct from Cobalt when I ordered my boat (it seems much more affordable when compared to the other options on the boat instead of compared to other mirrors)!