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Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 11:43 am
by hoghead54
I just bought my first boat,19' Cobalt open bow,so I'm a novice beginner(as we used to say on the RR..FNG..use your imagination). The previous owner didn't take real good care of it but it's good shape mechanically and and structurally just needs some TLC.I've been looking for info about it on the site but haven't had much luck,probably not looking in the right place.Looking forward to learning more about it. Any input is always appreciated.
Scott...AKA hoghead
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 12:09 pm
by NautiGirl
Welcome from a previous 190 owner. Post up some pics and give us some more info...year, color, power plant...and the good stuff!
There are a few people that have or have had a 190 so you can bug them for some info. We love to spend other people's money here so be warned now! Again, welcome to the group!
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 1:19 pm
by thunder550
Welcome from AZ! Happy to have you here

Let's hear more about that boat...year, engine, drive, etc? Any pics to share?
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 1:40 pm
by NautiGirl
Mr. Nauti Here -
That 190 is an awesome boat, hang on to her. It's easily towable, hell I bet you could tow it with a BMW. Totally affordable, yet still carry the great Cobalt name. Also they are great on gas and still plenty of fast on the water. Basically the perfect boat.
No way I would trade up for a larger boat, think of the hassle, you have to purcahse a larger truck to pull it, V8's eat gas...just terrible.
/Mr. Nauti Out.
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:17 pm
by jhnmdahl
A polished (or strong arm) and some 3M or Meguiars budding compound will go a long way toward making it look new, as will a good scrubbing inside. Check out threads such as:
viewtopic.php?f=27&t=653
on orbital polishers, and
viewtopic.php?p=12427
from someone who did a similar cleanup,
John
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:59 pm
by Big Block Power
Welcome from Wisconsin.
Hey HogHead54. Welcome to the CobaltChat forum. So glad you found us!
That Cobalt 190 is a classic. How did she run when you hooked the muffs up to her?Just for A7
Hope you stay awhile.
Need pictures. Oh did we say pictures.
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:06 pm
by Big Block Power
jhnmdahl wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:17 pm
A polished (or strong arm) and some 3M or Meguiars budding compound will go a long way toward making it look new.
John
I would use the budding compound as well.

Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:11 pm
by Driller
Lettuce heads usually use the high grade budding compound.
Welcome from Texas HogHead. Glad to have you onboard. There’s a wealth of knowledge on this site and a lot of humor along the way. Great bunch of guys.
Pictures please.
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:20 pm
by Driller
Forgot to mention that I am the only total sane member on this site with the exception of John the admin.
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:29 pm
by Big Block Power
Driller wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:20 pm
Forgot to mention that I am the only total sane member on this site with the exception of John the admin.
And forgot to say they are both full of crap

Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:39 pm
by hoghead54
My new to me toy is a 1984/5.7/light blue and dark blue over white hull all pretty oxidized. Carpet is shot(any ideas?) all the vinyl was redone 2 years ago nice snap on cover, shifter cable is bad and speedo cable/drive is gone.Main concern is the small...2"+/- cracks around the drain hole,seller said the boat shop told him they would get worse and the motor would fall out and the boat would sink,I talked to the shop and he started laughing...nooo..but the transom will have to be repaired in the future, The seller said he'd never seen any water in the boat or very little.Soo.... Evidently some time in it's life the outdrive bolts came loose and let the outdrive work the transom . Other than that its in good shape
I'll post some pictures when I figure out how.
I haven't heard it run yet,It's been winterized and didn't want to do it over again. I was "guaranteed" it would start right up and run like a top but the seller is not mechanically inclined so I talked to his boat man and yes it is a good runner,no problems.We'll see come spring.
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:46 pm
by NautiGirl
NautiGirl wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 1:40 pm
Mr. Nauti Here -
That 190 is an awesome boat, hang on to her. It's easily towable, hell I bet you could tow it with a BMW. Totally affordable, yet still carry the great Cobalt name. Also they are great on gas and still plenty of fast on the water. Basically the perfect boat.
No way I would trade up for a larger boat, think of the hassle, you have to purcahse a larger truck to pull it, V8's eat gas...just terrible.
/Mr. Nauti Out.
Pay no attention to Mr. Nauti... He's new to this boating stuff!
Mrs. Nauti

Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:16 pm
by Driller
Well HH at least it won’t be an extremely long wait. Should warm up early spring in Utah.
Is his boat guy a Cobalt dealer or local shop?
Carpet is snap-in I assume?
Speedo should work on pressure, might be cracked hose or disconnected. Might be the speedo itself is bad (just guessing).
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:50 pm
by Ytmsn
Welcome from Ooooooook lahoma where the so d comes sweeping down the plain!
Are you an Arkie? Just curious from that handle.
Our resident 190 owners are Liquid and Fosie. The latter is in the Netherlands and has a boat that runs like a stripedass ape. Nobody really knows how fast that is because nobody has been able to keep up. Liquid has one that is like new and just runs. Either of those guys start talking props you need to put your hand on your wallet.
NObody can spend your money like we can!
Glad you found us. Posting pics is easy and a requirement if you wanna hang. Especially this time of year!
Re: Newbie to boating
Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:55 pm
by Big Block Power
To post pictures click on attachments the click on Add Files then select your picture and click submit. Then hope out didn't post on its side or upside down and sinks. More on that when it happens because it will.