Cobalt conquers through craftsmanship and character

by Jeni Bone on 9 Apr 2009 US brand, Cobalt has long been a brand associated with family ethics, attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship. Here’s why.

According to founder, Pack St. Clair, the people who make up the company, based in Neodesha in Kansas, USA, are all “boat fanatics”.

“Fanatical about reliable innovation; fanatical about quality, the little details, fit and finish,” he continues. “Leveraging over four decades of boatbuilding experience, we enthusiastically challenge ourselves to develop boats with amazing and robust features that excite boaters and improve their boating experience.”

Available in Australia via distributor JD’s Boatshed and its interstate dealers: Cunninghams Marine in Queensland, Websters Marine in Victoria and Mandurah Outboards in WA, Cobalt boats are a common sight on our waterways, holding the position of the premium brand available. Cobalts are prized for their performance and individual personality.

Operations Manager, Mark Wellstead explains: “It’s a unique, handcrafted product. There are three generations of family members working in the US factory. In fact, the whole town works there. We believe there’s no other boat on the market built with so much attention to detail, and crafted to perform.”

The unique hull design makes the boats very efficient, for fuel economy and less strain on engines, says Wellstead. “With a deep sided big V, they are perfect for tackling any sort of water conditions, ocean or flat water.”

The 222 model was awarded Best Import Trailerable in the AMIF Awards last year and for the past eight years in the US, Cobalt has taken out the JD Power Awards. In fact, Cobalt is the only boat builder ever to rank “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” in the J.D. Power and Associates study of large runabouts (20 – 29 feet.

Competitively priced for the superb quality – small start at about $89,000 up to $500,000 for the luxury yachts at 46ft – Cobalt’s main target market is small business owners.

“They are suited to ‘the average man’,” says Wellstead, “but a step above in terms of their luxurious fitout, blemish free construction, strict quality control and high quality materials, from stainless steel rails down to hull construction and gel coat. All the finer details as in depth as the upholstery stitching is perfect, all hand done.”

Heavier than many in their class, Cobalt boats contain no wood, but are of a fiberglass construction reinforced with Kevlar. “They are heavy boats, due to the amount of fiberglass, but that in turn produces a smoother, dry, balanced and safe ride without comprising the performance and speed. Weight is not a factor.”

Testament to their quality and performance, a Cobalt owners demonstrates incredible loyalty. “They won’t look at anything else once they’ve owned a Cobalt,” affirms Wellstead. “They are phenomenal to use and the comfort factor is awesome.”

More at www.jdsboatshed.com.au and www.cobaltboats.com