20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

My parents are looking to get a new boat ~20' open bow (our winter storage has limited us to this length). Plus we just use it on a river so we don't need any bigger. They currently have a 1997 20' Cobalt w/ a 350 merc. It's been a great boat. Our previous boats were Sea-rays and have good luck with all. Best luck with the Cobalt. A new 20' Cobalt will cost about $55k optioned out w/ ~300hp. I think it's a little steep. Especially, due to the fact that the 20' Cobalt hasn't changed much since 97. They don't really care about price, but I just think there might be a better value out there. I looked at Donzi and Christ Craft but didn't see anything we'd be interested in.

That said, what is comparable to a 20' Cobalt as far a quality, craftsmanship and reliability?

One other thing, I kind of like the deck boats, seem very user-friendly for boarding \ unboarding, pretty roomy, how do they handle, ride compared to a 20' vee? We just use the boat to cruise the river and occasionally go skiing, etc.

Thanks Guys/Gals.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

I don't see how you could go wrong with another Cobalt. They have an enviable reputation in the industry. They cost more but they are well built and retain value well.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

Cobalts are great boats, if you are looking for something different check out Caravelle, Cownline, Tahoe, Four Winns, and Regal.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

In that size and class, make sure they check out Chaparral. They make quite a nice boat at reasonable prices.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

Cobalt just introduced the 222 bowrider. It is on their website... looks nice. I agree that their pricing is high, but they seem to hold their value.

Cobalts are very well made boats!

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

Ditto. Friend of mine has had several smaller ones, and is now on his second 28'. He can't say enough good about them.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

agree, they make a great boat. They handle rough water great, because they are tanks.... a 20' tips the scales at 3950 lbs. With 300hp it won't even break 50 mph. My 24' Baja would do 67 w/ 310 hp. Anyway, totally forgot about Chaparral, will take a look now. Mariah used to make nice boats but they're done.

thanks guys.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

ive been on plenty regal, crowns, and searays....all very good.

you can get a crownline 20 LPX w/ 320 horse or a 22LPX w/425 horse....should be a fun river boat.

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

How about Monterey.....they have some really cool stuff!

Re: 20' Open Bow Run about..... which one?
 

I've got a 260 SSi Chaparral that I'm pretty happy with. Crownline makes a nice boat as well.