Is 23 foot Cobalt a good Winni boat?

Geneva Point · 11-21-2025, 11:01 AM

Looking to see if anyone on the lake has a cobalt CS23 and what they think of it in general as a good/bad boat for Winni? Also, is the V6 280 Penta engine enough horse power for full boat and to pull wake boarders and skiers?

LIforrelaxin · 11-21-2025, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geneva Point

Looking to see if anyone on the lake has a cobalt CS23 and what they think of it in general as a good/bad boat for Winni? Also, is the V6 280 Penta engine enough horse power for full boat and to pull wake boarders and skiers?

I think it would make a nice lake boat, some folks may say its to small but honestly at 23' I think you would be fine most days... now as far as power is concerned, it is hard to say, but I think honestly you would want to step up to the V8 as it likely has a better whole shot, but I would also look at a Duo-prop outdrive....

Biggd · 11-21-2025, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

I think it would make a nice lake boat, some folks may say its to small but honestly at 23' I think you would be fine most days... now as far as power is concerned, it is hard to say, but I think honestly you would want to step up to the V8 as it likely has a better whole shot, but I would also look at a Duo-prop outdrive....

My neighbor bought one a few years ago, had a lot of problems with it the first year which were taken care of under warrantee, but he lost half the summer because it took the dealer so long to figure it out and then source the parts.
Then last season a clip that holds the throttle cable on the shifter broke off while he was docking and he ran right into the rocks on his shoreline. It was 10K damages because a $1.00 part failed.
I 'm on Wakewaun so not sure how it would handle waves on Winni.

garysanfran · 11-21-2025, 01:22 PM

It would be perfect.

MeredithMan · 11-21-2025, 01:38 PM

Cobalt is a great boat brand. We had a 25' bowrider with Mercruiser Big Block 430HP, with Captain's Call exhaust. It was a rocket ship. The fit and finish of the interior was top notch and it gave a great ride. After a few seasons, though, we felt it was just a tad small for our boating lifestyle, so we ended up going with a Formula 270 Bowrider, also with a Big Block. In all candor, we probably would have gone with another bigger Cobalt, if it weren't for the fact that I've known Kory at Paugus Bay Marina a long time and he takes excellent care of us.

If your boating lifestyle has you and a bunch of family/friends in the washing machine of The Weirs/Governor's Island area on the weekends, you may find that a 25-27' boat would serve you better, assuming it fits your budget, the dock you keep it at, etc. If it's only a couple of you in the boat and in calmer areas, a 23 footer may be just fine.

fatlazyless · 11-21-2025, 02:24 PM

All you really need to go all over Lake Winnipesaukee is a 14' Alumacraft vee hull with an old 15-hp two stroke, tiller handle Johnson or Evinrude, so a 23' Cobalt is a serious overkill and over spend.

Plus, small boats like a 14' vee hull are so much more fun because they give you a feeling of being CLOSE to the water. Obviously, every day on the big lake is a different day and you need to watch the weather and waves.

!4' of FUN with an old 15-hp two-stroke ..... second or third hand, LOW PRICE ..... rowed with great difficulty by one ..... rowed much better by two ..... easy winter storage, remove the motor and flip the 175-lb hull upside down onto small brick blocks, somewhere out back for the off-season.

With its one inch aluminum keel, running the entire hull, it will work good as an ice-breaker. It will slice thru one inch solid ice, with 200-lb weight like sand bags or another person up front in the bow to balance it for somewhat(?) safe use as an ice-breaker at slow speed ahead.

You be surprised how good it really works as a shoulder season ice-breaker .... www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvF1kAG3oJ0 ...... plus you have to wonder what the heck the aluminum keel is doing to the ice, underneath you, as the boat moves forward at 10-mph or something?

A 14' aluminum vee hull open boat weighs about 175-lbs. An old Evinrude 15hp two-stroke weighs about 75-lbs.

And, another 14' vee hull, gung-ho, attack the ice, 14' ice-breaker video ....... www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMYJZBepT3Q ..... today is Nov 22 ..... where's the ice? ....... "piece of cake!". Hey, try to do that with your 23' Cobalt ........ ramming an iceberg ...... rots-o-ruck .........

!

DesertDweller · 11-21-2025, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

I think it would make a nice lake boat, some folks may say its to small but honestly at 23' I think you would be fine most days... now as far as power is concerned, it is hard to say, but I think honestly you would want to step up to the V8 as it likely has a better whole shot, but I would also look at a Duo-prop outdrive....

