My cousin has one with 525's. I ran it a bit last year. Very solid ride, but we run ib the Thousadn Islands, no ocean waves here. Best he has seen is around 75 mph. He had to buy Merc Maximus 5 blades to get that speed. His boat has a High X factor. It wouldn't be my first choice if you over night alot. More of an entertaining boat than a family boat.

Thanks Jeff, that's the kind of info I was looking for! Do you think that hull would respond if you threw a little power to it?

Biggest question:

Where are you going to run your new boat?
The Chain? Lake Michigan? Where else?

The chain? Bite your tongue! Lake Michigan only. I've owned two Cobalts in the past; an old 20' model, and a 2000 23LS, with a 502. I love the quality of the brand, but I need something bigger and faster and better riding in the slop.

We have some friends on table rock with one....496HO's. Cockpit is roomy, but cabin is small. Good for a break from the sun, but thats about it. Wide boat too. He told me the gen. is quite loud. Right underneath the helm. There are other day boats that would be higher on my list.

We have a friend that keeps one here in the Bay Area and runs it mostly on the Delta and Bay. I've got some good seat time in the boat in varying conditions. He's got 575's in it and the best I've seen for speed is mid 80's. I think it's got more left but on the bay you just can't run it harder. We like the boat and my wife loves it. Comfortable and stylish.

I was impressed with how fast your boat runs , but I would like to tell you that I was running at my cruise speed 75mph @4000rpms not my wide open throttle of 5800rpms . I don't like to run fast through the east river with all the debri.

no problem just having a little fun

is your ol the red gtx?

IMHO, if you are going to run Lake Michigan predominately, you need a traditional offshore type boat; not a hybrid go-fast/luxury hull.

I can think of a few boats that fit that bill, but Active Thunder comes to mind first.

I've been on Lake Michigan (2006 Chicago Poker Run) in 6-8s with 10-12 foot holes. There were a lot of different boats brands out there, and more than a few limped back; broke--structurally and mechanically. I believe Cobalts are made very well, but I think you are going to want a deep-V (potentially stepped) bottom.