Id like to introduce myself and the good old 263 we purchased this summer. Currently swimming in Michigan. Previously owned a smaller Mariah bowrider but quickly outgrew it. Fell in love with the 262/263 platform while searching for a bigger boat. Looked for over a year for this specific model and finally found it in TN. Here she is...2003 263 with the 8.1 GXi VP DP, Captains Call, SS tower...all shes missing is the platform. Looking forward to these forums!
Hello Smokeymance, I too am a new member and new owner of a 263. Also with captains call and I have the extended swim platform. Very jealous that you have had yours on the water. I had a shakedown cruise but now is winterized. I am looking to get a cover that will cover the bimini as well as the extended swim platform. Any ideas who could make one for me? Many thanks in advance for input. Tom
Tom. Patience will be worth it. You will love it! What area are you from. If it makes you feel better I’m jealous of your swim deck. I was going to purchase a boat cover from iboats. They have all the options there but not sure if they make one that will cover the bimini while up as well as the extended deck. I’m sure someone here can chime in but sounds like might have to be custom made! Feel free to post some pics!!!
Hello Smokeymance, I am in the PNW, specifically Squamish Canada ( just south of Whistler). Very keen on next summer!! I will be storing the Cobalt in my driveway next summer. I do not have a garage to cover it. I would like to get a cover that goes over top of the bimini ( even though there is a bimini cover ) to give additional sun protection. I haveth been in touch with Cover Anything and they do not offer a cover that would go over the Bimini and cover the swim deck. First world problems . If anyone has any suggestions as to a source for a cover like that. Where abouts in Michigan are you? Looks like we have very similar boats! Tom
Tom, beautiful boat, and yes she is a twin...let me know when you get rid of the swim platform so it doesnt sit and bake in the sun Im southeast Michigan, about 30 min from Detroit...summers here are april to maybe november....rest these things sit covered!
Hah, I guess I would know where to send the swim platform if I want to get rid of it! Looks like the best option I can access is a cover that fits around the bimini tower and covers the standard swim deck. I will probably get an extra cover for the bimini to help keep it protected from the sun and another cover for the extended swim deck. How do you store your boat? Do you have garage space for it? How does the Yukon pull it? Do you do any long hauls? Will it pull it up every ramp you need it too? I bought an F350 Diesel to pull mine ( yes, example of how BOAT = Bring Another Thousand ). I will mostly be taking it from my house to a local launch a few kilometers away but might do a few longer hauls, to the BC interior for instance. Because most launches will be in tidal circumstances I erred on the side of excess with the tow vehicle......I did not want to end up with my boat and my vehicle in the water! Tom
My old boat i would hide in a summer tent next to my house...my older boat would fit in my 2.5 car garage, but i needed the space. The cobalt no way would fit. I enlarged the summer tent this summer and thats where she hid. I have a local marina i keep it at as well but i dont like leaving it in the water. I am actually looking for a lift now so i can get it ready for next year. Id like to get one from the original owner of my boat, but i have no way how to ship it up to michigan. My Yukon tows it well. I have done up north trips with it and she has no issues. Being supercharged she likes to fall into boost a lot which sucks for MPG but i didn't buy these toys to save on gas. We actually towed my boat with an F150 all the way from TN, over 10 hrs of towing and the 3.5L Ecoboost did great, over 11 mpg....your F350 diesel wont even know its back there!! Make sure your trailer brakes are working properly and you won't have any issues.
Here are some pictures of the removable tent I made. Next year we are going to redo the ground. Thinking of making a base and throwing down pea gravel. Now that I think about it every vehicle that has ever towed the boat has been a 1500 series vehicle. Never any issues. I bet anything 2500+ would be a dream.
Hey Smokeymance. Your tent is a great idea. What are the dimensions? Have you put a new stereo in your boat? Tom
Isn’t your boat currently on the market. I am looking for a 263 and saw this on one of the sale boat websites. Wanna trade?
Hey Smokeymance! You’ve probably done a lot of research as I am doing to find my 263 like yours. Want to sell or know someone who does have a 263/273 for sale? Thanks and let me know.
