.1998 Cobalt 232
7.4 L Merc. B3
Current engine hrs: 400
Since getting the boat last spring we put on 100 hrs this last summer and she performed like a champ! The only disappointment was the Arial Assault wake tower the previous owner put on cracked at a top corner and had to be removed. Prior to it busting about mid way through the season, I reinforced all 4 anchor points with backing plates and frequently checked to make sure all areas remained secure. When I bought the boat the tower did have too much lateral sway in my opinion. I also knew that tightening and reinforcement would solve that problem. In hind sight I should have also taken off those dam Wetsound tower speakers as well…too much weight on top of the tower…. But they sounded great! Anyway, by tightening up the anchor points on the gunnels this changed the stress points to the corners at the top of the tower and she broke.
The tower was nice for wake boarding. Pulling from that angle makes it easier to get up, hands don’t get as tired and you can get a little more air. That said, I now think she looks better without the tower, I’ve gained 2-3 mph at WOT, I’m not bumping my head, I don’t have to worry about the tower coming apart and I I’m not freaking out about monitoring the stress crakes that did develop at the tower mounting spots. My 4 kids enjoy wakeboarding but have also started to salon skiing more which is fun.
Now about the boat. Love it! Perfect size for Kansas/Missouri lakes. I’ve owned other boats (Princecraft, Larson, Bayliner, VIP) and none compete with Cobalts 20 degree dead rise hull design. I don’t believe I will ever own anything but a cobalt.
Im looking forward to getting back in the boat and doing some more tinkering upgrades. So far I’ve put in new gauges, GPS speedo, covered dash w/ vinyl, depth finder, replaced lights w/ LED bulbs and put in rear facing 6” kickers to go with the six JL audio and two 10” subs.
Mechanically, when I first got the boat the dash thermostat was reading about 200 (never had ECM alarm) on muffs but lazer temp at the engine was 160 so I replaced the thermostat, thermostat sensor and sending units. Turns out the dash gauge was wrong. I had a squeaky Idle pulley so that’s new. I keep her with new oil about every 50 hrs. Frequently pull and clean the air intake filter and I replaced the fuel filter. Prior to tucking her in for the winter I had my mechanic put in a new water pump, serpentine belt, cap and rotor in addition annual lower unit checks Oh, and all front cushions are currently new vinyl.
This spring I want to paint the trailer black (now navy blue). I have already replaced the bunks, bearings and break pads. She should then look as nice out of the water as she does in.
I thought I had more pics of the interior. Will add when I can.
