First Impression 03 262

[ph2ocraft]

For a 13 year old boat I’m thrilled with how well she looks inside and out. Absolute quality throughout other than the plastic cup holders.
I changed those out to stainless today, so, so much nicer.
Bow and cockpit covers are still excellent and I love the Cobalt insignia on the buttons.
I observed a few things on my first ride out.
1. Play in the steering wheel, how much is normal?
2. Steering wheel is crooked and it drives me crazy.
3. Vibration on hard acceleration, thinking props??
4. Most of the trim work seems to hover between full down and just a little under 1/2 trim, is this normal on the 262? If I trim it higher she porpoises.
Any input would be great.

[ph2ocraft]

Cup holders

[ph2ocraft]

I’ll put her on the Hydro-hoist after I clean it up but for now she sits in the water.

[ph2ocraft]

Okay, why are my photos off 90? Lol

[AsLan7]

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Congrats on getting her out for your first solo ride, ph2ocraft. And nice stainless cup holders!

Steering wheel play can be caused by a few different factors
Normal play is 1-2” at most either side of 12:00.

Being that your steering wheel is off center, and you have possibly more play than mentioned, I would definitely check the steering cable connectors back at the transom in the engine compartment. The steering cables and hydraulic rack if you will connect to a fork which is connected to the outdrive. Follow the thick black cables and look for any loose connections. Something may be loose back there.

Other cause.... Possibly a worn gimbal bearing. An outdrive having play up and down is a sign of this.

Btw, there should be no vibration like you mentioned during hard acceleration. Are you feeling that in the steering wheel too?

I would have your mechanic service the power steering cables, check for tightness; lubricate; check the outdrive for play; and check the rubber bellows while they’re at it.

Being that your steering wheel is off center, something is amiss and usually a sign of a larger issue.


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4. Most of the trim work seems to hover between full down and just a little under 1/2 trim, is this normal on the 262? If I trim it higher she porpoises.

This is normal.
You should never need to go above the half way mark while driving the boat.
Only go above that mark when not underway and you want the outdrive all the way up to keep it from hitting anything. (Rocks, sand, boat ramp,etc)

...and thanx for the photos. More. More.

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[AsLan7]

Okay, why are my photos off 90? Lol

The fix for this is to open the pic up on your computer, click edit...change something slightly...then save. Now upload. Wah-lah, pic is upright.

[cmattj]

1. Play in the steering wheel, how much is normal?
2. Steering wheel is crooked and it drives me crazy.

As stated. Cable adjust and or bushing moment in all the small components add up to movement
Steering wheel is easier to remove and reclock than cable adjust back. (Ever notice the new boats use star type which are not aligned but look great?

My Hydraulic steering boats the steering wheel was in a different spot every time I Parked her.

3. Vibration on hard acceleration, thinking props??
4. Most of the trim work seems to hover between full down and just a little under 1/2 trim, is this normal on the 262? If I trim it higher she porpoises.
Any input would be great.

.. If taking off only and not turning creates vibration it could be slightly bent prop ear. or gimble bearing.
Duo props don't take much trim at cruise speed.. but once your full throttle she will take more trim and fly.

Great to hear you got her home. Looking forward to more pics!!

[Ytmsn]

I'd have them take a close look at you gimble ph20. Especially considering the play and vibration. Hopefully it's a bent prop. Do you know if the props have ever been reworked?

[AsLan7]

Btw....here are your images turned, ph2ocraft...

[AsLan7]

your beautiful dock photo my friend. Wah-LaH ......

[Driller]

Cupholders really dressed that baby up!! A good looking boat.

[Big Block Power]

Ok my 2 cents. The boat looks great sitting there. If your taking pictures with your phone don't hold it upright like you normally hold it to text and use normally. Turn it on its side and take every picture like in land scape mode. Your pictures will turn out perfect then.
Your steering wheel not centered. It's not a car so get used to it. Almost every boat I've owned had been off.
Your trim guage especially if it's a Volvo can be off as the trim senders go bad all the time. You can replace them. Does it read full down and full up when the drive is down or up? Some play is normal. Vibration not.I agree could be props.

[Ytmsn]

Ph2o you might enjoy this thread. It wasn't that long ago I (we) went on the hunt for a 262. Go towards the end to where I actually bought one.

This series is bombdiggaty

viewtopic.php?f=44&t=552

[ph2ocraft]

First I’d like to say
THANK YOU
For fixing my photos!! I’ll start turning the phone to landscape,
OK
So the steering is well within spec at 1 inch left or right from center.
Whoever had the wheel off last probably didn't center it, I rotated it to the next set of screws and she’s straight.
Vibration is only on acceleration and I’m thinking it’s propeller so I do want to change them out and see what happens.
These 26’s look ok but certainly not perfect. I’ll have a better look when she’s on the lift next week.
Wife and friends really like the boat and my guess is therr will be another Cobalt fan here soon,
Did I mention how much I love how the bow virtually doesn’t lift in this boat?? WOW!!
Thanks for all the information and suggestions.
Outdrive shower is on its way:-)

[ph2ocraft]

I was going to add lighting but it’s all here and wired, very nice.
I am going to change the cup holders to Blue but leave the floor lighting white...I might go a little dimmer.