2000 262 Rear Sundeck Latch Pulls

[JhawkOK]

New here but have owned our 262 for 15 years. We had all new interior seating installed this winter and absolutely love it. The only issue we have is the latch pulls for the rear sundeck storage areas. I believe the original interior had a heavy vinyl sleeve sewn on the front of the rear hatches where the nylon strap fed through but the interior installer did not replicate that on the new build. If we are not careful when closing the rear hatches when getting out the ski pole or ropes the pulls can get shut inside the storage area.

Has anyone else had this issue and found a suitable guide for the nylon pulls? Looking for any ideas. Thanks!!!

Jeff

[AsLan7]

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Hey JhawkOK. So glad you found us.

Yes that was an issue with the first year model of the 262/263 series. Cobalt realized this and replaced that system with a plastic squeeze mechanism that allows that sun pad storage hatch to open by squeezing the plastic latch. This new system ran from 2001 -2007. You may be able to source that piece(s).

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[JhawkOK]

Thanks for the info! I’ll swing by the local dealer and see what they can get. Thanks again!

[AsLan7]

Thanks for the info! I’ll swing by the local dealer and see what they can get. Thanks again!

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posted a pic above for ya'..

[JhawkOK]

Ah yes! My neighbor’s ‘05 does have those! I’ll do some investigating. He owes me.

[AsLan7]

Ah yes! My neighbor’s ‘05 does have those! I’ll do some investigating. He owes me.

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Sounds good.
....and all we ask for in return is a pic or two. (especially of the sexiest Cobalt to ever come out of the Neodesha world headquarters (other than the 343) )

[JhawkOK]

Believe it or not, I grew up 13mi south of the factory in Neodesha. You would not believe the number of 262s on Grand Lake.

Here’s a few shots of the new seats and canopy. Really like how they turned out. We are planning to finally replace the original carpets with snap in SeaDek if they start making it again this fall.

[AsLan7]

Believe it or not, I grew up 13mi south of the factory in Neodesha. You would not believe the number of 262s on Grand Lake.

Here’s a few shots of the new seats and canopy. Really like how they turned out. We are planning to finally replace the original carpets with snap in SeaDek if they start making it again this fall.

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Nice JhOK!...and what an opportunity to grow up next to the best runabout boat builders in the business.

Thanks for posting those pics too. That might be the best redone interior on these models I have ever seen. Did the factory do that? How did they get those cockpit back-rests off?

It's rare to see a 260 series without docking lights. Also rare to see one with the windshield wiper option. Have you ever used that? I always thought that would push rain water to the top of the windshield while driving and then it would blow into your face. . I think it makes sense with the rare camper enclosure option but I've only seen that on one other 262.

Btw it's too bad they couldn't fabricate transom filler cushions even if you don't have that option. You could sell them for an easy $1500-2000.
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[Big Block Power]

Yes very nice. Did Coz do that?

[JhawkOK]

No it wasn’t the factory exactly but was a cobalt retiree. She still does all the embroidery for them on contract I believe. She was able to work with them and they pulled the factory build sheets on the 262 and cut all the vinyl for the boat at the factory. We considered pulling the interior pieces ourselves and taking them to her but we opted to just leave the boat with her for a couple months instead. I honestly have no clue how they got some of the pieces out of there.

A guy in Grove, OK did the vinyl top for us and he did a great job. Told him not to put any zipper back in because we have only folded the top back once when we trailered to LOTO on year for the shootout. It’s tight and much quieter running over 40mph.

Have never used that wiper. Surprised it hasn’t completely dry rotted yet.

[AsLan7]

No it wasn’t the factory exactly but was a cobalt retiree. She still does all the embroidery for them on contract I believe. She was able to work with them and they pulled the factory build sheets on the 262 and cut all the vinyl for the boat at the factory. We considered pulling the interior pieces ourselves and taking them to her but we opted to just leave the boat with her for a couple months instead. I honestly have no clue how they got some of the pieces out of there.

A guy in Grove, OK did the vinyl top for us and he did a great job. Told him not to put any zipper back in because we have only folded the top back once when we trailered to LOTO on year for the shootout. It’s tight and much quieter running over 40mph.

Have never used that wiper. Surprised it hasn’t completely dry rotted yet.

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Ahhhh yes. That makes sense. Again I’ve never seen a redo that looks that factory fresh in these models. Amazing factory look that could only be accomplished by someone who has prior knowledge as a Cobalt employee (or former).

How many hours on her? How is she powered? Would love an engine pic.

Thanks again.

[JhawkOK]

Just a good old 7.4L. We bought it in 2006 with around 350hrs and we are probably just under 900hrs now. It will run about 45mph on a good day and my neighbor’s 262 with a 496 (fold down Bimini) will run low 50s. With the fixed arch and canvas we really don’t need to run any faster with the wind noise.

I’ll try to remember to grab a better pic of the engine compartment this weekend when we are there.

[AsLan7]

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Thanks for the engine pic.
That sounds about right with the 7.4.

We had a 2002 262 with the VP 8.1GI that would run around 56-58 mph.
Our 263 has roughly 400 hours on the 496 MAG HOh which will hit around 60. I never get tired of that.

Honestly though we use it mostly for water sports. Love that low end big block torque.

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[Snowman8]

WOW JhOK! That is probably the best vinyl replacement that I have ever seen! Nice job keeping a classic looking great!