Cobalt 263 Requesting Permission to Come Aboard

[Avg_Guy]

Ahoy all! Okay, that's it for the silly nautical jibber jabber...

I'm married, retired, no kids and lived in the Sacramento Delta region of NorCal for 90% of my 60 years and never owned a boat. As a kid we always had small runabouts and even a 31' Yukon Delta house boat that were 99% used for family fishing at the delta and nearby lakes. Minimal boating with friends--flatbottom kidney busters in my 20s, then family/skiers and a few hot offshore style cuddy cabins (two Eliminators and a Baja) as friends got older. Always enjoyed boats, and wanted to buy but just never thought I'd use one enough to justify the cost. But since retiring I have been feeling the itch more than ever and figured if not now when? So, just last week signed a purchase agreement to buy my first boat, a one-owner 2005 263 outfitted with Merc 496 Mag (not HO) and Bravo 3 with 500 hrs. I wanted something with around 300 hours, but in my two years of lurking, this is about the cleanest I have seen so I quit dreaming about the "perfect" 263 and locked this one in. It's located in Michigan and will look for a 6-day stretch of clear weather to pick it up after the current owner replaces the trailer brakes (negotiated in the sale)...hopefully those brakes will happen this coming week with their weather warming a bit. I have always been a speed freak, and wanted to get something with some potential--read pretty much everything Whippled263 has posted--but realize that as good as the 263 hull is, it is not a speed hull. So, I may (or not) eventually spend the money trying to max out what the Bravo 3 will allow...ah, who am I trying to kid, I know I will, sooner or later. But, in the meantime, I'm excited to begin enjoying my new-to-me 263, being a part of the Cobalt family, and to sharing everyone's knowledge and the experience.

Oh yeah, and since people seem to like to share their tow rig...2016 Chev Silverado High Country 3500HD "dually". Original plan with ex-wife was to buy a big ass 5th wheel and travel North America...new wife, new plan!

Colby aka "Avg_Guy"

[dsthomas]

There is no shortage of "nautical jibber jabber" here, sounds like you will fit right in :0). Great people on here and lots of know how. Can't wait to see pics of your set up.

[Titaniumboy]

Welcome aboard!

Hopefully we will see you on the Delta this summer. Heck, why wait for summer? Boating season is year round in the Delta. None of this hard water nonsense like in other parts of the country. Be sure and catch the awesome live music concerts at Windmill Cove located on the main San Joaquin River channel.

[Avg_Guy]

There is no shortage of "nautical jibber jabber" here, sounds like you will fit right in :0).

So I've been reading Love the banter.

Can't wait to see pics of your set up.

Me either, so far just photos and vids from the owner...but I'm very confident in her condition. It will be like meeting an online date for the first time! haha

Welcome aboard!

Hopefully we will see you on the Delta this summer. Heck, why wait for summer? Boating season is year round in the Delta. None of this hard water nonsense like in other parts of the country. Be sure and catch the awesome live music concerts at Windmill Cove located on the main San Joaquin River channel.

Thanks, been lurking for awhile after deciding on a Cobalt. And yes, these sunny days recently have gotten me anxious to get the boat here! Added Windmill Cove to our list...it's not far from my brother-in-law's place at Mossdale Cut (River Islands). Look forward to meeting you on the Delta this year!

[AsLan7]

.
Yeeeeehawwwwe. Another 263 owner.
Avg_guy you’re a man after my own heart. Welcome to the 260 series club. Heck of a machine my friend.

Any pics? That model is a unicorn if you can find it with the trifecta of the 496 mag HO; extra extended swim platform; and stainless factory wake board arch. Throw in Captains call and Trim tabs and you’ll never want to sell.

Please post a pic or two when you get a chance.

And welcome aboard mate!
.

[DEcosse]

Congrats @Avg_Guy! And Welcome!

