Cobaltchat.com

Just got my first Cobalt! 2015 220 with the Volvo 225hp DP. Coming from a Bayliner 185. Have a couple of questions. Looks like the drive has to be all the way down to use the flip down swim step. Is that correct? We go out to a sandbar near our house often and it can be pretty shallow at times. Just worried that if the drive is all the way down it might hit the sand when someone steps on the swim step. Also likes like previous owner put boat in gear with swim step down as there is a gouge in the step. Prop was replaced before we closed though.

Was thinking about getting the drain plug light but don't see any wiring harness in the engine bay. Is that where it would be? Also. Would adding a rear tilt switch be difficult? How is it wired?

.
Hey d99. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Great model Cobalt you got there my friend.

Yes you can damage the bottom step if the drive is raised and turned toward the step while the prop is turning. There are quite a few Cobalt models where this can happen. Not the best engineering

We added a drain plug light and a transom tilt switch. You can run the wire for the drain plug. The tilt switch wiring is already there.

Again welcome aboard mate!

.

Me and congrats on the upgrade!! Give us a captains report when you get using her. A little gel on the step and she will look new again. Pictures please. We like damage and perfection all at the same time.
Just look at AJ's finger.

Welcome from California. Great classic stripe combo!
Looking forward to hearing your captains report .

Another boater with the V8-225 and DP drive! People still don't believe it's true when I push the throttle forward and the boat pops out of the water...

Looking forward to getting in the water this weekend! Will have to be Sunday due to travel ball though! Cant get over how much bigger it is that the Bayliner 185. You cant even see the bayliner right behind the 220!

I took all the old Registration numbers off last night. Recommendation on getting the adhesive residue off?

AsLan7 wrote: Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:05 am .
Hey d99. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Great model Cobalt you got there my friend.

Yes you can damage the bottom step if the drive is raised and turned toward the step while the prop is turning. There are quite a few Cobalt models where this can happen. Not the best engineering

We added a drain plug light and a transom tilt switch. You can run the wire for the drain plug. The tilt switch wiring is already there.

Again welcome aboard mate!

.

Did you do a thread on the drain plug light. I am interested to do that and would love to figure out how to wire it myself

dhuston99 wrote: Tue Jun 23, 2020 11:05 pm Just got my first Cobalt! 2015 220 with the Volvo 225hp DP. Coming from a Bayliner 185. Have a couple of questions. Looks like the drive has to be all the way down to use the flip down swim step. Is that correct? We go out to a sandbar near our house often and it can be pretty shallow at times. Just worried that if the drive is all the way down it might hit the sand when someone steps on the swim step. Also likes like previous owner put boat in gear with swim step down as there is a gouge in the step. Prop was replaced before we closed though.

Was thinking about getting the drain plug light but don't see any wiring harness in the engine bay. Is that where it would be? Also. Would adding a rear tilt switch be difficult? How is it wired?



IMG_20200623_230640.jpg

I have the 2014 220 and you need to be very aware of the swim step. It is great but you have to trim most of the way down. At the sand bar don’t use it. Congrats on the boat. I came from a sea ray 185 and love the ride compared to getting beat up on the other boat

ajcampen wrote: Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:46 pm

AsLan7 wrote: Wed Jun 24, 2020 5:05 am .
Hey d99. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

Great model Cobalt you got there my friend.

Yes you can damage the bottom step if the drive is raised and turned toward the step while the prop is turning. There are quite a few Cobalt models where this can happen. Not the best engineering

We added a drain plug light and a transom tilt switch. You can run the wire for the drain plug. The tilt switch wiring is already there.

Again welcome aboard mate!

.

Did you do a thread on the drain plug light. I am interested to do that and would love to figure out how to wire it myself

.
We did not ajc. It was installed by a dealer on Lake Meade
the day we bought the boat....before we found this site.

"I took all the old Registration numbers off last night. Recommendation on getting the adhesive residue off?"
Congrats fellow 220 owner, I think you are going to love it. Your boating enjoyment on rough days will be much more enjoyable. As far as sticky residue goes, I have had great success with Goo Gone liquid and a little elbow grease.

ajcampen wrote: Wed Jun 24, 2020 3:48 pm

dhuston99 wrote: Tue Jun 23, 2020 11:05 pm Just got my first Cobalt! 2015 220 with the Volvo 225hp DP. Coming from a Bayliner 185. Have a couple of questions. Looks like the drive has to be all the way down to use the flip down swim step. Is that correct? We go out to a sandbar near our house often and it can be pretty shallow at times. Just worried that if the drive is all the way down it might hit the sand when someone steps on the swim step. Also likes like previous owner put boat in gear with swim step down as there is a gouge in the step. Prop was replaced before we closed though.

Was thinking about getting the drain plug light but don't see any wiring harness in the engine bay. Is that where it would be? Also. Would adding a rear tilt switch be difficult? How is it wired?



IMG_20200623_230640.jpg

I have the 2014 220 and you need to be very aware of the swim step. It is great but you have to trim most of the way down. At the sand bar don’t use it. Congrats on the boat. I came from a sea ray 185 and love the ride compared to getting beat up on the other boat

Thanks for the input. Bummed about the swim step. Have small kids and see that being a problem for them getting in and out of the boat.

I just scraped off decals using a credit card and then small amount of rubbing alcohol. Just rinsed it down really well after and no issues for me. It took gentle pressure and about 2 minutes to get all the goo off. YMMV. Have fun!!!

Got the boat in the water last weekend! A little nerves and adjustments at the ramp but we got her in the water with no incidents. Man this boat rides smooth! Even my 11 yr old who isn't the biggest boater could tell. He was very impressed how he could sit in the rear facing seat and feel no wind! Hit the throttle and it wants to jump out of the water! Top speed was around 40 mph with 2 adults and 3 kids, full fuel. Really wish I could use the swim platform with the drive up though. Just too shallow at the sandbar to put the drive down all the way. Do have a few more questions for any other 220 owners. Does the port bow cushion come out? My starboard does but can't seem to budge the port one. Any one replace the radio? I guess the access to the rear is from inside the flip up rear facing port seat. Does that sound right? I have attached a pic of the prop scar on the swim step. I am thinking about the sof Trac mat for it. Any recommendations for that besides Cobalt. Dealer says it is $1300.

No matter what get some spectrum gel paste and fill that in. You don't want it sitting open like that. Get sea dek or aqua marine dek. Maybe 450.00.
Bring a Shovel with you and dig a hole in the sand for the drive and set 2 Anchors so she can't move. Or find a deeper swimming hole.

My 2017 220s may be different than yours but both of my front cushions come out. I completely understand your frustration with using the step in shallow water. I didn’t realize this problem until after I bought it. Luckily we anchor out in deep water so it’s not a problem. BB’s solution is interesting and may work. He’s the man when problems arise. Good luck. By the way, you’ll love the 220.

Dub