Cobaltchat.com

I need the forum's advice and thoughts. Was supposed to pick up my brand new 25SC later this afternoon. Get a call from dealership this morning that when they put the boat in the water to prepare for delivery, the power steering pump started to smoke and almost caught fire. Service manager said they will diagnose and fix the problem, that "these things happen", that it's a Mercruiser part and issue not Cobalt. But to say I'm a little concerned is an understatement. What are the forum's feelings about this? All I can think of is that I'm going to have electrical issues for the life of the boat, like Jaguar or Range Rover or Audi. I look forward to all your sage advice....

I'd let them sort it and get back to you without worrying too much. They're right in that it's a part provided by Mercury that they should be happy to fix under warranty, and most problems like this show up pretty early on in running the boat. The dealer has an incentive to fix it right, and they most likely will.

Fortunately it's a lot simpler than a car on the electrical side, and pretty easy to diagnose, repair, customize, etc.. Just wait until you take delivery and we start helping you upgrade your stereo and speakers

John

Being in the equipment manufacturing industry, I can say yes their seems to be a few problems here and there on new equipment. Usually once the components pass the infancy age we dont see many problems until they hit their end of life span.
The Merc steering pump itself I have never personally had a problem with them on our boats and one of them was over 20 years old. Let the dealer fix it, keep an eye on it for the breakin period and then forget about it.

Yes stuff happens. Fix it and go and enjoy it. At least he told you.

Thanks BBP, dustinm, jhnmdahl....part is backordered at Mercruiser but they secured one from Cobalt. Should be on the water end of next week. Appreciate the feedback.

Good for the dealer for testing it, finding the problem, and telling you about it instead of just 'blowing smoke.' And be glad it's not a Davis electrical system. May be why Jaguar never made boats.
Post pix once you get on the water!

clm0fiz
2006 250 "Ms. Liberty"
Mercruiser 6.2 liter, 350 hp, Bravo 3 Horizon
Jupiter, FL

Let the dealer manage the resolution.....but might be worth asking for precision around when the part will be available. Can you get to the front of the line for pats availability? I keep hearing both Merc and VP are still backlogged....

Congrats on the new boat.

@Cobalt272! - part was backordered at Merc till late June, dealer was able to secure one from Cobalt. Delivery is tomorrow....third times a charm....I hope!

anothershotinthehead wrote: Wed May 05, 2021 8:52 am @Cobalt272! - part was backordered at Merc till late June, dealer was able to secure one from Cobalt. Delivery is tomorrow....third times a charm....I hope!

Can't help myself from wondering why you chose your user name.

@krob1114, one of my mothers favorite sayings was "I'll give you a shot in the head"....she passed 3 year ago....my previous boat was "a shot in the head"....hence "another shot in the head".....

Thanks for the reply. In a way, it's honoring your mother.
"You kids will be the death of me yet" is a phrase I remember a lot from my childhood, but too long for a user name.
Again, welcome.

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your boat.
Pretty stressful to have a pump burn on the day you’re picking up your boat, but that does not mean you have a poor engine. As you know, Unlike the 14 major auto companies making a zillion different engines, there are basically only two stern drive manufacturers: Volvo and mercruiser. Every mechanic knows these engines extremely well and will have a ton of experience working on them and troubleshooting issues.
Hope they get you up and running quickly so you can enjoy your new cobalt. make sure to post pictures when you hit the water !

Fixed and on the water!

anothershotinthehead wrote: Fri May 07, 2021 8:24 pm Fixed and on the water!

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Nice!
Curious...what was the cure?

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AsLan7 - new power steering pump, secured from Cobalt as Mercruiser was backordered thru June.