CS22 spec questions

[TheScot]

Hi all. I introduced myself last year around this time as a prospective boat owner. Since then, we've learned some expensive lessons by buying a boat that was wrong in every way based on mistaken expectations of how we might use it. It's been a miserable boating year, but we are smarter than we were a year ago (I hope) and plan to buy a new CS22. I'd appreciate feedback on options. We're going new based mostly on the fact that neither of us have a lot of time, and this seems like the best way to maximize boating and minimize maintenance headaches.

The boat will be on Vermont's Lake Champlain, stored in inside valet. It will see mostly day use cruising, hanging around in coves and just floating. Water sports will be minimal. A typical outing will involve between two and five adults, occasionally more. Speed isn't a goal in and of itself, but it would be nice to get to different spots around the lake, and it's a long lake. I do not know if we'll use it much at night.

Here's how the boat is currently spec'd:
• 2020 CS22
• Navy blue hull side with yellow swim platform
• VP V6-280C-G DP
• Bimini
• Bow tonneau
• Cockpit tonneau
• Garmin GPS 7607
• Recessed logo
• Docking lights
• Fender clips
• Flagpole
• Sof-Trac swim platform
• Sea grass cockpit.

I've read caddisdrew's and nhabash's threads, and this is a skinnier option list than theirs. I hear the arguments for a bow filler cushion but think I'd prefer to order it later. I am also aware from lots of posts here that people like the V8. As much as I'd love a V8, I don’t think I can justify the extra four grand over the 280.

I'm game to have stuff installed later by the dealer, but the boat probably won't be there much (it's a 200 mile round trip), and I'm sure some or all of this is better installed at the factory.

Your thoughts?

Thanks kindly,
Rick

[akorcovelos]

Ditch the fender clips and get filler cushion instead. We've had few good reviews on the factory fender clips both in location, and usefulness. Ever a couple who did some serious fiberglass damage catching them on docks. You'll use the bow filler more than you think, it makes the bow a great lounge spot when coved up. What boat did you get that didn't fit the needs?

[Big Block Power]

Yes we really need to know what happened last year. Obviously it wasn't that bad that you still want to boat. Yes sounds like you don't need a v8 but hey I won't push that. Ok I will. You will get that money back in resale. I still think getting the boat on plain is where you will be glad you have a v8 but what ever. You want to be happy boating the biggest thing you hear from boaters is the lack of power from the engine. But hey these new engines are great so you upgraded from the 240 and that 280 has more hp then some v8s so you should be ok.
I agree with akor the bfc is the best thing you can add your wife will be happy surfing her legs out next to her friends in the bow. Makes another room up there. Do it. I myself would get soft trac flooring over sea grass but that's me. I like the looks better. I didn't see what stereo system you picked. Transom remote and trim switch is a must. What cover are you getting. Don't put the boat away without a cover. The birds and other things will crap in it and just the dust alone would be enough for me. Dual batteries is a must. Dual battery switch as well.
Can't wait to see the new ride!!

[TheScot]

What happened was that we bought an old cuddy. This was not based on what we wanted, but rather on what we thought other people wanted and needed, especially an elderly and infirm parent who wants to be on the water. Those needs translated into a boat with a cabin and a head. Then, being a first boat, we were leery of spending much money. The result was a boat that was slow, mechanically suspect and no fun to operate.

In other words, with the best of intentions, we bought a cheap. unreliable, sluggish cuddy that met the needs of nobody.

[Big Block Power]

Interesting. Well those times are about to be behind you. Congrats on making a huge leap of faith. Can't wait to hear your stories this summer

[TheScot]

Thanks for your thoughts.
* That's very interesting and disappointing about the fender clips.
* We'll talk about the bfc. I'm surprised it's that useful, but that's why I'm asking questions.
* For some reason my wife does not want Sof-Trac in the cockpit, so there you go.
* We didn't upgrade the stereo. We never turned on the sound on the old boat and didn't miss it. I just don't see us blasting the tunes, since we don't do that anywhere else.
* Dual battery: I could see why that would be useful if we spent much time in one place burning electricity (like on the sound system we're not spec'ing), but I don't see that as likely. I plan to carry a small jump battery for an emergency. I also understand dual batteries can be retrofitted. What am I missing?
* Transom switch and remote: I confess I don't know what it is or why it is useful.
* Covers: Bow and cockpit tonneaus.

