2011 Cobalt 200
Reviewed by Richard Crowder
As you step aboard, you’re forced to stop – to look around, to take it all in, to challenge all your senses to absorb the differences, the differences that comprise a Cobalt. It’s like opening the door to a new Bentley Continental for the first time. It’s the same breath that gets taken away as you are overwhelmed by the quality differences that are presented. Such is a Cobalt. Such is this newest Cobalt – the 200 bowrider.
In Cobalt’s own words, “The 200 arrives in direct response to the needs and wishes of experienced boaters, the knowledgeable people whose opinions guided its design.” In more practical terms, the Cobalt 200, the smallest in the line-up, is a relatively easier first step to becoming a Cobalt owner and to allowing you to grow with the Cobalt family. For 2011, this family includes fourteen models from twenty to almost thirty-three feet in four series of bowriders and cuddies, plus the WSS (Water Sports Series) of upgrades and modifications to six of the fourteen models.
It’s hard to define precisely the feeling of quality and opulence that exudes from every corner, from every viewpoint, from every detailed observation of a Cobalt. From construction that is all fibreglass and composites from the stringer system to the transom to the seat bases; from the Kevlar™ reinforcement in strategic areas of the hull, to the vinyl-overlaid aluminum backing of the new digital gauges and dash design, to the stainless steel DC switches, to the hand-sewn, double-welted upholstery, and to the all in-gel graphics, quality is built-in not only where you can see and feel it, but also in those areas that are not so readily observed. Even the little added touches such as the forethought of available quick-release stainless steel fender holders and an auto-retraction system for dock lines leaves you somewhat in wonderment to find all of this in a twenty-footer.
But nowhere is practicality sacrificed in the name of appearances. You can enter the 200 from three different levels depending on the height of the dock you are tied to; over the gunwales, from the upper level of the molded swim platform, or from the lower, just above water level of the extended platform. This lower level of the platform provides easy entry to the boat from the water for swimmers or watersports enthusiasts. Add the optional unique double-wide flip-down swim step, with or without ladder, to this lower level platform and a whole new dimension in water enjoyment can be realized. Once on either platform, entry to the cockpit is facilitated by a dedicated portside walk-thru.
Finished, protected storage compartments abound on the 200, the largest of which provide gas strut assisted hinged openings. The entire back and seat portion of the rear-facing passenger lounge opens to reveal a convenient and cavernous storage area large enough for not only all of your watersports accessories, but scuba tanks and diving equipment as well. The balance of side cockpit seating has storage as well as under the bow seating cushions. The starboard side sunlounge cushion raises into adjustable positions to act as a backrest for lounging as desired, and below, is dedicated storage for a removable ice chest. Convenient and unique dedicated bow line storage compartments are located on each side immediately forward of the polished stainless steel-topped windshield, and a forward dedicated anchor locker is located just above Cobalt’s unique stainless steel bow eye / bow scuff plate combination, in place to prevent gelcoat damage when docking or trailering.
On the 200, as with all Cobalt’s, canvas is optional but one you probably need to consider unless the boat will be boathoused. Other notable options you may wish to consider might include stereo and carpeting upgrades, wakeboard tower with or without two swivel board racks, a cockpit table, “Perfect Pass” with GPS cruise control, depth sounder/water & air temperature gauge package, or even an air compressor with dedicated holder.
Six each of MerCruiser or Volvo Penta sterndrive power is available for the 200 ranging from 200 to 300 horsepower. The base V-6 power from either manufacturer is probably sufficient for most family boating needs, but a test drive with your normal loading requirements would confirm your selection.
In Cobalt’s own words, this “newest Cobalt answers to a higher calling.” There is an old adage that perhaps also defines Cobalt in general, and this 200 in particular, in that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
| Length: |
20' 10" |
6.35 m |
| Beam: |
8' 4" |
2.54 m |
| Draft: |
2' 11" |
89 cm |
| Deadrise: |
20 Degrees |
|
| Dry weight: |
3500 lbs |
1588 kg |
| Fuel Capacity: |
40 US gals |
151 l |
| Engine / Drive: |
Volvo Penta 4.3 Gxi/Duo-Prop |