Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

(R3-R8, R30, R35)
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Acercpilot
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Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by Acercpilot »

As the title states I have a 2023 R30 that we absolutely love but I am very unhappy with the push button battery switches. I was talking to my dealer the other day and expressing my displeasure and he mentioned the newer Cobalts have gone back to a more conventional switch and are no longer push button. Has anyone swapped out the push button type and gone to a more conventional battery switch? In sunlight you are unable to tell if that little red light ring is illuminated. Thanks for hearing me out.

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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by bruceb58 »

I have never seen such switches. Can you post a picture?
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by jhnmdahl »

The standard has always been the Blue Sea or Perko rotary dial battery switch. I've never seen a push button one either.
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by Acercpilot »

I won't be near my boat for about 2 weeks. When I do get there I will take some pics to show.

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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by bruceb58 »

2017 R5 350HP Mercruiser Bravo III
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South Lake Tahoe, CA
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by Acercpilot »

No, not those. they are polished aluminum or chrome with a ring of red colored light around the part you push in.
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by bruceb58 »

Acercpilot wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 10:39 am No, not those. they are polished aluminum or chrome with a ring of red colored light around the part you push in.
If you need a remote battery switched, I would install those Blue Sea ones I posted.
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by Titaniumboy »

I think he may be talking about helm switches?
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by bruceb58 »

Titaniumboy wrote: Thu Oct 16, 2025 12:57 pm I think he may be talking about helm switches?
Yes...I am thinking the same thing.
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by leanderag82 »

I have a, new to me, 2018 R30. It has the traditional battery switches in a rear port compartment. It also has these helm switches.

Not to derail this thread....My R30 has the battery charging device you plug into shore power. The previous owner stated he left the batteries on all the time. I'm hesitant to leave the helm switches on as it leaves a lot of items powered up all the time. Does anyone know the best practice?
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by jhnmdahl »

I was unfamiliar with this setup, but it looks like it's covered in pages 3-31 and 3-32 of the owner's manual:

https://cobaltboats.com/art/manuals/2018_R30_OM.pdf

I think as long as you're using the boat I'd leave it how you have it set, but shut them off when docked or moored. The manual explains it better, but maybe others with R30 or similar will chime in.
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Re: Unhappy with my 2023 R30 Battery switches...

Post by AsLan7 »

.
So glad you found us, ld82.

Can’t help with your R30 question but jmd’s manual link is a great place to start.

And welcome aboard mate.

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