Here it goes again - 1999 Cobalt 292 Refresh

[baktasht]

Has anyone else come across this? Windlass install coming along nicely on the Cobalt 292. While cutting, I was very surprised to find that the bow has a metal plate sandwiched in between the fiberglass and marine plywood. That was a very nice surprise. Cobalt build quality wins again!

It seems to go like this (from top to bottom layers):
* Gelcoat
* Fiberglass
* Marine plywood
* Metal plate (i think stainless steel)
* Fiberglass
* Gelcoat or whatever the resin is they use on the underside

Very interesting...

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[glenncal1]

Bakt- did you ever get performance figures for the boat with your GPS Speedo? Have enjoyed watching some of your how to do it videos. Jim

[baktasht]

Bakt- did you ever get performance figures for the boat with your GPS Speedo? Have enjoyed watching some of your how to do it videos. Jim

Jim,
Not yet, but good reminder. I'll see if we can do a top speed run next time we are out if the wind/wake permits.

[baktasht]

I've been having some poor sound quality issues, despite having upgraded all the speakers, running 3x dedicated amplifiers to cover everything, 2x dedicated AGM house batteries, and a Fusion head unit. I decided to pull out all of the factory speaker wiring and upgrade to marine grade tinned 12 gauge wire. The stock wiring looks to be around 18gauge or so. Took a little time to fish the new wiring through all the hull and to all the speakers.

Result? Without making any other changes at all the sound is now much more clear. No more random crackling, no more unclear high notes, and even at the same volumes the sound comes in louder and more clear. I HIGHLY recommend considering upgrading your wiring if you have upgraded your sound system on your boat. And make sure to use good quality marine grade tinned wiring. This is the best and most cost effective wiring I found and for the price I was thoroughly impressed at the quality. For my 8 speaker setup on our 292 I needed 2 roles. If you have 6x speakers I bet you could get away with 1 roll.

Wire I bought:
https://amzn.to/3egG9tg


Here's a photo to show the difference between the factory Cobalt wiring and the new wiring. The photo doesn't do it justice, its a huge difference in size, quality of insulation, and overall quality.

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[baktasht]

Finally got tired of not hearing any music when swimming. Added one more pair of Polk DB652's to the transom, to the only spot that has space.

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[baktasht]

And here's the rough step by step video of the speaker installation for anyone doing it for the first time and nervous about cutting into your boat. It's pretty easy to do, even if it's your first time.




Polk 6.5" DB652 (Used in this video): https://ebay.us/85Llmc
Polk 5.25" DB522 (Not used in this video): https://amzn.to/3hAk4rW
Polk 4" DB402 (Not used in this video): https://amzn.to/3hzQsuz
Heavy Duty Marine Grade Speaker Wire: https://amzn.to/2T8FBys
3M 4200 Marine Sealant: https://amzn.to/2UJ27OV
​​​​​​​Hole Saw Kit: https://amzn.to/36z7PFw

[baktasht]

Upgraded to a bowcatcher/cowcatcher instead of the typical roller. Love the way it fits versus the usual bow rollers. Video coming later tonight if anyone is interested in the install.

[baktasht]

Installed a Fox Marine NMEA 2000 Engine gateway:

[baktasht]

Mantus M1 Anchor assembled and ready to go on:

[baktasht]

Mantus Bow Roller for the windlass installed, along with Mantus Anchor Stop:

[baktasht]

Moved the radio from the glovebox to the helm:

[baktasht]

Got the Fusion Radio hooked up to NMEA2000 so that I can control it through the chartplotter:

[AsLan7]

Nice documentation Baktasht.

[baktasht]

Removed, refurbished, and repainted the rear blower vents:

[baktasht]

Nice documentation Baktasht.

Thanks bud!! Been a while since i posted an update. So trying to get the thread updated.