I agree with this. I have a 22 foot boat and most days it's more than adequate. I also agree that if you are doing water sports you will want to spend the extra dollars on the V8. Cobalt makes some really nice stuff.

ApS · 11-21-2025, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

Cobalt is a great boat brand. We had a 25' bowrider with Mercruiser Big Block 430HP, with Captain's Call exhaust. It was a rocket ship. The fit and finish of the interior was top notch and it gave a great ride. After a few seasons, though, we felt it was just a tad small for our boating lifestyle, so we ended up going with a Formula 270 Bowrider, also with a Big Block. In all candor, we probably would have gone with another bigger Cobalt, if it weren't for the fact that I've known Kory at Paugus Bay Marina a long time and he takes excellent care of us. If your boating lifestyle has you and a bunch of family/friends in the washing machine of The Weirs/Governor's Island area on the weekends, you may find that a 25-27' boat would serve you better, assuming it fits your budget, the dock you keep it at, etc. If it's only a couple of you in the boat and in calmer areas, a 23 footer may be just fine.

Hardly anyone has suffered from too much power. After getting beat up from the noisy Broads, Captain's "Call", will come in handy. You can round the point, enter Winter Harbor, switch on your Captain's "Call", and impress the residents.

It's your call.

Moreover, "big block" Cobalts have no trouble exceeding the speed limit, so one can operate with exigencies in mind.

As I can see (and hear) about a square mile of Winter Harbor. Cobalts are thick here, a dealer is right around the corner...plus, I've never seen a Cobalt being towed.

MeredithMan · 11-21-2025, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApS

Hardly anyone has suffered from too much power. After getting beat up from the noisy Broads, Captain's "Call", will come in handy. You can round the point, enter Winter Harbor, switch on your Captain's "Call", and impress the residents.

It's your call.

Moreover, "big block" Cobalts have no trouble exceeding the speed limit, so one can operate with exigencies in mind.

As I can see (and hear) about a square mile of Winter Harbor. Cobalts are thick here, a dealer is right around the corner...plus, I've never seen a Cobalt being towed.

The reality is I rarely used the Captain's Call exhaust. When we first had the boat, I started it at the Akwa Beach Bar with the exhaust turned on and got a bunch of hairy eyeball / stink-eye looks, so from then on, I was very selective when I used it, (usually at my own dock for entertainment for friends and family). It always reminded me of the old Century inboards from when I was a kid in the early 70's, which I always thought were the bee's knees...

upthesaukee · 11-21-2025, 05:50 PM

I see your location is in Moultonborough. Most of the time it would be not a problem.

With stronger winds out of the North or Northwest, venturing out to the area known as "The Broads" may not be a great idea. It can get pretty rough out in that section of the lake if it's windy.

Like anything else, prior planning and keeping an eye on the weather and the wind is key to boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. Just enjoy your boat.

Dave

TomC · 11-21-2025, 06:32 PM

My understanding is that Captain's Call exhaust systems are not legal in NH... I wonder how the dealers get around that? And if the Marine Patrol cares...

TiltonBB · 11-21-2025, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomC

My understanding is that Captain's Call exhaust systems are not legal in NH... I wonder how the dealers get around that? And if the Marine Patrol cares...

They used to be illegal but they no longer are. However, on the louder setting they still cannot exceed the legal decibel limit.

Descant · 11-22-2025, 03:24 PM

To me, the 23' Cobalt is a nice all purpose family boat. Good for most water sports, but not as good as the boats designed for a single purpose water sport.
I wouldn't pay extra for Capatain's Call. This is a 23' family boat and you won't fool anybody into thinking it is a real 40' GFBL just because it is (you are) noisy.

HP: more is usually better if you routinely carry 6+ passengers, but mostly it is rare that you will need to take advantage of full power. The new big outboards appear to offer better performance and efficiency than some inboards. Might be worth investigating.

CTR-HBR · 11-22-2025, 06:23 PM

I've owned a 23SC since 2018 and can honestly say it's the best handling boat I've ever owned. This is the outboard version. I upsized to a Mercury Verado 300HP over the standard 250HP and it has more than enough power. It's quick to plane and I've had no issues pulling my adult sons up on a slalom ski or wakeboard. Although I spent the first five years on Squam, I moved to Winni for the last few, having secured a rental berth at Meredith Yacht club. My 23SC has a head, shower and ladders fore and aft, swim platform, ski pylon and the tower bimini. The bimini is easy to lower when needed, especially in early spring when the water levels are high and bridge clearance may be an issue. Due to a change in lifestyle, we've decided to take a break from boating and I've placed the boat up for sale. The boat has very low hours - approximately 300 - and extremely clean. It's been professionally maintained every year. It also comes with a tandem axle Venture custom trailer. You can see a link to the boat here:

http://www.facebook.com/marketplace/...e-a47acd89ebbc

or check her out on Cold River Marine's website:

https://coldrivermarine.com/sales

Pricing is always "negotiable"!

