220 upgrades
220 upgrades
Now that I know I’m not liable for a new motor (see my intro thread) I’m free to spend my money on more fun upgrades.
Here’s my list so far, not necessarily in order of priority.
1. New speakers. The current speakers are weak and the transom speakers are yellowed and ugly. (See picture)
2. Better ladder. The current ladder is held up with a bungie, not exactly elegant. Any recommendations? (Again see attached picture)
3. Repaint the drive. If anyone can recommend a source for decals I’d appreciate it.
4. Get some traction on the swim step. It’s slicker than snot when wet. I’m looking at ordering sea deck material and doing this myself.
5. Bimini from rnr marine, the boat came with a convertible top, but I prefer to stand while underway. Does anyone have experience with their products or another?
6. Upgrade lighting to LEDs. Docking lights and drain plugs lights seem like a big bang for your buck upgrade.
7. ????
Here’s my list so far, not necessarily in order of priority.
1. New speakers. The current speakers are weak and the transom speakers are yellowed and ugly. (See picture)
2. Better ladder. The current ladder is held up with a bungie, not exactly elegant. Any recommendations? (Again see attached picture)
3. Repaint the drive. If anyone can recommend a source for decals I’d appreciate it.
4. Get some traction on the swim step. It’s slicker than snot when wet. I’m looking at ordering sea deck material and doing this myself.
5. Bimini from rnr marine, the boat came with a convertible top, but I prefer to stand while underway. Does anyone have experience with their products or another?
6. Upgrade lighting to LEDs. Docking lights and drain plugs lights seem like a big bang for your buck upgrade.
7. ????
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1995 220
Red Rock, IA
Red Rock, IA
- Krob1114
- Vice Admiral

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Re: 220 upgrades
Sounds like you're on the right track. Good luck.
2019 Cobalt R3 @ Greers Ferry Lake, AR
Home in Hernando, MS
Home in Hernando, MS
- Mike in SC
- Captain

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Re: 220 upgrades
I can certainly endorse JL Audio speakers for replacement of the stock ones. If I can spend some of your money I'd add a JL amplifier also. You won't believe the difference.
Sea Dek will definitely help on your swim platform. I haven't spent the money on that...yet. But my wife and I both like it so it's probably just a matter of time.
Your ladder does look a bit limiting, only 2 steps? Replacing it with something a bit bigger would really make a difference on your boat. My ladder only has two steps, but they're off the swim platform, which on my boat is right at the water level. Good luck on your search for that, hopefully someone will jump in with some good leads for that.
Nice looking boat!
Enjoy!
Sea Dek will definitely help on your swim platform. I haven't spent the money on that...yet. But my wife and I both like it so it's probably just a matter of time.
Your ladder does look a bit limiting, only 2 steps? Replacing it with something a bit bigger would really make a difference on your boat. My ladder only has two steps, but they're off the swim platform, which on my boat is right at the water level. Good luck on your search for that, hopefully someone will jump in with some good leads for that.
Nice looking boat!
Enjoy!
Mike in SC
Lake Murray, SC
2003 Cobalt 220
350 Mag MPI/Merc Bravo 3
Lake Murray, SC
2003 Cobalt 220
350 Mag MPI/Merc Bravo 3
Re: 220 upgrades
I’d like to go for JL but I have a sweet connection and can get a kenwood head unit, 4 speakers, and amp for about $250. Pretty hard to beat that.
Based on what I’ve read in previous threads, it’s advised to rewire everything. Is there an easy way to fish the wires under the floor, or will I need to run everything clear back to the engine bay and around?
Based on what I’ve read in previous threads, it’s advised to rewire everything. Is there an easy way to fish the wires under the floor, or will I need to run everything clear back to the engine bay and around?
1995 220
Red Rock, IA
Red Rock, IA
Re: 220 upgrades
I have that same step and it works quite well actually while in the water. I think the steering wheel upgrade mentioned all over this site was a kool add on for me.
Re: 220 upgrades
Like this
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- Big Block Power
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Re: 220 upgrades
It's easy to run wires through the gunwale.
03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: 220 upgrades
I’m thinking about going for that as well. I saw someone posted in here where he replaced his wood panels with a laser cut black panels. I really liked the look of that but haven’t been able to find it again. The wood on my dash and port side glovebox really dates the interior. But then I’d need to replace the switches too….skno wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:52 pm I have that same step and it works quite well actually while in the water. I think the steering wheel upgrade mentioned all over this site was a kool add on for me.
1995 220
Red Rock, IA
Red Rock, IA
Re: 220 upgrades
this one?tomace13 wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 2:48 pmI’m thinking about going for that as well. I saw someone posted in here where he replaced his wood panels with a laser cut black panels. I really liked the look of that but haven’t been able to find it again. The wood on my dash and port side glovebox really dates the interior. But then I’d need to replace the switches too….skno wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:52 pm I have that same step and it works quite well actually while in the water. I think the steering wheel upgrade mentioned all over this site was a kool add on for me.
