Pulled the trigger! 2003 262, VP GXi, Stainless tower

[KansasCobalter]

I posted a few weeks back for advice on a 2003 262 ( viewtopic.php?p=120176 )
and the community came through with great advice. We pulled the trigger and are excited to make great memories. Big thanks to AsLan7 for the insight!

We will need to find a new mooring cover, existing one is on its last leg. I see some people have recommended Westland Exact Fit. They look great and I am definitely considering them. Is anyone aware of an aftermarket that has permission/license to stitch OEM style covers? Seems that Cobalt does not sell covers (or most parts, for that matter) for a boat this old. Also, is a "skirt" to cover the black a thing?

Any recommendations on a boat ECM monitor? I've heard of vessel view for Merc's but not anything for VP so far.

And, last question, the boat is ceramic coated. It was applied last year and then redone this year because the owner wasn't satisfied with the first go round. The port side looks great, but starboard has some "spotty oxidation". That's the best way I can describe it. Its inconsistent, not more port or aft. Just here and there, like it was due to the prep more than sun. It's not swirls like it was over-buffed. Maybe it's under-buffed in some spots.

With it being ceramic coated, would you guys recommend a "touch up ceramic", or just not mess with it (and mess up the ceramic). I think, based on what I've read, I'll not do ceramic in the future, just wax. Seems like that's easier to spot treat throughout the year.

Thanks in advance for any advice, and happy to be part of the family!

[johnbeanbone]

That is one fine looking rig! I bought a 2001 262 in July that needed some love but we finally got her finished this weekend and I installed my new Westland Sunbrella mooring cover. It fits great and feels so much sturdier than the ragged out sharkskin cover that came with the boat. It does weigh a little more but totally worth the weight/cost in my opinion. Enjoy!

[AsLan7]

That is one fine looking rig! I bought a 2001 262 in July that needed some love but we finally got her finished this weekend and I installed my new Westland Sunbrella mooring cover. It fits great and feels so much sturdier than the ragged out sharkskin cover that came with the boat. It does weigh a little more but totally worth the weight/cost in my opinion. Enjoy!

.
So glad you found us jbd....

And yes, the 262/263 series hulls from 2000 to 2007 are some of the sexiest to come out of the factory in Neodesha.

Any pics of yours?

And welcome aboard mate!

.

[KansasCobalter]

That is one fine looking rig! I bought a 2001 262 in July that needed some love but we finally got her finished this weekend and I installed my new Westland Sunbrella mooring cover. It fits great and feels so much sturdier than the ragged out sharkskin cover that came with the boat. It does weigh a little more but totally worth the weight/cost in my opinion. Enjoy!

Thanks, JBB! I had been debating between the Sharkskin and Sunbrella. Sounds like Sunbrella is the way to go.

[Dhooghe81]

Beautiful 262! I saved it on marketplace when it popped up. Hope to see you down at TRL next summer, I'm a fellow KS Cobalt owner myself (2006 272).

[KansasCobalter]

Beautiful 262! I saved it on marketplace when it popped up. Hope to see you down at TRL next summer, I'm a fellow KS Cobalt owner myself (2006 272).

Yep, hope to see you down there! We're usually near shell Knob but might make the trek to Branson for the Regatta.

[kbloom72]

I bought the Westland Sunbrella cover last spring for my 05 262. After it stretched out a bit, it first perfectly. Way thicker than the sharkskin. I was able to get 3 yards of extra fabric and I'm having a swim platform cover made as well. I ordered mine through Bald Mikes. Highly recommend him. I don't have any advice on your ceramic coating question. My 262 is black as well and I've been on the fence of doing it but haven't yet.

[jhnmdahl]

A lot of the original covers were made by Commercial Sewing, but they don't sell direct to consumers. They're happy to sell to a dealer, though, and many Cobalt dealers are happy to order from them, mark it up, and sell it to you.

John