Hope it's not a gutted interior underneath that cover. :)

The boat looks Bristol now. Great find, and work!

Most of the vinyl is in good shape. There is a small tear in the sun pad insert, but I’ll probably have it replaced in time. I’ll get some pics of the interior next time I uncover the boat..
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...290d0262f.jpeg

Looks fantastic!!! I’ve always liked the lines of Cobalts.

The locked up Volvo Penta 8.1L Gi is getting replaced with a MerCruiser 8.2L Magnum. Gaining 5hp but I will need to get creative with matching the 8.2L to the Volvo Penta drive
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...943c46a36.jpeg

Nice job looks great
Hey I have two questions for you one when you go to Merc from Volvo how much of the wiring harness has to be replaced?

The next is thinking out of the box. I know it has a secondary swim platform that can be removed, but do you think it could be made into an outboard version the transom has the side the pods on an angle so is there enough width to mount a twin engine bracket?

The reason I ask is have you priced out a new Cobalt outboard boat in that range you know.

Long overdue update. I did not do a MerCruiser transplant. It was jumping through too many hoops, Ultimately, I purchased a remanufactured long block from Bishop Engineering and rebuilt the VP 496. Other than the oil pan, intake, timing chain cover and pullies, everything on the motor is brand new; fuel system, exhaust manifolds, risers, belts, plugs, starter, alternator, etc. The boat is back together and I'm enjoying the comfort of the extended cockpit and ride of the 22 degree deadrise hull with extended after planes. The VP Duoprop drive launches the boat on plane like a rocket and handles very nicely. I'm still under break in time so I have not done any full throttle runs but I have brought her up to the mid 50's a few times.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...de5f39a602.jpg

Here's a photo of the freshly completed rebuild of the Volvo Penta 8.1L Gi (375 hp) big block. With the GLS exhaust manifolds, I'm probably closer 380-385 hp.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...20201a5b8a.jpg