Cobalt – among the best from the USA

by Bob Wonders on 28 Jul 2009 It must be nigh on 20 or more years since I first laid eyes on what was to me a totally unknown brand name, Cobalt, a breed of boats built in Kansas, at a rather unusually-named town of Neodesha.

I learnt then and nothing has changed my mind since, that Cobalt Boats had a reputation as being an industry leader when it came to standard of finish, of inclusions and of build integrity.

Simply put, Cobalt Boats are outstanding in every respect.

In those days, Cobalt were only available if an individual undertook the task of importing one as a solo owner, but I can happily report that is no longer the case.

JD’s Boatshed, in Sydney’s south, on Captain Cook Drive, Caringbah, is not only the NSW dealer for the beautifully-built Cobalt range, but the dealership’s management, headed by Dennis Souvleris, is also the Australian importer for the US company.

Authorised dealerships have already been established in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia in the three-years that Souvleris has had the import rights.

Cobalt Boats produces a comprehensive array of vessels, from its smallest at 6.4-metres (21’) through to larger motor yachts in the 14.0-metre range.

JD’s Boatshed concentrates on the less than 10.0-metre range for obvious reasons, given the so-called global financial crisis.

However, despite the economy having slowed over recent months, JD’s Boatshed operations manager Mark Wellstead does look confidentially towards the future.

'Customers keep call into our showroom and with consumer confidence rising and with the Sydney International Boat Show this week and summer not far behind it, we’re ready and raring to go.

'We will be unveiling several new models from the Cobalt range at Darling Harbour and we hope plenty of show visitors will call by our display in Hall 2 and see what a class act Cobalt produces,' he added.

While Cobalt may well be the prestige end of the JD’s Boatshed range, the dealership is also an authorised Evinrude and Tohatsu outboard dealer, is a leading retailer of Sea-Doo personal water craft, another US brand in the well-regarded Glastron range and has the fine Brisbane-built ‘tinnies’ from Formosa Boats.

'I believe JD’s Boatshed is well positioned to offer a boat for almost any application,' Mark Wellstead explained.

'If you like your fun on the water with luxury thrown in, Cobalt is the one for you; quiet water angler, then I’m sure we’ll have a Formosa to suit, while Glastron offers a perfect alternative to both.

'And if it’s sheer fun you’re hunting, then you will have come to the right place for the exciting range of Sea-Doo personal water craft,' he added.

Many of the US boats, particularly the Cobalt range, arrive in Australia ready to go with MerCruiser stern drive power.

Although not a MerCruiser dealership, JD’s Boatshed is an authorised service destination for the MerCruiser engines and the dealership’s staff includes five factory-trained technicians.

'Don’t let talk of economic downturn put you off from enjoying life,' Mark Wellstead declared, 'come and see us at the Sydney International Boat Show and I’ll offer you a deal you can’t refuse.

'JD’s Boatshed is a first class marine dealership and we’re in for the long haul and nothing makes us happier than attending to and servicing contented customers,' he added.

For further information contact JD’s Boatshed, telephone (02) 9525-3166 or e-mail info@jdsboatshed.com.au