1999 Cobalt 232 restoration

[baktasht]

The hardest part of the whole install was getting the old Mercruiser/Quicksilver unit out. Holy moly the way the Quicksilver one mounts is just not very well thought out.

Getting the new unit in was a breeze. Wiring was simple. Lots of different mounting options for the cables so that you can use just about any cables you want. Adjustments for the friction to get it set the way you want. And also a much better way of mounting in my personal opinion. While I was in there I also popped the engine covers off and adjusted the cables at the engine to take the slop out. We are going to try to hit the lake for mother's day tomorrow. Will post thoughts on the new Sea Star xTreme controller soon.

Here are before and after photos. Sorry for the mess, I was still not finished when k took the after photo. I'll try and get a clean photo tomorrow.

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[akorcovelos]

Looks great!

[Big Block Power]

Nice. At least it covers everything. It's amazing the diff color of the wood as it changes from the sun. Yes I'm sure the quicksilver one doesn't come out to easy with the cables still attached. Did they hide the back 4 screws?

[cmattj]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing as this comes up a ton.
Question on your Saftey tether is it going to be similar?

[Big Block Power]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing as this comes up a ton.
Question on your Saftey tether is it going to be similar?

Not sure why it's a option?

[baktasht]

Nice. At least it covers everything. It's amazing the diff color of the wood as it changes from the sun. Yes I'm sure the quicksilver one doesn't come out to easy with the cables still attached. Did they hide the back 4 screws?

I'm going to get rid of that wood. Just didn't have time this weekend. The main issue with the way the Quicksilver units mount is that you either have to use wood screws (bad option since they will eventually back out), or you have to use bolts and nuts, but the nuts end up on the back side of the unit, and you have to have flexible cartoon arms to get in there. The Sea Star xTreme unit uses bolts that go in from the outside and thread into the actual housing. So there's no nuts. Makes installation and removal super easy.

[baktasht]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing as this comes up a ton.
Question on your Saftey tether is it going to be similar?

There are a few options for switches depending on how your boat is configured. I ordered mine to work with all the OEM functions. Neutral safety switch, kill switch with lanyard, trim switch, and trailer trim button.

[baktasht]

I wanted to allow more air space between the open part of the cabin and the storage compartment where the subwoofer is. But I didn't want to put unnecessary holes in the fiberglass. So instead put a few neatly drilled holes in the sides and top of the OEM fire extinguisher holder, and removed the silly plexiglass door. I made sure to put the holes where you can't see them. Worked like a charm.

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[baktasht]

Got some time in the lake with the new Sea Star xTreme controller today. At first launch I wasn't able to get into reverse. Took all of 60 seconds to make some quick adjustments to the shifter cable. Once that was adjusted correctly it worked perfectly. I left the friction setting alone to get the feel of it with the normal settings it came with. It's way smoother engagement of both forward and reverse compared to the old Quicksilver controller. And once you are in gear throttle position changes are much smoother and more predictable as well. I think I'm going to reduce the friction setting just slightly and then it should be perfect for my liking.

And the sunset was amazing today. Hope y'all had a great weekend too!!

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[CobaltRick]

Interesting regarding the SeaStar controller. I’ll have to see how that compares to my new Gen II Quicksilver that’s sitting in my garage waiting to be installed. My boat is a dozen years older than yours and had an even older Quicksilver and I will agree that it was a royal pain to remove — for me the Dremel was the tool of choice to cut out screws that just wouldn’t budge to obtain access to where the cable hold-downs were located. Based on my initial looks at the new Quicksilver I believe it should go in easier than the old one came out.

[baktasht]

Took the wheels off the trailer today. I have 4 really nice light weight aluminum wheels the owner gave me which came original on the Eagle trailer. Today I pressure washed all four of them and started the process of polishing. Going to get them all new and then have four new matching tires mounted. Here's where we got so far today. Lots more elbow grease needs to go into these to get them looking new. But making progress.

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[AsLan7]

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Love the kids jacking the boat up BS. Thanks for documenting!

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[baktasht]

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Love the kids jacking the boat up BS. Thanks for documenting!

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My little guy (60lbs) got about 3 pumps then couldn't. Then my bigger kid (105lbs) got another 2-3 pumps and couldn't anymore. But they have fun trying.

[baktasht]

New tires got here today. That was fast. Four new "D" load rated trailer tires ready to go. Will be getting them mounted up once I finish polishing up the wheels.

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[baktasht]

Wheels polished up nice. Had to use some steel wool on a couple of them to get the surface oxidation off. And then followed with compund, then finally with polish. Not perfect, but the look good.

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