For decades the legendary 190-bow rider has been introducing people to the pleasures of casual boating. Now for 2003, Cobalt is introducing the replacement for the 190 with their newly designed 200-bow rider. The new boat is almost two feet longer than her predecessor and provides greater comfort and styling. The only thing that hasn’t changed is Cobalt’s renowned quality and durability.

Even though this is a 20-foot boat the fabrication of the hull and detailed parts is first rate. Weighing in at a healthy 3,800 pounds dry, the 200 rides smoothly and cuts through the rough water confidently. Our test crew had the opportunity to take the 200 out on a very rough day, and though we got a bit of water over the bow, the hull provided a very tough and solid feel, with no creaking or rattling like we sometimes find in other boats. Performance is based on what engine package you decide to choose from. Our test boat came equipped with a peppy Volvo-Penta 5.0 liter GXI SX motor attached to a Duo-prop drive. This combination produces 270-horse power at the prop and is capable of pushing the 200 to over 46 miles per hour. As expected, this bow rider handles very well. Slalom turns can be accomplished with precision, and circling around to pick up skiers is performed with a tight radius.

Cockpit layout is typical for a bow rider, with wrap-around seating up front, dual bucket seats at the helm, and a wide aft bench seat. Cobalt uses high quality vinyl and dri-fast foam in the construction of their seating components. The upholstery work is some of the best in the industry, and will give you many years of enjoyment.

Integrated into the aft seating and the engine hatch/sun pad, is a transom walk-thru. Combined with an excellent non-skid surface, this walk-thru makes transitioning to the swim platform easier and much safer. At the stern, the molded swim platform houses a small, self-draining wet locker for your ski rope, and a telescoping boarding ladder. An optional extended swim platform is available and mounts just above the water line. I really liked the thinking that went into this concept because it provides you with two tiers of platform space and it makes getting in and out of the water a breeze. Since the platform extends well aft of the propeller, a huge margin of safety is provided for those in the water.

Of course, there is plenty of storage space in the 200, and drink holders are everywhere. Cobalt offers a list of very useful options too, for instance, an onboard air compressor for your water toys and a telescoping anchor light that disappears at the touch of a button. One of my favorite options is the stainless steel tube framed Bimini top, which is secured by using quick-release tube stanchions, rather than fabric straps.

What stood out the most to me was the premium build quality. Cobalt combines first-rate materials with top-notch workmanship. Rigging details like double clamping all plumbing connections, lining all storage compartments with rubber mats or carpet, and most importantly, the use of tapping plates and/or backing plates on every fastener. All these manufacturing details, combined with an outstanding hull lay-up, result in a boat that might just outlast her owner! Now be prepared, because all this quality does have a cost attached to it. But years from now, that may not matter.

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

Test Captain

• Top speed for the Cobalt 200 is 46.6 mph (75 kph), burning 14.10 gallons per hour (gph) or 53.37 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Cobalt 200 is 25.7 mph (41.4 kph), and the boat gets 4.21 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.79 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 152 miles (244.62 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 270-hp Volvo Penta 5.0 GXI.