Cobalt 343
08-01-2023 | 07:27 AM
#271
Registered
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,331
Likes: 1,835
From: Merritt Island, FL
It's definitely a better lake boat.
I took mine out of Sebastian Inlet (top 3 worst inlets in Florida) 3 weeks ago with 5'+ standing waves caused by outgoing tide hitting an onshore breeze and they were spaced about the same as the boat length. Keeping the bow up high enough and and carrying enough speed to stay on top of them was a challenge. The long pointy nose was definitely a challenge to keep from stabbing the next wave. The back side of the 2nd to last one was bigger than the first 4 and it was as if the bottom dropped out. The props blew out and I couldn't keep the nose up. Had to throttle back so they would bite and by the time they did the next wave sent a 3" pile of water rolling over the bow and windshield.
I definitely learned the value of having a bow with a "Carolina Flare" that day.
When running the Intercoastal in a 1-2' windblown chop its as if it's not even there. Cruiser wakes are nothing and it just eats them up. Confused conditions from multiple boat wakes are never a concern either.
Since most of our boating will be on the Intercoastal it works great for us. After the Sebastian incident, I'm thinking twice about taking it to the Bahamas. It would have to be in the summer when the seas are supposed to be calmer and a tropical storm is nowhere to be found in the Atlantic.
I took mine out of Sebastian Inlet (top 3 worst inlets in Florida) 3 weeks ago with 5'+ standing waves caused by outgoing tide hitting an onshore breeze and they were spaced about the same as the boat length. Keeping the bow up high enough and and carrying enough speed to stay on top of them was a challenge. The long pointy nose was definitely a challenge to keep from stabbing the next wave. The back side of the 2nd to last one was bigger than the first 4 and it was as if the bottom dropped out. The props blew out and I couldn't keep the nose up. Had to throttle back so they would bite and by the time they did the next wave sent a 3" pile of water rolling over the bow and windshield.
I definitely learned the value of having a bow with a "Carolina Flare" that day.
When running the Intercoastal in a 1-2' windblown chop its as if it's not even there. Cruiser wakes are nothing and it just eats them up. Confused conditions from multiple boat wakes are never a concern either.
Since most of our boating will be on the Intercoastal it works great for us. After the Sebastian incident, I'm thinking twice about taking it to the Bahamas. It would have to be in the summer when the seas are supposed to be calmer and a tropical storm is nowhere to be found in the Atlantic.
Surprised on the trailer weight, my steal Myco for the little 32 is 1800lbs. I need to run my Aluminum Myco across and see what it comes in at.
08-02-2023 | 05:57 AM
#272
Registered
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 21
From: Melbourne, FL.
Now that I think about it the MSO could be wrong. Many states title trailers over 2000 Lbs.
Last year I had an aluminum Manning Gooseneck triple axle for a Formula 400SS and the MSO for that also said around 2000 lbs. No way with being bigger in every way did that thing weigh nearly the same.
Last year I had an aluminum Manning Gooseneck triple axle for a Formula 400SS and the MSO for that also said around 2000 lbs. No way with being bigger in every way did that thing weigh nearly the same.
Last edited by Stitch King; 08-02-2023 at 05:59 AM.
08-27-2023 | 02:12 AM
#275
Registered
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 21
From: Melbourne, FL.
10-17-2023 | 02:38 PM
#280
Registered
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 84
Likes: 21
From: Melbourne, FL.
My 343 is currently getting a top built. Here's the sneak peek from today.
The builder (who is an OEM manufacturer for Boston Whaler) used photos provided by me to get the styling. It's polished anodized and he's going to add supports compared to the original Speed Top. Hopefully it will be done with the canvas by the end of the week. I'll post the finished product when I pick it up.
The builder (who is an OEM manufacturer for Boston Whaler) used photos provided by me to get the styling. It's polished anodized and he's going to add supports compared to the original Speed Top. Hopefully it will be done with the canvas by the end of the week. I'll post the finished product when I pick it up.
