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Hi Forum!

New here and may be new to Cobalt with a used CS23 with a VP 280 DP. I love the look, size, and amenities of this boat that's at a comfortable price point. My question - is this enough engine for a nearly 24' boat?

Understand, I currently have a Tracker (gasp!) 175 Combo w/ a Merc 115 OB. Great fishing boat that realistically handles 3 for fishing and 5 (boat max) for tubing and cove swimming. Times are changing and it seems the boat is getting used more and more for the tube/swim time with a full load. It's really crowded and it limits the number of people I can take out. I can top out around 40-41 mph w/ 1-2 people and lightly loaded. That drops to 36-37 mph with 4-5 people fully loaded. Oh, and no power steering and a design that doesn't allow higher speed turns is a turnoff especially when tubing.

I know the CS23 has a limit of 12 people (really driven by weight), but I want to make sure the 280 has enough juice for 6-7 people and fully loaded (drinks, ice, food, etc.) to hit a decent top end speed (mid to upper 40's) and can still hit mid 20's to low 30's towing a tube.

I've been around pontoons and deep-V fishing boats my entire life so my understanding of these types of boats is lacking. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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Hey kws…..so glad you found us my friend.

The 280 should work but nothing beats the grunt and torque of a big V8. Once you have one you probably won’t switch back. Plus they sound great.

Any pics?

And welcome aboard mate!

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We have the 280 and DP drive in our CS23. It is more than enough power for the boat, partly because the CS23 is really not that heavy for its length. The only reason to get the V8, IMHO, is the noise and more relaxed cruising rpm.

We have a 280 DP in a CS22. Plenty of grunt to pull a couple tubes with 4-5 on board. Power to weight ratio is really good on these and they cruise all day. It has surprised us with pretty lean gas use.

Sounds like the 280 DP is the smallest I would want to go. I'm not a big fan of the "base" engine offered on the CS23 or for any boat, but I didn't know if one step up to the 280 DP was enough or if the extra 2 cylinders and 20 ponies was worth a hold out. By the sounds, the 280 DP will be just fine for my application based on your experiences. Thanks so much for the info!

I use my boats at 6,200' elevation or higher. There would be NO way I would want that engine there. If you are close to sea level, you may be fine.

I'm around 525-550' above MSL. I'm not planning any trips to higher elevations, though I've taken my Tracker from TX to MN, MO, and AR for family fun and fishing. That still doesn't come close to your 6,200'. I'm not keen on trailering a boat long distances that weighs as much as my current boat and trailer and some gear. Although, I have the rig to do it with the Chevy Duramax inline 6.

My 210 is a bit heavier than a CS23, so probably similar in demand placed on an engine. I found that having the dual prop outdrive made the biggest difference when I was comparison shopping, but back then the Volvo 225 and 300 were the same 5.7l V8 engine except for the ECU on the 300 being set to a higher max RPM. I towed the tube a lot last summer, and never wished for more torque or horsepower.

I know I'd be thinking about the 5.3L V8-300 if I were in the market today, but the dual prop 280 would probably also be just fine and sip gas a little more slowly.

John

John,

When I looked at the specs for the VP 300 and 350 DPs, which are offered in the CS23, I couldn't find any difference between the engines except for HP and top end RPM. All other specs were the same (bore, displacement, etc.). I'm guessing it's all in the engine ECU like you mentioned between the 225 and 300 5.7l V8s. That said, and if true, can the ECU be replaced to jump the 300 performance to a 350? I feel like I'm talking out of my arse because I'm so new to world.

I had a similar debate when purchasing my CS23. I ended up with the 280 primarily for fuel savings. I haven't pulled any tubes yet but so far I have been pleasantly surprised. Plenty of power and it doesn't use nearly as much fuel as I expected.

Hey. I have a CS22 with 240 DP. Boat planes very fast and tips out at 47mph I love this motor. My last sea ray had 300HP and this boat rips out of the ALOY faster. I know I’m
Late to the game but did you buy it?

We're using the high pull with 3 on board for wakeboarding without issue. A little slow with 3 on board when getting out with a slalom ski. Once out, no issue keeping 35-40. Always have coolers with water and food in Austin Texas because of the heat. The 280 DP feels soft coming out of the hole on board, but pulls like a bull when you're behind it on a ski. Hope this helps.

kwsbrother wrote: ↑Thu Mar 30, 2023 2:39 pm John,

When I looked at the specs for the VP 300 and 350 DPs, which are offered in the CS23, I couldn't find any difference between the engines except for HP and top end RPM. All other specs were the same (bore, displacement, etc.). I'm guessing it's all in the engine ECU like you mentioned between the 225 and 300 5.7l V8s. That said, and if true, can the ECU be replaced to jump the 300 performance to a 350? I feel like I'm talking out of my arse because I'm so new to world.

They lock the ECUs down pretty tight - I looked into having mine reflashed too. 225 to 300 would just be a flash, whereas to go up to the 320 model would require some intake parts to be replaced in addition to the ECU.

John

I would think that it will be fine, especially with the duo prop drive. Coming from years of single prop drives it is like having 4 wheel drive on the water!

Matts19 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 29, 2023 10:12 am We have the 280 and DP drive in our CS23. It is more than enough power for the boat, partly because the CS23 is really not that heavy for its length. The only reason to get the V8, IMHO, is the noise and more relaxed cruising rpm.

What do you mean more noise and relaxed cruising rpms?

Dave