Finally a Cobalt forum....

[smokymance]

Id like to learn more about the NEMA2k and the Simrad! Sounds like it can do some pretty neat stuff!

[Big Block Power]

So much on you tube. Search away. It's cool stuff.

[smokymance]

Im scared ill be hooked and end up spending away!

[Big Block Power]

Im scared ill be hooked and end up spending away!

Yep. It's worth it though. I don't need it for where I boat. But I keep looking every day.

[Norris_Boating]

I have a black hull down on Norris and can tell you, wipe it done every night! Hard water spots can be a pain in the ass!!!
I also highly recommend hot sauce cleaner for the outside of the boat, best cleaner I have ever seen to get water spots out.

[ATX Cobalt]

Welcome from Texas, great looking boat!

[dearH2O]

Hey Everyone,
Sorry it has been so long since my last post.
I wanted to share with everyone how the Stereo/Simrad/NEMA 2000 (N2K) upgrade ended up working out on my 263.

Like any other good project it starts with one rabbit hole, then leads to another and another.
It started with our depth finder not working at all since we purchased it back in 2015.
I tried the top it off, no luck, ended up being a bad transducer. I started to look at replacement options but the Humminbird display that Cobalt was pulling out of the parts bin back in 2001 did not have a direct replacement.

We had already planned to upgrade the stereo and speakers last winter.
A trip to the WestMarine store on vacation, I started playing around the new Simrad GO7XSE display that was N2K capable.

I wanted to have the clean radio install of the newer Cobalts, so I decided on the Fusion Black Box for the head unit and control it through the Simrad and a new transom remote through the N2K backbone. To solve my depth finder issue, I went ahead installed a new temp/depth thru-hull transducer and ran it through the Simrad. While the mouse was hot, I also installed the GPS puck for accurate speed and tracking. The Simrad does have one built in, but when its a flush install the GPS signal is not as accurate. Since the 2001 Volvos are not able to communicate with N2K directly, I did add a fuel flow meter for better gas consumption info.

Since I was now getting battery and depth through the Simrad, I could use that location with relocating the trim indicator. Needless to say it is a tight fit.
The JL amp that was added is actually mounted is a really good spot, it's mounted in the tunnel where the porta-potty is located. I had planned to use the the high end M-series speakers, but had to compromise to the MX speakers due to depth of speaker fit issues, especially in the arch.

At the same time, we also added 4 of the pop in fender clips that are on many of the newer Cobalts. I was able to find the exact same company that makes the ones for Cobalt, Phender Pro. The only difference is mine do not have the Cobalt crest.

As you can tell by the pictures, updating the sunpads are on this year's list of things to do.

[AsLan7]

.
So glad to see one of our original members (top 3% anyway) posting. Thanks for hanging in there dearH20....we are roughly 1,000 members strong now.

The work on your 263 looks amazing. Simrad fits very well with an updated look. Your helm looks practically brand new!

.

[Big Block Power]

Awesome. I joined 3 days after you. Lol
I like what you added. I am thinking of the same Simrad unit in the same spot but I have even less room. I was going to do it this year but Mr Nauti got me going on the stereo instead. So not out of the question maybe this year?
Feel free to post more than once a year now. Lol we missed ya.

[smokymance]

Love the clean install of the Simrad. Great job!!!

[Ytmsn]

Welcome back and you have a great looking setup!.

Is that footrest thingy to swing around as a step up onto the bow? I've never seen one, but then I have a 262.

[akorcovelos]

Is that footrest thingy to swing around as a step up onto the bow? I've never seen one, but then I have a 262.

That's the brake pedal, duh.

[smokymance]

LOL or the knee bruiser!

[Ytmsn]

Haha!

[gdane]

Welcome back and you have a great looking setup!.

Is that footrest thingy to swing around as a step up onto the bow? I've never seen one, but then I have a 262.

Heck YT That's a foot step so that people with short legs can get out of the captains chair