My 262 Build

[Big Block Power]

Tried to hit the lake but batteries are both junk. Soooo... I’ll replace them this week and hopefully add the rest of the upholstery

That stinks. Let's get her going. I only charged mine once this winter and she fired right up.

[juddmyers]

I have most of the interior installed now and it is looking really good. No you are not getting pics until all of the interior is installed.

Maiden voyage last night. It was an experience, I will say that. Several issues to work out now.

What I learned: Speed, Tach and Trim gauges do not work. I am taking on water on the boat and need to run the pump a lot right now. Whomever told me bigger was easier in boating, well they lied to me. I def need a lot of practice with her. Lastly, I HATE the shifting. l It is terrible. It is impossible to tell when you hit N, when going from Reverse for Forward. Seems like Neutral floats and sometimes I have to push the shifter farther than others.. real pain that it is not consistent.

I have NO clue where to start troubleshooting the gauges and almost feel overwhelmed with trying. I think from what I understand that the speed is just a plastic hose that can get stopped up. So I will need to investigate that. The tach and trim, I am going to start with just simply checking the connections to the gauges.

The water, I think that is simple... I THINK. I think the return line for cooling is come undone or has a hole in it. Engine is cooling, I saw the gauge move and drop while underway. So the cooling return line is the only thing that makes sense and I have heard of others having this issue. No clue where that line is at or how to start to troubleshoot this.

The shifter.. also no clue how to make that better. That definitely is adding to the learning curve of a big boat. For instance.. when trying to dock and go slow. I have zero throttle applied and just in forward gear.. felt like I was coming in too fast. So pull back to kick it in reverse to scrub some speed. Well, by the time I do this and then push it back up to get neutral to actually engage, I am going backwards. UGGHH

[juddmyers]

Forgot to add. Yesterday I had both batteries tested and replaced both. I did move from 24s to 27s. I removed the two battery trays and replaced them with bigger to handle the bigger batteries. I installed the carpet and installed all of the rear seats. She is starting to come together!! I have about 4 pieces left and hope to be able to get them sometime Friday.

[Driller]

My boat at idle is still faster than I want to approach a dock. You'll get used to it. Just use forward and neutral in short short burst to maintain a comfortable speed.

[juddmyers]

My boat at idle is still faster than I want to approach a dock. You'll get used to it. Just use forward and neutral in short short burst to maintain a comfortable speed.

If I could get neutral to engage in the same spot every time... this would be much easier. working on that project next.

[juddmyers]

Positive- got almost all interior back.
Negative- oil cooler is busted.

Boat is now at mechanic for oil cooler

[Big Block Power]

Positive- got almost all interior back.
Negative- oil cooler is busted.

Boat is now at mechanic for oil cooler

I guess tell him to fix your neutral problem too.

[cmattj]

Positive- got almost all interior back.
Negative- oil cooler is busted.

Boat is now at mechanic for oil cooler

Yep.. like BB said that shifter cable and neutral issue is priceless when working correct..

On your gauges. I sent my Speedo to Faria Beede. That's the company who builds most of Cobalt gauges. They are all repairable!!

https://fariabeede.com/2-pages/products_marine.php

[Big Block Power]

Positive- got almost all interior back.
Negative- oil cooler is busted.

Boat is now at mechanic for oil cooler

Yep.. like BB said that shifter cable and neutral issue is priceless when working correct..

On your gauges. I sent my Speedo to Faria Beede. That's the company who builds most of Cobalt gauges. They are all repairable!!

https://fariabeede.com/2-pages/products_marine.php

Honestly I looked at there repair prices it was cheaper to buy the whole set new. Then go with there gps speedo that matches the set.

[cmattj]

Depth gauge is part of the speedometer on the 282 so I was forced..I'd prefer a GPS unit.

[liquid]

Just got caught up on all this. Hang in there Juddy. Did you find the leak?

[juddmyers]

Oil cooler is blown. I have approved the local shop to replace it. Part is on order, he said would be done next week.

[Big Block Power]

Get it ready before memorial day. Lots of summer to go your not missing much yet.
Who winterized it.

[juddmyers]

Get it ready before memorial day. Lots of summer to go your not missing much yet.
Who winterized it.

Cobalt dealer that I purchased it from. They have since gone out of business.

[AsLan7]

Those are some tough breaks, JM.
Hang in there. Hoping for brighter days ahead.
Like BbP said, still have an entire summer on your horizon.