[TheScot]

Thanks, BBP. I have high hopes. As I mentioned in a post last year, I've been impressed by Cobalt for many years and have long felt that you get what you pay for. (We sure did...) I was shocked when my wife jumped onto the Cobalt bandwagon this winter. I'd have never predicted it.

[Big Block Power]

Thanks, BBP. I have high hopes. As I mentioned in a post last year, I've been impressed by Cobalt for many years and have long felt that you get what you pay for. (We sure did...) I was shocked when my wife jumped onto the Cobalt bandwagon this winter. I'd have never predicted it.

That's cool she became a cobalt boat snob. Lol
Just kidding. Not really Yes you get what you pay for. I think my 17 year old boat is better than some new other brand boats.
I would prob look at the CS series myself if I was in the same size market.

[jhnmdahl]

A few thoughts about my boat, now that it's several years old:

I bought the fender clips, and they work fine but I don't know that I'd spend my cash there again.

I bought the seagrass, and love it compared to carpet.

I didn't get dual batteries, but we anchor an ply music, etc., enough that I'm now adding a second battery. Adding the tray, wiring, switch, etc., isn't rocket science, but it's not a small project either.

I was set on the sof-trac mat on the swim platform, but my dealer mentioned they often come unglued around the edges after a few seasons and are more of a "look nice" than useful feature, so I ended up skipping it. No regrets at all, and relatively easy to add in the aftermarket.

I bought the mooring cover, and consider some type of cover to be a must-have.

No bow filler cushion in my boat, but there's often only two of us (soon our kid will be joining us). This is one thing I haven't felt a need for yet, but wouldn't be surprised if I wish I had one in five years.

I bought an arch with bimini, and a V8 with duo prop (despite being a relatively low peak HP) so we could tow if we wanted to pull a tube or skier, and for resale. These were the big ticket items, and I think your V6-280 and bimini are good middle ground choices.

John

[mdadgar]

Definitely the mooring cover over the tonneau covers. The t covers are a pain in the ass - the mooring cover is a 5 minute job once you figure it out and practice it a couple of times and it provides WAY WAY better coverage.

It also makes your boat look baller.

- Mark

[TheScot]

Thank you all -- much appreciated. Mark, I really don't know why I thought I'd go with tonneaus, but I think the mooring cover really would make more sense. As cozy as "valet" sounds, it's pretty darned dusty in there. Thanks for jogging my thinking.

John, that's great info about the Sof-Trac. I wonder if it can be easily reglued if it pulls up.

I'll post what I finally end up with. My thinking is definitely changing (but not as far as a V8 -- at least not today...).

Thanks again,
Rick

[Big Block Power]

The soft Trac mat really can't be glued down at least to make it hold again. Do they cover it for 5 years with the warranty. That would not stop me from getting it. As I installed it on mine. I wouldn't have a swim platform without it. The extra cushion and no slip surface is worth it. Even if I have to replace it every 5 years. I'm on year 2 of garage boating and no lifting issues. I think you see more of this on heavily used sun sitting tow boats.

[BobRae99]

A few thoughts;

I think I'd add the fender clips unless you seldom tie up. I find them really handy when I come and go from my slip. When I motored into the city last fall, I had a second set of fenders set up to match the dock height at the local waterside market and just clipped those on quickly as I approached the dock.

If I understand correctly, the boat will be launched at the start of the day and used out on the water and then back to the ramp where it is lifted out and stored on land? If that is the case, I'm wondering about the need for docking lights? Dropping that option would pay for the bow cushion (give or take). If you need lighting on an odd occasion, you can use a 12V floor light with a clip (to the windshield) which costs about $20.00 at an auto supply store.

I think the V6-280 will be fine for your use. I had one in my 210 and it was pretty quick to plane and very responsive at all throttle settings. The throttle lever can be a bit sticky though, but since you won't be towing skiers, that shouldn't be a problem for you.

Finally, I'm in favour of the dual battery setup. Its no fun having a battery fail on the water and carrying around spare booster battery means you have to remember to keep its charge up.