Good luck either way, but definitely give the Cobalt Boats a serious look.

FlyingScot · 11-23-2025, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeredithMan

If your boating lifestyle has you and a bunch of family/friends in the washing machine of The Weirs/Governor's Island area on the weekends, you may find that a 25-27' boat would serve you better, assuming it fits your budget, the dock you keep it at, etc. If it's only a couple of you in the boat and in calmer areas, a 23 footer may be just fine.

I'd say that except in those conditions you cite, a person's better off with the 23'--budget, dock, maneuverability, etc

Superduty1 · 11-24-2025, 02:15 PM

Geneva Point,
This is my Cobalt story. When my family was young and we wanted to get into boating in 1995, we were in the right place at the right time and purchased a 1990, 252 Cobalt with 90 hours on it. Yes it was more than we wanted to spend, but the boat was pristine and we went for it. It had the 454 with a Brave drive, stainless prop. There is no replacement for displacement when it comes to power! We boated every where on Winnipesaukee and went out anytime. Yes, during the week if the wind was not a factor, boating was smooth. On weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day the boat chop anywhere on the lake will beat you up (even in a 252). Its all about comfort for you and your passengers. Sitting up front in an open bow on a rough day will hurt anybodies back. Thirty-two years later we sold the boat, and looking back I was glad we went with the size and power we got and was very pleased with Cobalt. Aside from standard wear items like alternator, starter, and regular maintenance, (all MerCruiser items) we did not have one problem with the boat. The interior was original and the bottom looked like the day it came out of the mold. That boat is still on Winni today and the new owner loves it! Now that we are older and the family comes up with the grandkids, we moved up to a Cobalt 282, with twin Volvo Penta's. Horsepower and ride are incredible on just about any day. The Cobalt name lives up to its reputation. No issues with the new boat in the first three years. My advice, buy what you can afford, but buy a quality boat. As others here have said, more horsepower is usually better (don't forget you have to feed that horsepower). Don't be afraid of a good used boat. Formula, also makes a great reliable long lasting boat. That was my other choice when looking. If you and your family enjoy boating, you can step up to a bigger boat in time. I hope your boating experience is a good one no matter what you choose!

TomC · 11-24-2025, 02:42 PM

I had a Cobalt 200 for 17 years, from 2006 to 2023. People say a 20-footer may be too small for Winni but it had a high freeboard, and I went wherever/whenever I wanted. Fantastic construction quality and never had a problem with it (it was powered by the 5.7L VP duoprop). It is is the boat you see in my profile pic. I am between boats at the moment due to lifestyle choices, but would only buy a Cobalt in the future.

Geneva Point · 11-24-2025, 05:48 PM

Bought it Saturday after taking it for a spin. Plenty of power with 6 people on board - more than I expected. Great boat. Thanks for everyone's comments.

LIforrelaxin · 11-25-2025, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomC

My understanding is that Captain's Call exhaust systems are not legal in NH... I wonder how the dealers get around that? And if the Marine Patrol cares...

This has not been true for several years. Yes once upon a time the switchable exhaust was outlawed... for no good reason.... once a few state politicians where educated on the use of switchable exhausts the law was changed.... I was part of the group that pushed the change through... and talked with several Politicians and educated them on the mater.

What still is in effect is the overall decibel limit...... Interesting however that there isn't a decibel limit on music, which now is often louder then the boats exhaust....

MeredithMan · 11-25-2025, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geneva Point

Bought it Saturday after taking it for a spin. Plenty of power with 6 people on board - more than I expected. Great boat. Thanks for everyone's comments.

Congrats and enjoy!!

CTR-HBR · 11-25-2025, 05:19 PM

I'm sure you're rooting for an early "ice out"! Congratulations on your purchase and wishing you the best summer 2026 on Winni! Enjoy your new ride!

Dick52 · 11-27-2025, 01:17 PM

I've had it for 2 years. Best riding boat I have ever had on this lake. You will love it!

