End of season checklist

There are several things that need to be done to properly store your Cobalt for the winter. Most of these subjects are good to be practiced year around.

Boat attitude:

• Any boat must be stored, year around, with the boat at a floating attitude. This means the bow of the boat must be higher than the stern of the boat.
  • This allows any water in the bottom of the boat, and there is always some, from coolers, rain, etc., to work its way to the stern where the bilge pump can pump it overboard.
  • Keep in mind the bilge pump is always energized regardless of the
    position of the battery switch(es).
• On trailers:
  • Make sure the tongue jack on the front of the trailer is raised to be sure the bow is higher than the stern.
  • Remove the brass drain plug from the transom fitting below the stern drive transom assembly.
    • Don’t forget to reinstall before launching the boat!
      • (There are those that have and there are those that have not YET!)
  • If in doubt about the attitude of the boat, simply poor a glass of water into the bilge in the engine compartment and make sure it comes out of the transom fitting.
• On a hoist:
  • Make sure the bow is higher than the stern.
    • If in doubt about the attitude of the boat, simply poor a glass of water into the bilge in the engine compartment and make sure it runs aft and not forward.
    • If it goes forward, you will need to have the hoist adjusted.
• In a storage facility:
  • Make sure the bow is higher than the stern.
  • Remove the brass drain plug from the transom fitting below the stern drive transom assembly.
  • If in doubt about the attitude of the boat, simply poor a glass of water into the bilge in the engine compartment and make sure it comes out of the transom fitting.

Ventilation and Storage Area Moisture:

• It is imperative the cover(s) are tented to prevent water from forming a lake on them.
  • Always use the supplied adjustable tent poles under the bow and cockpit
    tonneau covers and the tent system supplied with the travel mooring cover.
• Open all storage areas and cabin doors and leave open when the boat is not in use.
  • This will allow any moisture in the areas to escape and not do damage to the
    area and contents.
• Remove any wet items:
  • Towels
  • Life Jackets
  • Personal apparel
  • Take these items ashore to dry rather than leaving them in the boat wet.

Batteries:

• Cobalt offers an optional battery charging system on all models.
  • This is a great system and will extend the life of the batteries.
  • Always have this system plugged in to an external source when the boat is being stored.
    • R35 & A36
      • 110vac 30amp shore power cords.
        • Transom area Shore Power Circuit breakers switched
          on.
        • Cabin electrical panel
          • Shore Power selected
          • “Battery Charger” switch on
        • The position of the on board battery switches have no
          effect on the operation of the battery charging system.
    • 220S – R30
      • 110vac 15amp transom mounted plug in.
        • The position of the on board battery switches must be “off” for the battery charging system to operate.
    • Overnight or for the winter.
    • The system will NOT overcharge the batteries and will keep them fully charged for the next use.

Engine(s) Winterization:

• Each model engine has its own winterization procedure.
  • Please check with your Cobalt dealer.
  • Additionally, the engines and drive systems need service at least yearly which can only be performed by an authorized dealer.
    • It is best to have this service performed at the end of the season which
      will make sure your boat is ready for spring.

Water system:

• Many of the models have an onboard pressurized water system and some have both hot and cold water with a hot water heater along with the water storage tank itself.
  • These systems must be winterized.
    • It is suggested that you have your Cobalt dealer perform these functions.
    • Each boat is unique, and your dealer will know exactly how to winterize your particular system.

Air conditioning system:

• Many Cobalt models have a cabin and often include an air conditioning system for both
  hot and cold air. These systems are water cooled and that system must be drained or filled with a biodegradable liquid that will not freeze.
• Components:
  • Engine room
    • Sea Cock
      • Handle up – Open
      • Handle down – Closed
    • Sea Strainer
    • Sea water pump
  • Cabin area:
    • Air conditioning system
    • Digital controller
    • Air vents
• Surf Models
  • Ballast Pumps
    • Engine room mounted
    • It is suggested that your Cobalt dealer help you with the winterization of the ballast pumps.
      • These pumps do not self-drain and a biodegradable antifreeze should be used.