2024 R8 - Security/Theft

[bertrob]

A few months ago, I left the R8 key fob at home and was planning a return trip. Fortunately, my wife didn't know this and started the boat right up without issue!

After back/forth with the dealer they kept telling me:

- there may be a setting to turn the key usage off (but didn't know how)
- a fob within 50 feet will still allow the vessel to start

I contacted Cobalt directly and was informed an R8 equipped with dual Yamaha outboards will always start with - or without a fob. I questioned why I was provided fobs and why a $250K boat would not be able to "lock" and they are looking into it.

In the meantime, does anyone have a solution to secure your vessel when at a transient dock, etc?

[Kate]

". . . secure your vessel . . ."

Remove the lanyard and take it with you.

You have a sophisticated fob. I'd contact Yamaha, not the dealer.

[bertrob]

Great tip on the lanyard - thanks Kate.

I'll reach out to Yamaha as well. Suprised that Cobalt wouldn't have an answer.

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us bertrob.

We always turned the battery switch off when leaving the vessel. A good practice to get into to keep anything from draining them. Perko and others sell a locking one.

Any pics of your Cobalt?

And welcome aboard mate!

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[Cctvdc]

Are you talking about the lanyard that is the kill switch attached to the throttle assembly ? I don’t have outboards on my R7 and may be different on your boat but on our boat the engine will die if it’s pulled out as it should if you fall overboard. However you are able to restart your engine but you have an audible beep every few seconds. This makes sense in case there is someone else on board who would be able to take control and navigate to pick someone in the water. Like I said may be different on your setup.

[Kate]

On his helm control system, the lanyard must be attached to start the boat.