11-21-2025, 11:01 AM	#1
Geneva Point Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 70 Thanks: 17 Thanked 35 Times in 19 Posts	Is 23 foot Cobalt a good Winni boat? Looking to see if anyone on the lake has a cobalt CS23 and what they think of it in general as a good/bad boat for Winni? Also, is the V6 280 Penta engine enough horse power for full boat and to pull wake boarders and skiers?

11-21-2025, 01:22 PM	#4
garysanfran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Francisco/Meredith Posts: 1,639 Thanks: 727 Thanked 705 Times in 363 Posts	It would be perfect. __________________ Gary ~~~~_/) ~~~ ~~~~~~~~

11-21-2025, 02:24 PM	#6
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 9,168 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 310 Thanked 1,102 Times in 811 Posts	Winnipesaukee famous 14' aluminum, vee hull All you really need to go all over Lake Winnipesaukee is a 14' Alumacraft vee hull with an old 15-hp two stroke, tiller handle Johnson or Evinrude, so a 23' Cobalt is a serious overkill and over spend. Plus, small boats like a 14' vee hull are so much more fun because they give you a feeling of being CLOSE to the water. Obviously, every day on the big lake is a different day and you need to watch the weather and waves. !4' of FUN with an old 15-hp two-stroke ..... second or third hand, LOW PRICE ..... rowed with great difficulty by one ..... rowed much better by two ..... easy winter storage, remove the motor and flip the 175-lb hull upside down onto small brick blocks, somewhere out back for the off-season. With its one inch aluminum keel, running the entire hull, it will work good as an ice-breaker. It will slice thru one inch solid ice, with 200-lb weight like sand bags or another person up front in the bow to balance it for somewhat(?) safe use as an ice-breaker at slow speed ahead. You be surprised how good it really works as a shoulder season ice-breaker .... www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvF1kAG3oJ0 ...... plus you have to wonder what the heck the aluminum keel is doing to the ice, underneath you, as the boat moves forward at 10-mph or something? A 14' aluminum vee hull open boat weighs about 175-lbs. An old Evinrude 15hp two-stroke weighs about 75-lbs. And, another 14' vee hull, gung-ho, attack the ice, 14' ice-breaker video ....... www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMYJZBepT3Q ..... today is Nov 22 ..... where's the ice? ....... "piece of cake!". Hey, try to do that with your 23' Cobalt ........ ramming an iceberg ...... rots-o-ruck ......... ! __________________ .... Banned for life from local thrift store! Last edited by fatlazyless; 11-22-2025 at 11:38 PM.

11-21-2025, 05:50 PM	#10
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,616 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,483 Thanked 1,988 Times in 1,088 Posts	Probably fine most of the time. I see your location is in Moultonborough. Most of the time it would be not a problem. With stronger winds out of the North or Northwest, venturing out to the area known as "The Broads" may not be a great idea. It can get pretty rough out in that section of the lake if it's windy. Like anything else, prior planning and keeping an eye on the weather and the wind is key to boating on Lake Winnipesaukee. Just enjoy your boat. Dave __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

11-22-2025, 03:24 PM	#13
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,591 Thanks: 1,413 Thanked 1,703 Times in 1,107 Posts	Compromise To me, the 23' Cobalt is a nice all purpose family boat. Good for most water sports, but not as good as the boats designed for a single purpose water sport. I wouldn't pay extra for Capatain's Call. This is a 23' family boat and you won't fool anybody into thinking it is a real 40' GFBL just because it is (you are) noisy. HP: more is usually better if you routinely carry 6+ passengers, but mostly it is rare that you will need to take advantage of full power. The new big outboards appear to offer better performance and efficiency than some inboards. Might be worth investigating.

11-21-2025, 01:38 PM	#5
MeredithMan Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bedford, NH; Meredith, NH Posts: 1,006 Thanks: 264 Thanked 830 Times in 347 Posts	Cobalt is a great boat brand. We had a 25' bowrider with Mercruiser Big Block 430HP, with Captain's Call exhaust. It was a rocket ship. The fit and finish of the interior was top notch and it gave a great ride. After a few seasons, though, we felt it was just a tad small for our boating lifestyle, so we ended up going with a Formula 270 Bowrider, also with a Big Block. In all candor, we probably would have gone with another bigger Cobalt, if it weren't for the fact that I've known Kory at Paugus Bay Marina a long time and he takes excellent care of us. If your boating lifestyle has you and a bunch of family/friends in the washing machine of The Weirs/Governor's Island area on the weekends, you may find that a 25-27' boat would serve you better, assuming it fits your budget, the dock you keep it at, etc. If it's only a couple of you in the boat and in calmer areas, a 23 footer may be just fine.

