This classic 1975 Cobalt tri-hull (hull #FGE800470874) is a very rare model since it has the OMC 290 hp Jetdrive, which was the maximum power available and very few were sold rigged with this package. The boat spent the first 32 years of it’s life in the fresh water reservoirs of Southern California. After buying it I restored the boat in 1993, including sending the jet to American Turbine in Idaho to upgrade the axial flow Jacuzzi jet to a mixed flow design, which raised the performance by about 15%. I also replaced the OMC log type exhaust manifolds with high rise center exhaust manifolds, increased the through transom exhaust from 3 inch to 4 inch, and installed a larger air intake filter, which collectively further increased the performance. It would probably test out at about 350 hp as now rigged. The acceleration is superb, and I would barefoot ski behind the boat, even with 8 persons on board. It can reach 45 mph, and rides great even in choppy water due to the deep 24 degree transom deadrise of the hull. The seating is great, and with the bimini top up it is enjoyable drifting or anchoring in a lake while having lunch and swimming around the boat. The boat is very stable, and it has heavy duty teak boarding steps which are through bolted to the transom with SS bolts. There is a deep insulated cooler located between the two front seats sufficient to handle all the drinks and snacks for an afternoon on the water. Water ski storage is easy between the seats and the side walls of the cockpit. There is ample storage available under all the seats in the bow, cockpit, and the rear seats for life preservers, lines, the anchor, etc.
The trailer is the original RoadRunner (serial #RR4840) which was matched to the hull profile and supplied by Cobalt. I changed out the original steel wheels for the 1980s Mercedes Benz alloys as seen in the photos to add a classy touch that matches the yacht quality of the boat. The trailer has been kept in excellent condition, and has hydraulic surge brakes on both axles with new LED lights all around.
The complete story about this unique boat can be read on MyCobalt.net under the title “Cobalt 18BR Story”. There is far too much to repeat here, so I encourage you to read that story. I have the original User and Maintenance Manuals, receipts, miscellaneous documents related to the boat, a mooring cover, and some spare parts that would be included in the sale. This boat is in excellent condition, and is a “turn key” deal, so you do not have to do anything prior to using it. It has less than 500 hours on the engine, and the jet rebuild has less than 100 hours. This is a great boat, but the reality is that we do not use it since our permanent home now is in Costa Rica and the summers in the midwest are spent traveling in our Foretravel motorhome. I am posting this advertisement on MyCobalt.com first since I believe that viewers to this website are more likely to really appreciate a boat like this, and I would prefer that they would have the first opportunity to buy it.
Price: $6,700 OBO $5,900 OBO
Location: Valders, Wisconsin
If you have read the Cobalt 18BR Story that I wrote last November you will have a much fuller history of this boat, so I encourage potential buyers to read it. Also, if you are still wondering about having a jet drive boat vs. a stern drive, please call me to discuss this, since it is a question to many, but most of these stories are outdated and related to SK hulls or low draft hot shot boats that are not really representative of a boat like this. I have had several top quality boats including O/Bs, I/Os, and Jets, so I understand the issue, and can comment objectively about any concerns that someone might have about having a Jet. Note the recent resurgence of boats similar to this that are now offered with jet drives. It is worth considering if previously you never thought you would have a boat with a jet drive. I looked for many years to find a Cobalt 18BR with a jet, and passed up many I/Os, but finally found this one, and I was not disappointed in waiting. Call me to understand why. Jerry Halderson
I would like to know if the people that bought your boat would like to sell it.