343 Cobalt Outboard Open Bow Conversion
#11
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,046
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From: Glastonbury, CT
looks great just curios what is the material you are using for the interior ( all the white ) also how much are you reinforcing the transom, knee braces, extra thickness to transom bracket? I would love to convert a 282 to twin outboards instead of buying a new outboard version at 300K Plus?
#12
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 148
From: Cape Coral, FL
looks great just curios what is the material you are using for the interior ( all the white ) also how much are you reinforcing the transom, knee braces, extra thickness to transom bracket? I would love to convert a 282 to twin outboards instead of buying a new outboard version at 300K Plus?
The new floor is made from Nidaplast Panels, very similar if not the same product as the factory floor and hatches.
https://www.boatbuildercentral.com/p...SABEgKdsfD_BwE
The transom required a lot of reinforcement, Now the transom is twice as thick as the factory I/O transom, I have built 5 knees and tied the bulkhead in front of the inboard motors to the transom by building 4 new stringers. These stringers also carry the load of the new floor. I will see if I have any pictures.
#13
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 50
From: Glastonbury, CT
The new floor is made from Nidaplast Panels, very similar if not the same product as the factory floor and hatches.
https://www.boatbuildercentral.com/p...SABEgKdsfD_BwE
The transom required a lot of reinforcement, Now the transom is twice as thick as the factory I/O transom, I have built 5 knees and tied the bulkhead in front of the inboard motors to the transom by building 4 new stringers. These stringers also carry the load of the new floor. I will see if I have any pictures.
https://www.boatbuildercentral.com/p...SABEgKdsfD_BwE
The transom required a lot of reinforcement, Now the transom is twice as thick as the factory I/O transom, I have built 5 knees and tied the bulkhead in front of the inboard motors to the transom by building 4 new stringers. These stringers also carry the load of the new floor. I will see if I have any pictures.
#14
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 919
Likes: 12
From: OPKS & LOTO
Following this amazing build.... With the more recent move to OB's, I always thought the 343 would be a great candidate.
Took a factory tour at Cobalt a few years ago. Hinted to the folks there about an OB 343 and they just smiled, winked and said the molds are still out back. Lots of engineering & testing went into that single-step hull before they released it. The I/O's are a very predictable ride and solidly attach to the water.
Took a factory tour at Cobalt a few years ago. Hinted to the folks there about an OB 343 and they just smiled, winked and said the molds are still out back. Lots of engineering & testing went into that single-step hull before they released it. The I/O's are a very predictable ride and solidly attach to the water.
#16
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,500
Likes: 148
From: Cape Coral, FL
I took the summer off from this project as this summer here in Florida was HOT! But, we are back at it. Modified the Stainless Steel support for the original cobalt top and I had this fiberglass hardtop made. I pick it up Saturday. I should be able to mount it next week.