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11-21-2025, 06:32 PM	#11
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 816 Thanks: 42 Thanked 185 Times in 116 Posts	My understanding is that Captain's Call exhaust systems are not legal in NH... I wonder how the dealers get around that? And if the Marine Patrol cares...

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TomC (11-22-2025)

11-22-2025, 06:23 PM	#14
CTR-HBR Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2024 Posts: 3 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've owned a 23SC since 2018 and can honestly say it's the best handling boat I've ever owned. This is the outboard version. I upsized to a Mercury Verado 300HP over the standard 250HP and it has more than enough power. It's quick to plane and I've had no issues pulling my adult sons up on a slalom ski or wakeboard. Although I spent the first five years on Squam, I moved to Winni for the last few, having secured a rental berth at Meredith Yacht club. My 23SC has a head, shower and ladders fore and aft, swim platform, ski pylon and the tower bimini. The bimini is easy to lower when needed, especially in early spring when the water levels are high and bridge clearance may be an issue. Due to a change in lifestyle, we've decided to take a break from boating and I've placed the boat up for sale. The boat has very low hours - approximately 300 - and extremely clean. It's been professionally maintained every year. It also comes with a tandem axle Venture custom trailer. You can see a link to the boat here: http://www.facebook.com/marketplace/...e-a47acd89ebbc or check her out on Cold River Marine's website: https://coldrivermarine.com/sales Pricing is always "negotiable"! Good luck either way, but definitely give the Cobalt Boats a serious look.

11-24-2025, 02:15 PM	#16
Superduty1 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 17 Thanks: 1 Thanked 9 Times in 6 Posts	Cobalt Boats Geneva Point, This is my Cobalt story. When my family was young and we wanted to get into boating in 1995, we were in the right place at the right time and purchased a 1990, 252 Cobalt with 90 hours on it. Yes it was more than we wanted to spend, but the boat was pristine and we went for it. It had the 454 with a Brave drive, stainless prop. There is no replacement for displacement when it comes to power! We boated every where on Winnipesaukee and went out anytime. Yes, during the week if the wind was not a factor, boating was smooth. On weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day the boat chop anywhere on the lake will beat you up (even in a 252). Its all about comfort for you and your passengers. Sitting up front in an open bow on a rough day will hurt anybodies back. Thirty-two years later we sold the boat, and looking back I was glad we went with the size and power we got and was very pleased with Cobalt. Aside from standard wear items like alternator, starter, and regular maintenance, (all MerCruiser items) we did not have one problem with the boat. The interior was original and the bottom looked like the day it came out of the mold. That boat is still on Winni today and the new owner loves it! Now that we are older and the family comes up with the grandkids, we moved up to a Cobalt 282, with twin Volvo Penta's. Horsepower and ride are incredible on just about any day. The Cobalt name lives up to its reputation. No issues with the new boat in the first three years. My advice, buy what you can afford, but buy a quality boat. As others here have said, more horsepower is usually better (don't forget you have to feed that horsepower). Don't be afraid of a good used boat. Formula, also makes a great reliable long lasting boat. That was my other choice when looking. If you and your family enjoy boating, you can step up to a bigger boat in time. I hope your boating experience is a good one no matter what you choose!

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VitaBene (12-01-2025)

11-24-2025, 02:42 PM	#17
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 816 Thanks: 42 Thanked 185 Times in 116 Posts	I had a Cobalt 200 for 17 years, from 2006 to 2023. People say a 20-footer may be too small for Winni but it had a high freeboard, and I went wherever/whenever I wanted. Fantastic construction quality and never had a problem with it (it was powered by the 5.7L VP duoprop). It is is the boat you see in my profile pic. I am between boats at the moment due to lifestyle choices, but would only buy a Cobalt in the future.

11-24-2025, 05:48 PM	#18
Geneva Point Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 70 Thanks: 17 Thanked 35 Times in 19 Posts	Bought it Saturday after taking it for a spin. Plenty of power with 6 people on board - more than I expected. Great boat. Thanks for everyone's comments.

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11-25-2025, 05:19 PM	#21
CTR-HBR Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2024 Posts: 3 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'm sure you're rooting for an early "ice out"! Congratulations on your purchase and wishing you the best summer 2026 on Winni! Enjoy your new ride!

11-27-2025, 01:17 PM	#22
Dick52 Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Posts: 34 Thanks: 20 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts	I own same boat I've had it for 2 years. Best riding boat I have ever had on this lake. You will love it!

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