Cobalt Boats Forum

Another big difference I’m reading about now is the effect of engine placement on ride quality. With outboards, the engine weight is farther aft and sits higher, which shifts the center of gravity and reduces bow weight. That can lead to a less planted feel in chop or rough water.
In contrast, a ...

Two points of thrust” — yes, meaning either twin engines or thrusters. Same thing. What I’m saying is, joystick with just one point of thrust is pretty much useless. Moot point anyway — Cobalt doesn’t offer thrusters or joystick on single-prop models.

"To be able to have a joystick you need at least two props . . ."

That is not correct. There are joystick controls for single sterndrives by, e.g., VP and Merc.



Ok joystick on a single-prop system may technically exist, but it’s never going to give you the same control — because physics. You ...

Good point on the noise factor... I have no idea how much louder they are. If it's like a lot louder where you struggle to have a conversation well that may be an issue. If it's only a little bit louder I'd be fine with that. I've never been on a boat with outboards.

To be able to have a joystick ...

Has anyone here made the switch from an R series sterndrive to an outboard setup? What’s been your experience?

I’m seriously considering moving to an R8 with twin outboards. The main reasons for me would be easier maintenance, shallower draft, and joystick control—which seems like a total game ...

Hey thanks Aslan7... love my R5... during boating season I'm out on it every other weekend on the lake here in TN.

Side note I did a small but significant upgrade last time the boat was in service. I had them upgrade all the slow old USB-A ports to new USB-C !!! The part is a direct replacement ...

Thanks... I'll print out that template and see if it fits in the existing space. Even though the screen is 2" bigger, the bezels have slimmed down significantly on the X43 from the X42 series... the overall footprint is only slightly larger. But looking at my photos of the R5 helm... there's not ...

Hello everyone,

I have a 2021 R5 with what I believe are twin Garmin GPSMAP 742 Plus units. I’ve been really happy with the setup overall, but I’m curious — has anyone here upgraded to the newer 7" model or possibly retrofitted a 9" Garmin 943xsv into the dash?

Side note — I’m loving that Garmin ...