First Cobalt -1999 226 with 7.4Gi

[pickwick226]

Hello from Memphis Tennessee! I was raised in a 96’ 220 on Pickwick Lake so of course I went out and bought a Cobalt of my own the first chance I got! I ended up with a 99’ 226 with around 500 hours. We made it through the first season with only having to rebuild the power steering ram and a deep cleaning! Stainless cup holders were installed on day 1 along with new belts and an impeller inspection. The original stereo was trash so I installed a new Bluetooth head unit and Jl marine 6.5s to get us through the season. So far this winter, I’ve replaced all of the original speaker wiring with JL wires, installed a Jl marine 800 watt 8 channel amp, a 10 inch JL sub (bridged channels 7 and 8), and installed a bass knob to control the sub. Let’s just say I got carried away quickly. I’ve also installed a dual bank battery charger/maintainer. It’s been an enjoyable experience so far! I’d love to hear everyone’s opinions on the 7.4GI as well as any advice on the 226!

[pickwick226]

Engine compartment after cleaning

[AsLan7]

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Great pictures of your 226 pickwick226.

You have cleaned her up nicely. Sounds like you’ve got Cobalt blue running through your veins being that you were raised on one.

... and that is some serious stereo upgrading you have accomplished my friend. I bet she sounds amazing. Maybe a captains call upgrade is in order to complement those sounds.

That’s a great intro post too. Thanks for coming out of the woodwork.

Welcome aboard mate!

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[akorcovelos]

Welcome from Illinois! She shines up nice!

[Ytmsn]

Welcome from Oklahoma and nice boat!

[gdane]

Welcome from Table Rock Lake. Sweet boat pickwick.

[NautiGirl]

Super clean looking boat there...nice work!

Any you may be Mr. Nauti's long lost brother...he,too, went crazy with our stereo upgrade this off season. Don't get me wrong, I LOCE it. Replacing our sub turned into a full overhaul!

[Big Block Power]

Looks very nice. Nice stereo upgrade. The 226 is the fast hull. You will enjoy it.

[tgrace98]

Welcome from St Louis! Great looking 226 and nice upgrades!

[cmattj]

Welcome from California! That’s super clean !

Ahhhh the days of Big Block 22 foot boats. We salute you. Now let’s hear the captains report as I’m guessing she’s sees 59-62?

[pickwick226]

Welcome from California! That’s super clean !

Ahhhh the days of Big Block 22 foot boats. We salute you. Now let’s hear the captains report as I’m guessing she’s sees 59-62?

Thanks! I haven't checked speed with a reliable GPS yet but a GPS speedo replacement is in the near future! My phone app shows 60-64 on a smooth day!

[pickwick226]

Super clean looking boat there...nice work!

Any you may be Mr. Nauti's long lost brother...he,too, went crazy with our stereo upgrade this off season. Don't get me wrong, I LOCE it. Replacing our sub turned into a full overhaul!

Thanks! We definitely have the same "get it done right" mentality. I also left expansion space for a mono amp to power the sub in case i decide to mount transom speakers and use channel 7 and 8 on the current amp. I've actually read your thread of upgrading the sound in your boat. Nicely Done! The JL's are worth every penny! I found the 800/8 amp for $530 factory refurbished. Couldn't say no to that.

[Driller]

Welcome from Austin, TX. Sounds like you've been busy. I installed a similar setup in my boat last winter. I really enjoyed it last year. Sure you will also.