Soft track? My dealer said it looks good new, but is hard to keep looking good as time goes on. Replacing it is a bear - what with having to tear it up and clean up the fibreglass and then glue a new piece down.

Good luck!

[TheScot]

A few thoughts;

I think I'd add the fender clips unless you seldom tie up. I find them really handy when I come and go from my slip. When I motored into the city last fall, I had a second set of fenders set up to match the dock height at the local waterside market and just clipped those on quickly as I approached the dock.

If I understand correctly, the boat will be launched at the start of the day and used out on the water and then back to the ramp where it is lifted out and stored on land? If that is the case, I'm wondering about the need for docking lights? Dropping that option would pay for the bow cushion (give or take). If you need lighting on an odd occasion, you can use a 12V floor light with a clip (to the windshield) which costs about $20.00 at an auto supply store.

I think the V6-280 will be fine for your use. I had one in my 210 and it was pretty quick to plane and very responsive at all throttle settings. The throttle lever can be a bit sticky though, but since you won't be towing skiers, that shouldn't be a problem for you.

Finally, I'm in favour of the dual battery setup. Its no fun having a battery fail on the water and carrying around spare booster battery means you have to remember to keep its charge up.

Soft track? My dealer said it looks good new, but is hard to keep looking good as time goes on. Replacing it is a bear - what with having to tear it up and clean up the fibreglass and then glue a new piece down.

Good luck!

Thanks for that. You’re right about valet — probably won’t be tying up at too many docks if history is any judge. The docking lights are kind of aspirational: the idea of nighttime boating is appealing, and having built-in lights makes that simpler. We’ll see.

My wife (who is the swimmer) is totally sold on Sof-Trac for the swim platform, so issues or not, that’s what we’ll do. I hope with being stored indoors it will be more durable.

I think you’ve all convinced me dual batteries are good insurance. Having them on the cuddy was comforting.

Placing the order this afternoon...

Rick

[BobRae99]

A few thoughts;

I think I'd add the fender clips unless you seldom tie up. I find them really handy when I come and go from my slip. When I motored into the city last fall, I had a second set of fenders set up to match the dock height at the local waterside market and just clipped those on quickly as I approached the dock.

If I understand correctly, the boat will be launched at the start of the day and used out on the water and then back to the ramp where it is lifted out and stored on land? If that is the case, I'm wondering about the need for docking lights? Dropping that option would pay for the bow cushion (give or take). If you need lighting on an odd occasion, you can use a 12V floor light with a clip (to the windshield) which costs about $20.00 at an auto supply store.

I think the V6-280 will be fine for your use. I had one in my 210 and it was pretty quick to plane and very responsive at all throttle settings. The throttle lever can be a bit sticky though, but since you won't be towing skiers, that shouldn't be a problem for you.

Finally, I'm in favour of the dual battery setup. Its no fun having a battery fail on the water and carrying around spare booster battery means you have to remember to keep its charge up.

Soft track? My dealer said it looks good new, but is hard to keep looking good as time goes on. Replacing it is a bear - what with having to tear it up and clean up the fibreglass and then glue a new piece down.

Good luck!

Thanks for that. You’re right about valet — probably won’t be tying up at too many docks if history is any judge. The docking lights are kind of aspirational: the idea of nighttime boating is appealing, and having built-in lights makes that simpler. We’ll see.

My wife (who is the swimmer) is totally sold on Sof-Trac for the swim platform, so issues or not, that’s what we’ll do. I hope with being stored indoors it will be more durable.

I think you’ve all convinced me dual batteries are good insurance. Having them on the cuddy was comforting.

Placing the order this afternoon...

Rick

It's always exciting ordering a new boat. With your option list, I think you've checked most of the right boxes. As to the docking lights, if you will boat at night it makes sense to have them. I was out several times in the late evening last summer returning to the marina after dark and they were a real asset. The entry channel is about 200' wide (breakwater on one side, land on the other) and the lights did a great job of lighting up the sides of the channel, helping me stay out of trouble.

Anyway - congratulations on the purchase - now you just have to wait for the boat. I'm betting you'l see it in early June? I ordered my R3 last year in the middle of March and it was delivered on time on July 2nd.