Cobalt Boats Forum

Maybe see what each are selling for used just to have an idea of the value of each. But if the R3 is what you want (I would want one over the CS) and you are ok with the value difference I would do it. Doubt a dealer would do a trade like that even and certainly not pay you. I feel a deal like ...

Hey everyone,
Looking for some input. I’ve got a 2023 CS22 (160 hrs) with the V6-250, and I’ve come across a 2019 R3 (190 hrs) with the V8-300 that’s priced low at $60k. 1 The seller and I are talking about doing an even trade.

Would this be a worthwhile move given the age difference but extra ...

"Is this a straight forward DIY job to swap the prop?"

Very much so. I borrowed a 19 and a 21. Then took her on test drives to see the performance under various conditions.

Something is way off with the advice you're getting. The rule of thumb is that cruise rpm is about 80% of WOT rpm. If your ...

The prop should be based off of being able to hit the suggested WOT RPM (or just under). I'm guessing that the suggested max RPM for that engine is somewhere in the range of 4500 - 5000. That means if your boat can easily achieve that rpm range with a typical boat load of people (how many do you ...

Hi everyone,

I’ve got a 23' CS22 with the Volvo Penta 250 SX (V6), and I’m trying to dial in the most efficient cruising setup. Right now I’m running a 14.5 x 19 prop, and I’m seeing:

30 MPH at ~4000 RPM
23–25 MPH at 3200–3500 RPM
Guy at the marina told me that 4000 RPM is too high for extended ...

Annual Maintenance: No problem waiting until January to do that given you are going to still use the boat some and it sounds like a 6week delay will save some $$. Some people do it in the spring and that's fine - there have been times that I have waited to spring, but I usually do it in the fall ...

MnSeabalt -
I totally missed the fact that new VP engines are closed cooling (mine is a bit older and raw water cooled). That doesn't really change the need to protect it in freezing temperatures. It's just limited to the exhaust manifolds and heat exchanger since the engine itself has antifreeze ...

bruceb58 wrote: Wed Sep 18, 2024 5:26 pm Out of curiosity, what engine do you have? Do you not have closed cooling?

Vp250 - closed cooling yes I believe so. Why do you ask? I’ll be honest I don’t know engines well though so I’m not sure I understand closed cooling vs the alternative. I believe it is though.

One more thought, I have always heard that in order for something like an engine block to freeze to the point of breaking, it takes an extended cold period -- one night - which is really a few hours at 25deg is not going to crack an engine block. 3 nights in a row at 25deg and a daily high below ...

The first time you run the engine, the fogging oil burns off, so for example if you fog it in November, then run it in December, the fogging is gone.
What is described above in the $840 service is the text book, full blown winterization for an engine that is being stored in a subfreezing location ...

Get an itemized list of what that includes -- there are some annual maintenance items (oil change, drive lube change, fuel filter) that are typically done at the same time. Also in addition to draining the water from the engine, they should also be fogging the engine. If the $840 includes those ...

I am sure that winterization includes more than just draining the block. You need to change the engine and gear oil as well among other things.


Hey Thanks Bruce. I have that quoted from them as well in a separate annual service. I will still be getting that done. The $840 was just for draining ...

First winter and I'm storing my '23 CS22 on the outdoor Rack n stack on the lake in Seattle. Dealer quoted me $840 after tax for winterization. Wondering If I can forgo it and just do the "one button flush" on my VP..? It would be amazing not only saving that $840 but even better I would then be ...

Thank you Bill! I swear I had googled diy cover snap fix and didn’t see canvas snap tools. Good to know that’s a good option, I’ll definitely grab one and some of that silicone or lubricant.

The bungee strap, I can’t imagine they are too small, it was sized by the oem after all. That break really ...

Bumping this up. Anyone? Bueller?