... It's located in Michigan and will look for a 6-day stretch of clear weather to pick it up after the current owner replaces the trailer brakes (negotiated in the sale)...hopefully those brakes will happen this coming week with their weather warming a bit. I

I'd possibly be more (or certainly AS) concerned on the wheel bearings - do make sure that those are serviced appropriately if not indeed just replaced.
It's hard to screw up brakes but replacing bearings needs a bit more finesse.
Before you leave on the return journey, I would check these for yourself - that's a big load on a long trip so recommend you take all care in that regard.
(If it were me I would prefer to do it myself, with high quality bearings and grease, properly loaded - but if not sure of your own capability in that regard, find a trailer shop and have it done) Check the hubs regularly, especially that first day! to be sure they are not overheating.
If possible too, try to get a tongue weight to be sure the load is distributed properly. (Is it original Cobalt - probably Dorsey - trailer from that period? If so, probably should already be set up correctly - if after-market, I'd want to check it)
Well intended advice, you may have already considered these things.

Echo @AsLan7 - please post some pics!

[NautiWeasel]

Congrats on the new purchase for you. I completely what you're doing with a road trip to get your boat. I had a 24 (okay, 28 hour) turn and burn to go get our 242 last year. Topeka KS to Austin TX and back... wife had to work the next day. I took that same day off to clean my new boat after the long travel home.

Best of luck. Sounds like you have a great rig to pull your new toy home too, nice selection in pulling rigs!

[Avg_Guy]

.
Yeeeeehawwwwe. Another 263 owner.
Avg_guy you’re a man after my own heart. Welcome to the 260 series club. Heck of a machine my friend.

Any pics? That model is a unicorn if you can find it with the trifecta of the 496 mag HO; extra extended swim platform; and stainless factory wake board arch. Throw in Captains call and Trim tabs and you’ll never want to sell.

Please post a pic or two when you get a chance.

And welcome aboard mate!
.

Thanks AsLan7! Yup, your list was on my list...unfortunately this one doesn't have all the bells and whistles. Wanted that HO but I know me too well. I've done enough heads & cam changes on my LS cars--can't leave anything alone--and I'm pretty sure that a Raylar Stage 1 kit is in my future. The tower was on the list but wasn't a deal breaker for me cuz "Charlie don't surf" and I already have plenty of vintage knots on my head. HOWEVER, it does have the extended swim platform and the wife really wanted that so no sales pitches required on my part. I also like the "factory" trailer and filler cushions. Had hoped to get nice marine flooring, the cabin heat and stainless windshield frame too but no matter...she's a 260 and dressed up or down she's still the prettiest girl at the dance. Photos that I have are from the owner and are posted at the boat shop where it was consigned https://actionwater.com/inventory/2005- ... s-mi-used/ for all to see (for the moment anyway) but just for "intro eye candy" I'll add one.

[Avg_Guy]

Congrats @Avg_Guy! And Welcome!

... It's located in Michigan and will look for a 6-day stretch of clear weather to pick it up after the current owner replaces the trailer brakes (negotiated in the sale)...hopefully those brakes will happen this coming week with their weather warming a bit. I

I'd possibly be more (or certainly AS) concerned on the wheel bearings - do make sure that those are serviced appropriately if not indeed just replaced.
It's hard to screw up brakes but replacing bearings needs a bit more finesse.
Before you leave on the return journey, I would check these for yourself - that's a big load on a long trip so recommend you take all care in that regard.
(If it were me I would prefer to do it myself, with high quality bearings and grease, properly loaded - but if not sure of your own capability in that regard, find a trailer shop and have it done) Check the hubs regularly, especially that first day! to be sure they are not overheating.
If possible too, try to get a tongue weight to be sure the load is distributed properly. (Is it original Cobalt - probably Dorsey - trailer from that period? If so, probably should already be set up correctly - if after-market, I'd want to check it)
Well intended advice, you may have already considered these things.

Echo @AsLan7 - please post some pics!

Thank you DEcosse, glad to be here! Very good point on the wheel bearings. The dealership where the boat is consigned is doing the trailer brakes (at the owner's expense) and I asked them to check/service the bearings while they have the wheels off for brakes. I expect to hear that "the bearings are okay but could be replaced", and I'm good with that...I've always used Timkens but don't know anything about marine use so if you have a recommendation I'm all ears...I mean eyes. I'll discuss replacement bearings with them when/if that is the reply. Tires are not new but reportedly solid, and it comes with a spare (score!). I like to have a good safe baseline (tires, brakes, fluids & filters, plugs & wires, batteries, etc) to start with on every pre-owned vehicle I buy, and the boat is no different. Being stranded ain't a party and I cannot think of anything worse than losing an axle 100 miles from "Nowhereville" in 10* weather!! As I said in my reply to AsLan7, it does have the "factory" trailer (YAY), so feeling good/confident about the weight distribution. Excited as Hell about this year!

