New to me 296

[Paul275]

I believe I got lucky and found this beautiful 2013 296, with twin Merc 377s, Axius joystick, club interior and teak package. 330 hours on the engines. She needs a good bit of work and I have a healthy list from the surveyor, but it's all easy stuff, hull and mechanicals are really solid. This boat feels really special and is finished nicely. Getting this boat up to top condition will keep me busy over the winter and will have me on the water in the spring.

[VTENGR]

Congrats! Looks like a nice boat. More pics when you get a chance.

[AsLan7]

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Sweet P275!
Twin 377’s. Very cool. Always loved the Scorpion edition of that block. Post engine pics when u can too. Great color combo my friend.

[Paul275]

Here are a few more pictures, sorry they are not great. Really amazing, my wife is crazy about the boat, she really loves it. It will be transported to my winter storage yard next week. Can't wait to get started on the updates.

[Paul275]

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Sweet P275!
Twin 377’s. Very cool. Always loved the Scorpion edition of that block. Post engine pics when u can too. Great color combo my friend.

This is the port side engine. All the pulleys will be replaced over the winter. The alternators were both done by the former owner prior to the sea trial. The surveyor was not concerned about the surface rust. The compression is spot on. They run great, smooth and quiet and the surveyor stated they should be fine for some time. I bought the boat well, if engines require replacement or major work, I am still in fine shape.

[AsLan7]

Roger that. Thanks for the engine pic. Yes that’s quite a bit of rust. Saltwater boat?
Good job getting a survey.

[dustinm]

Sharp looking boat.

[Big Block Power]

Sharp looking boat.

Even with the rust

[Paul275]

Sharp looking boat.

Even with the rust

Rust had me really concerned. Will take care of it as possible during this off season. Pulleys, power steering pumps, belts and even some hoses will be replaced. Former owner moved out of state and the boat has been sitting for awhile. Took him a few days to respond to my offer, and he had to swallow another $2k repair bill to replace the alternators so we could run for the sea trial. Goes to show you, don't skimp on maintaining your boat, it will cost you much more in the end. I will know much more after speaking with the yard next week and am cautiously optimistic this boat can get back to tip top shape.

[Paul275]

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Sweet P275!
Twin 377’s. Very cool. Always loved the Scorpion edition of that block. Post engine pics when u can too. Great color combo my friend.

Thanks very much. Total weak spot for a navy blue hull and a red stripe. Despite the rusty bits on the engine, they run sweet as hell. Joystick works great the BIII drives are smooth as butter. I will post before and after pics of the engine compartment. No doubt, a bunch of things to attend to.

[kbloom72]

That's a great looking boat! It will be fun project bringing it back to tip top shape. Congrats!

[Paul275]

She is safe and sound on the hard in her winter spot in Norwalk. she is wintering at a major yard where I can get as much or as little done as I want.

Gave her a good wash down. Engines are winterized, as is the water system. The fresh water pump which was inop during the survey, worked after the filter was cleaned, what a break. One drive trim was a bit intermittent during winterization, so we'll check that out again in the spring. Might be a solenoid. Stereo was also inop during the survey now works, kind of.

Cleaned up the vinyl interior, and dash, looks pretty good. Got all the prior owner's junk out of it. Found a few bottles of cleaning supplies I can use. Threw out the original Cobalt air pump that was very rusty,

To be done:
Carpet edging is frayed in places
Bimini needs a repair
Plugs and wires for both engines
Accessory pulley and belt replacement
Water pump impellers
Swim platform latch
Oil change
Drive service and fluid change
Stereo upgrade or repair
GPS replacement- upgrading to 9" might be possible
Possible VHF install, or we'll buy a hand held
Bottom paint refresh in the spring
Light compound and wax, plus major detail.

All of this is pretty much expected, from the maintenance items to the repairs. For certain there will be surprises.

Most important, the wife loves the boat and has already bought her sun hat (with chin strap for high speed runs) for the spring.

Cheers!

[Krob1114]

Looks like you've got everything under control.
Remember there are two seasons: Boating Season, and waiting for Boating Season.

[Cctvdc]

Looks like it’s at Strongs on Long Island ? If so that’s where we bought our R7 great staff there and service department is best I have ever dealt with. If you have any work done there you will be very happy. Beautiful boat enjoy it.

[Paul275]

Looks like it’s at Strongs on Long Island ? If so that’s where we bought our R7 great staff there and service department is best I have ever dealt with. If you have any work done there you will be very happy. Beautiful boat enjoy it.

You are correct, that is where I bought it. However, she was trucked to Norwalk, CT, close to where I live. Did not want to chance taking an untested boat down the Sound in late November, would have been a bit risky. However, it is not at a Cobalt dealer, unfortunately. I've been pretty happy with the service at the current marina, so far, but there is a long way to go and lots to do as my list states.

Thanks for the good wishes, will keep you folks up to date on the refresh. Should be interesting.