Cobalt 263 in PA

[Bdad4]

Hello all

Just picked up 2003 263 with a 375 hp Mercruiser (and Captains Call) from Gordys in Wisconsin and brought it back to PA. We will use mainly on the Upper Chesapeak. This forum was a big help and played a role in making my mind up that I only wanted a Cobalt as our family's first boat. It was put away in 2018 not used in 2019, and thankfully had no major issues on the seatrial today- but we did discover the tach was dead. Is the tach a Faria only repair or are there other shops that can do this fix? Thank you!

[Big Block Power]

Send it in to faria. Congrats on the new boat too you.

[AsLan7]

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Hey BD4. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

...and YEEEEE HAWWWW. Another 263 owner! Fantastic machine my friend.

Yes. Faria gauges. Check the connection on the back and make sure the switch is set to 8 cylinder. It might have gotten bumped with any work performed under the dash. Or make sure a ground wire didn’t pop off.

Is that a shore power connection I see on the transom next to the shower head and switch?

Post an engine compartment pic if you get a chance.

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[Bdad4]

Thanks for the welcome and input.. A7 I think what your seeing is factory installed battery charger. Had not known about this option looks like a cool little unit. Will post more pics when I catch up on sleep and give her a much needed bath.

[akorcovelos]

Welcome aboard!

[Bdad4]

Spent a couple hours sorting and cleaning. Very happy with the condition of interior and accoutrements. Here are a couple more pics including engine compartment

[AsLan7]

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Looking good bd4. Thanks for posting those!
.... (although it pains me to see that Bimini in the engine compartment).

Curious about the $5 bill on your walk through?

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Time to step it up a bit.


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[akorcovelos]

This is a Cobalt folks, $5s and $20s ain’t gonna cut it, lol!

[AsLan7]

This is a Cobalt folks, $5s and $20s ain’t gonna cut it, lol!

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So true akor. Lincoln and Jackson are out. Time to get Cleveland in there.

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[Bdad4]

Hahaha you saw that.... I used a $5 cause it was windy and was afraid it was going to blow away! I got the tip from one of your pics.... assume you put it there to keep people from stepping on that piece of plastic/plexi trim when they step up on the bow? I'm sure a $100 wouldn't cover it either! I still have not figured out the trick to getting up and down via the swing out step with any style or grace. My two boys will be going up and down there perpetually.

[AsLan7]

Hahaha you saw that.... I used a $5 cause it was windy and was afraid it was going to blow away! I got the tip from one of your pics.... assume you put it there to keep people from stepping on that piece of plastic/plexi trim when they step up on the bow? I'm sure a $100 wouldn't cover it either! I still have not figured out the trick to getting up and down via the swing out step with any style or grace. My two boys will be going up and down there perpetually.

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Great stuff Bd4.

I put it up there as an incentive for the kids to jump into the freezing cold water that day. Two of them did! (cost me $40 but faces were priceless)
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Not sure how you are going up and down the step but we go forward when stepping up and forward when jumping down. No issues over the last few years. I only ask folks not to step on the black plastic or put their entire weight on the windshield while holding it. Easy Peasey.



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[Bdad4]

Ahh ok that's funny!. I'm going to stick with it for now as we get used to the drill. We are accessing up and down via that manner just not feeling comfortable with the amount of weight I feel I need to put on the glass to do it. Boys are 9 and weigh 50 + lbs ... and slightly more nimble... im sure it will work for them. I was considering something along the lines of a small lightweight bow ladder. We'll see how it goes I dont want to start loading the boat up. Along those lines you mentioned the bimini in the engine compartment - I think you have a background in aviation & I am familiar the mindset (all good detail oriented traits )... but what particularly made you grimace? Clean upholstery in the bilge area or a hazard?

[AsLan7]

Along those lines you mentioned the bimini in the engine compartment - I think you have a background in aviation & I am familiar the mindset (all good detail oriented traits )... but what particularly made you grimace? Clean upholstery in the bilge area or a hazard?

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Hate to see the upholstery get dirty but more importantly, having anything in front of the moving pullies and serpentine belt of the engine is a no-no. Danger Wil Robinson.

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[akorcovelos]

Along those lines you mentioned the bimini in the engine compartment - I think you have a background in aviation & I am familiar the mindset (all good detail oriented traits )... but what particularly made you grimace? Clean upholstery in the bilge area or a hazard?

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Hate to see the upholstery get dirty but more importantly, having anything in front of the moving pullies and serpentine belt of the engine is a no-no. Danger Wil Robinson.

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Meh, I keep mine stowed in the bilge and other than being a 2 person job to get it out and up it’s fine.

[AsLan7]

Along those lines you mentioned the bimini in the engine compartment - I think you have a background in aviation & I am familiar the mindset (all good detail oriented traits )... but what particularly made you grimace? Clean upholstery in the bilge area or a hazard?

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Hate to see the upholstery get dirty but more importantly, having anything in front of the moving pullies and serpentine belt of the engine is a no-no. Danger Wil Robinson.

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Meh, I keep mine stowed in the bilge and other than being a 2 person job to get it out and up it’s fine.

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Man akor,, I wouldn’t even think of doing that. It’s a tight squeeze between the firewall and the serpentine belt on the 260 series hull. Best to keep that area clear.

...plus we rock the house with our boat baby. We would shred it for sure.
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