One more "trailer-centric" photo...

[Avg_Guy]

Congrats on the new purchase for you. I completely what you're doing with a road trip to get your boat. I had a 24 (okay, 28 hour) turn and burn to go get our 242 last year. Topeka KS to Austin TX and back... wife had to work the next day. I took that same day off to clean my new boat after the long travel home.

Best of luck. Sounds like you have a great rig to pull your new toy home too, nice selection in pulling rigs!

Hey NautiWeasel, and thanks! This is a big run for me...three 11 hour days each way in good weather...will find out reality with Midwest in winter mode. Hoping for a good window to take I-80 from here to Chicago, but if it is sketchy I will go south to I-10 to get around the Sierras and Rockies. Either way, it will be an adventure for sure.

[AsLan7]

.
Yeeeeehawwwwe. Another 263 owner.
Avg_guy you’re a man after my own heart. Welcome to the 260 series club. Heck of a machine my friend.

Any pics? That model is a unicorn if you can find it with the trifecta of the 496 mag HO; extra extended swim platform; and stainless factory wake board arch. Throw in Captains call and Trim tabs and you’ll never want to sell.

Please post a pic or two when you get a chance.

And welcome aboard mate!
.

Thanks AsLan7! Yup, your list was on my list...unfortunately this one doesn't have all the bells and whistles. Wanted that HO but I know me too well. I've done enough heads & cam changes on my LS cars--can't leave anything alone--and I'm pretty sure that a Raylar Stage 1 kit is in my future. The tower was on the list but wasn't a deal breaker for me cuz "Charlie don't surf" and I already have plenty of vintage knots on my head. HOWEVER, it does have the extended swim platform and the wife really wanted that so no sales pitches required on my part. I also like the "factory" trailer and filler cushions. Had hoped to get nice marine flooring, the cabin heat and stainless windshield frame too but no matter...she's a 260 and dressed up or down she's still the prettiest girl at the dance. Photos that I have are from the owner and are posted at the boat shop where it was consigned https://actionwater.com/inventory/2005- ... s-mi-used/ for all to see (for the moment anyway) but just for "intro eye candy" I'll add one.

.
Awesome A_G.

Some words of wisdom. Never open the engine hatch with the ski pylon inserted in the hole. You’ll crack the transom gel coat.

Change out the stock stereo and speakers.

Btw, nice job finding one with twin portals. That’s fairly rare.
Not sure why the description says 496 6.2L. It’s a 496 8.1L BIG block baby! . Add Captain’s Call and you’ll love how she rumbles…especially with the extra extended swim platform.

Beautiful brother. You’ll make lots of memories on her.
Enjoy!

[Avg_Guy]

Great tip on the ski pylon! Too bad there isn't a kill switch to the hatch when the pylon is installed. And yeah, the consignment shop obviously copy & pasted but missed that edit.

[DEcosse]

Yes, that is major typo, it's a Merc 496! (8.1L) And a huge score, has Fresh Water Cooling system.
And being from MI has only ever seen fresh water you would expect.

Looks like the big sister of my 232, same colour scheme on hull and interior - mine is a year on and has the Volvo Penta set-up (also the 496 Big Block) - no FWC on mine though

20221017_165614_resized.jpg

20221006_152648_resized.jpg

[Avg_Guy]

Beautiful...looks real similar! And being in the San Francisco Bay/delta waters I was thrilled that it has the closed cooling. I was wearing down with trying to get a 263, my second choice was a clean 233 and I found a nice 2001 with Merc 8.2L HO and a Bravo 1, and low hours too. I'm sure that would have been a screamer and it tempted the heck out of me...but I am in love with the 260s center transom walk-thru and lithe, graceful profile. Very Euro looking...

[Whippled263]

WELCOME aboard! I sent you a pm. Gorgeous 263. Shes a clean slate also. Aslan let the mods begin!!!!!!!!