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.

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

I had a 20' Crownline with a 350 mag. Would have made a great river or lake boat, but it kicked my azz in the bay chop here.

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

I will 2nd that, we are a Monterey dealer and have had great success with them. Tons of little "extras" that dont come standard on other boats you get with the Montereys. They are an independant builder that only produced about 900 boats a year. quality is high and they hold resale well also. Take a look at the 194 FS or the 214 FS. Both boats are wider than most of the competition (194 has 8'4'' beam and the 214 has 8'6'') They have huge cockpits and great visual lines. There should be a dealer somewhat close to you, check them out!

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

Monterey is actually working on releasing some diesel I/O(Volvo) models soon. They have them on the water already(214). I'm told they really run well...how about 6 mpg and 40 mph?

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

stay with the Cobalt the only other in its class is Formula. :cool:

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

Colbalts are nice, but not even close to the quality of a Formula....

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

I agree in the bigger stuff but in smaller type bowrider river boats the Cobalt comes very close for the money.

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

What's wrong with the Cobalt that they have?

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

$55k for a 20' open bow? I dont care what name is on the side of it. Spend about $30k and save $25k for bar tabs for the next 10 years!

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

We have been very happy with our Crownline. Check them out. http://www.crownline.com/default.php

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

Take a good hard look at a Bryant. Very well made runabout, with all composite construction. The fit and finish on them are very nice. I think this boat has alot of bang for the buck.
http://www.bryantboats.com/

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

That's precisely the first thought that came to my mind. That's big money for a 20.

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

For about half the price, why not take a look at Baja's Islander series. Well made boats, and a pretty good bang for the buck. WWW.BAJAMARINE.COM

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

A new Baja 202 Islander retails at 40K and they are bare bones....quick as hell but very basic when its comes to options and accessories

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

According to the website, the msrp is $26,920, excluding options. Thats for the 202. The 192 msrp is $19575, excluding options. I would think once you add your options in, you would still come in quite a bit short of the 55k for the other brand listed.

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

Cobalt makes a great boat with a good resale. Look at the Monterey and the Chapparal. Their quality and value for the dollar is great!!!
Check with your local dealer on a chaparral or Monterey and ask to see the powerpoint program comparing any boats you want (to include cobalt)...it provides you with various features and is a good tool in making a decision that is best for your needs. It's a neat program as different people have different needs. I am not in your area so i am not trying to sell you a boat. I personally think the price difference between the deck and BR are a little wide and like the BR for the value for the dollar.

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

Rich Sutphen Jr has been working on a new 21' sport or bowrider based off their classic 20'. The boat is available in either I/O or O/B and you truly get a one off custom boat to your specs. With a 320hp or Opti 225 XS your looking at below 40K.

He is also selling the last 20' (closed deck) made which is a new 2005 boat with 320hp/Bravo 1 (full warranty) for 32K on a custom trailer.

Give Rich a call, he builds the boats in northern NJ about 4 hours from you.

http://www.sutphenboats.com/