1999 Cobalt 232 restoration

[baktasht]

Thanks! I’m looking at buying the same boat next week. I’ll be test driving it next weekend. What’s the top speed your getting in yours? Anything you do not like about the boat? Anything to look out for?

I haven't had it on smooth water yet to get an idea of top speed. But with the 28P props still on there and choppy/windy water it hits 53-55mph pretty easily. With the new 26P props that I'm putting on and some smooth water I'm not sure what top speed it will hit, but will let you know. So far it has been great. I've had a few Sea Rays before this from 20ft to 25ft, and this Cobalt 232 rides smoother than all of those. Has plenty of space, the layout is ideal for our family, and it has lots of storage. Like any boat there's always little things that can use upgrading or fixing, but nothing major that I've run across yet. The swim platform we added transforms the usability of the boat completely. I would recommend that you definitely add a swim platform if you can, it's definitely worth it.

[baktasht]

It has the Volvo 7.4gi. Should be able to get up and go? I’m not looking to win any races, but don’t want to be slugging around. I’m just curious how his boat was performing to use as a comparison for when I test drive.

Mine has the Mercruiser 7.4 with a BravoIII outdrive. Not sure how it would compare to the Volvo setup side by side, but both are plenty capable for this size boat.

[Big Block Power]

It has the Volvo 7.4gi. Should be able to get up and go? I’m not looking to win any races, but don’t want to be slugging around. I’m just curious how his boat was performing to use as a comparison for when I test drive.

Mine has the Mercruiser 7.4 with a BravoIII outdrive. Not sure how it would compare to the Volvo setup side by side, but both are plenty capable for this size boat.

Volvo will be faster just ask ackro

On A more serious note the 232 has a very nice hull. Along with the 226 is one of the faster and better riding hulls in the day. You won't regret it with the 7.4gi.or merc.

Why are you going down to a 26p. Were you not hitting wot rpm? Your hole shot had?

[baktasht]

Why are you going down to a 26p. Were you not hitting wot rpm? Your hole shot had?

My 28P set was a little knicked up and I found two pairs of perfect 26P props for a good deal, so I figured I would give them a shot to see the difference.

[shrfdeputy]

It has the Volvo 7.4gi. Should be able to get up and go? I’m not looking to win any races, but don’t want to be slugging around. I’m just curious how his boat was performing to use as a comparison for when I test drive.

Welcome to the group, Kdocca. Like BBP already said, the 232 is a great hull with a fantastic ride. If you have never experienced the ride and fit and finish of ANY Cobalt boat, you are in for a pleasant surprise. I own the 232's big brother, a 252. Mine has the 7.4 VP with a duoprop and it will hit 52-53 in the right conditions.

In the few years I have been a Cobalt owner I have found that even though they have always been offered with tons of cool engine options, they don't make top speed the absolute goal. They are comfortable, extremely well handling, and built better than any other boat out there (my opinion of course).

This thread is an awesome resource for anyone looking to get a 232 so I would definitely bookmark it so you can come back to it later. Thunder550 did a similar thread for his 252 a few years ago that I STILL look at probably once or twice a month. Good luck, and start a new thread in the member introduction when you land that 232!

[baktasht]

The sealed enclosure was not putting out quite enough volume for my liking. I modified the enclosure along with a double flared aero port tuned to 32hz. I'll be putting it back in the boat next week to see how it sounds.

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[baktasht]

Hooked up the new setup and tried it today. Sounds perfect. Now just need to finalize the location and mount it solid.

[baktasht]

Finally got around to finalizing the layout, details, and colors of my MarineMat order. I went with extra thick 9mm (3 layers), toffee over black, and had a butt joint section with the COBALT logo across the upper swim platform. So far the MarineMat folks have been a pleasure to deal with.

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[cmattj]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

[baktasht]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

From what they told me, they could do it one section, but the "grain" would be in the wrong direction due to the way the sheets are laid out. So I opted to go for two sections with a butt joint instead to keep the grain/texture in the right direction. They sent me a few pictures of the proposed butt joint and it actually looks much better than i expected. It essentially looks like one continuous piece as long as you take your time installing it and line things up perfectly.

[shrfdeputy]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

I wanted SeaDeck to do mine all in one piece too, but this is how they said it had to be done. Probably cheaper for them to cut pieces that aren't as wide.

[baktasht]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

I wanted SeaDeck to do mine all in one piece too, but this is how they said it had to be done. Probably cheaper for them to cut pieces that aren't as wide.

That looks great! I should know in a couple weeks when it all arrives. I'm really looking forward to the 9mm thickness. On our old SeaRay w/ Seadek installed I always wished the swim platform padding was thicker to be more comfortable to sit on. I'm hoping the 9mm thickness I ordered vs the 6mm that it normally is makes a noticable difference.

[shrfdeputy]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

I wanted SeaDeck to do mine all in one piece too, but this is how they said it had to be done. Probably cheaper for them to cut pieces that aren't as wide.

That looks great! I should know in a couple weeks when it all arrives. I'm really looking forward to the 9mm thickness. On our old SeaRay w/ Seadek installed I always wished the swim platform padding was thicker to be more comfortable to sit on. I'm hoping the 9mm thickness I ordered vs the 6mm that it normally is makes a noticable difference.

I'm sure it will definitely be more comfortable to stand on. I went thin because I just did the original swim deck, and it was already over $400. I'm excited to see how yours comes out. I've seen a couple 232/252's with the integrated coolers and anchor lockers done and it always looks really cool.

[Bfun220]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

I wanted SeaDeck to do mine all in one piece too, but this is how they said it had to be done. Probably cheaper for them to cut pieces that aren't as wide.

If you ran your lines the other way ( port to starboard) seadeck could have made it one piece, at least that's what they told me.

[shrfdeputy]

Looking good!
I’m curious why they couldn’t sections 4/5 in one piece. It would seem to leave a portion of the letter “B” cut and show a seam?

I wanted SeaDeck to do mine all in one piece too, but this is how they said it had to be done. Probably cheaper for them to cut pieces that aren't as wide.

If you ran your lines the other way ( port to starboard) seadeck could have made it one piece, at least that's what they told me.

Well now that makes a lot of sense. I still love (sorry, loce) how it looks. I’d like to eventually do it all through our boat.