Cobaltchat.com

I've been lurking and reading here for just a litle bit, but we recently pulled the trigger on an '01 226 Volvo 5.7 Gxi with factory tower. I grew up spending summers on the water, but I have not owned anything but small fishing boats for many years. I feel as though I am starting from scratch, so looking forward to tips and advice. I'll add pictures later once we take delivery, as the ice is still on the lakes.

First question: I am planning to add an extended swim platform. The factory ladder is on the port side, but the step through is starboard on the transom. When ordering the extended platform I can have the ladder either way. It seems like the ability to board the ladder on the same side as the step through makes sense rather than walk across the platform. Is there any negative to moving the ladder to the starboard side? (I noticed @baktasht ordered the ladder moved on his 232.)

Welcome from California!
That’s a great first Cobalt and should fly along with that power and hull.
I think the ladder is a preference but I’ll agree the natural entry should be were you would want an ease of either sitting... or entering into the main seating area.
We will need Frozen pics in 48 hours. We will even be happy with “covered” pics.
Looking forward to you platform thread!

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Hey T2F. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

I may like the ladder opposite of the side stern entry as this could allow folks to drip/drain off more on the platform before entering the boat when re-boarding from the water.

In the end it might not matter much.

Any pics?

Again welcome aboard mate!

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I think you are on to something with the ladder on the same side. I'm picturing one person wanting to get in the water and one getting out. If the ladder is on the opposite side, these folks would need to pass eachother on the platform. If the ladder is on the same side the one wanting to get in the water could simply stand off to the side and wait until the other has climbed the ladder and is in the walkway (with a towel of course!).

Welcome from Oklahoma! I'm in the "opposite side" camp.

[quote=cmattj
We will need Frozen pics in 48 hours.
[/quote]

I didn't know you were such a big fan.

I like it on the starboard side as you the captain can see people getting in the boat from your seat.
Mine is on the port side also.

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:11 am

cmattj wrote:
We will need Frozen pics in 48 hours.

I didn't know you were such a big fan.

The fact you have that pic... makes me smile

Welcome from Minneapolis! We spend much of the summer up at our Gull Lake home. Glad you found this place and it is a wealth of info and humor!

Welcome from Cape Coral!. Our boat came from Minnesota in 2016. Enjoy!

Welcome from the western Minneapolis suburbs! Lots of Cobalts around here - look forward to seeing you out on the lakes this summer,

John

Welcome from another MN boater---NW of the cities. Probably doesn't matter a whole lot on which side the ladder is on....points are solid for both sides. Seems like most boats have them on the starboard side from the factory from what I remember from observing many boats on the water. I guess you really want to be sure you put in on the correct side, ask your wife where she likes it best.....

cmattj wrote: Sat Mar 28, 2020 10:31 am

Big Block Power wrote: Sat Mar 28, 2020 9:11 am

cmattj wrote:
We will need Frozen pics in 48 hours.

I didn't know you were such a big fan.

The fact you have that pic... makes me smile

It scares me a little....

Sailor may be winner of the best advice, ask my wife!

Thank you for the warm welcome. Definitely looking forward to a little social distance this summer. As for pictures, that may be a while. The boat is still in storage about 2 hours away. Boat dealers were shut down here for 2 weeks beginning this past weekend, so I won't even be able to visit it for a few weeks.

Pictures!
Here are a few from the dealer. More once we pick it up.