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=5252
CS23
Re: 220 upgrades
Yep, thats it! However, i also found another thread regarding Tecnografic's pricing ($200-$300 per panel)....maybe wrapping them in vinyl might be a better approach at this stage.dustinm wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:03 pmthis one?tomace13 wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 2:48 pmI’m thinking about going for that as well. I saw someone posted in here where he replaced his wood panels with a laser cut black panels. I really liked the look of that but haven’t been able to find it again. The wood on my dash and port side glovebox really dates the interior. But then I’d need to replace the switches too….skno wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 12:52 pm I have that same step and it works quite well actually while in the water. I think the steering wheel upgrade mentioned all over this site was a kool add on for me.
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=5252
1995 220
Red Rock, IA
Red Rock, IA
Re: 220 upgrades
That would work or you can paint them with automotive grade paint.tomace13 wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:05 pmYep, thats it! However, i also found another thread regarding Tecnografic's pricing ($200-$300 per panel)....maybe wrapping them in vinyl might be a better approach at this stage.dustinm wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 3:03 pmthis one?tomace13 wrote: Thu Sep 02, 2021 2:48 pm
I’m thinking about going for that as well. I saw someone posted in here where he replaced his wood panels with a laser cut black panels. I really liked the look of that but haven’t been able to find it again. The wood on my dash and port side glovebox really dates the interior. But then I’d need to replace the switches too….
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=5252
CS23
Re: 220 upgrades
The steering wheel makes a huge difference. Can be a bit of a “B” to get off, but aside from that’s it’s a definite worthwhile upgrade. There is an eBay seller that sells it with the cobalt logo. Here’s the item # 232854463970.
Regarding speakers, I went to the shop (Creative Audio)and listened to the JL’s as well as the Wet Sounds. Ended up with 3 pair of the Wet Sounds Revo 6. They sounded quite a bit crisper/cleaner than the JL. They were also around $100-$150/pair less. We kept our Kicker sub and the Alpine amps that were already installed. Amazing difference. Night and day, no kidding!
Regarding speakers, I went to the shop (Creative Audio)and listened to the JL’s as well as the Wet Sounds. Ended up with 3 pair of the Wet Sounds Revo 6. They sounded quite a bit crisper/cleaner than the JL. They were also around $100-$150/pair less. We kept our Kicker sub and the Alpine amps that were already installed. Amazing difference. Night and day, no kidding!
2012 242 WSS
VP 380
VP 380
- Big Block Power
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Re: 220 upgrades
That's cool. I love my revo 6 leds. It would be nice to hear them side by side though. I really like the sound though when you add the Rev 8 or 10s towers with them.jmad78 wrote: Fri Sep 03, 2021 5:10 pm The steering wheel makes a huge difference. Can be a bit of a “B” to get off, but aside from that’s it’s a definite worthwhile upgrade. There is an eBay seller that sells it with the cobalt logo. Here’s the item # 232854463970.
Regarding speakers, I went to the shop (Creative Audio)and listened to the JL’s as well as the Wet Sounds. Ended up with 3 pair of the Wet Sounds Revo 6. They sounded quite a bit crisper/cleaner than the JL. They were also around $100-$150/pair less. We kept our Kicker sub and the Alpine amps that were already installed. Amazing difference. Night and day, no kidding!
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03Cobalt220 8.1gxi DP
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
"Kids in Tow2"
"Pot The Jus" Originator :-)
Neenah Wi
#ItsBu'sfault
#FARCON Marine CC Core!
Re: 220 upgrades
I’ve been pondering the best way to go about refreshing the Dash. Getting new laser cut pieces would be prohibitively expensive, but if I wrap them in vinyl or paint them black I lose my labels for each switch. I’m thinking I might try to replace the switches with these: https://newwiremarine.com/marine-grade- ... it-combos/ Each switch is individually labeled, not sure about mounting them though.
I’m also looking at adding a mount for my cellphone (maybe with wireless charging) so I can use the navtronics app for GPS. I have an old iPad I could repurpose for this, but I don’t really have enough space on the dash for that.
I’m also looking at adding a mount for my cellphone (maybe with wireless charging) so I can use the navtronics app for GPS. I have an old iPad I could repurpose for this, but I don’t really have enough space on the dash for that.
1995 220
Red Rock, IA
Red Rock, IA
- Krob1114
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Re: 220 upgrades
I can't tell you much about it, but I like the blue lights best.
2019 Cobalt R3 @ Greers Ferry Lake, AR
Home in Hernando, MS
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