262 vs 262 or call it Gen 1 vs Gen 2

[ericjohnson520]

I have a great 206 but it just doesn’t quite meet my family’s need for more passengers. I’ve been doing my research and I’m really excited to shop for a 262. I’m confident that 262 or 272 will meet our family’s needs. It’s easy to look through the Cobalt resources/old brochures to study the specs and layouts, but I’m not sure what some of the specifications mean for performance, like deadrise. Also, after having installed an aftermarket swim platform on my 206, I do NOT want to do that again, so I’m generally ruling out a Gen 1 262 unless I happen across one with platform. I’m considering the 272 (same hull as the Gen 1 262 but with swim platform) or the Gen 2 262.

I’ve done lots of searching on the forums and I haven’t seen much discussion of the Gen 1 vs Gen 2 other than the center walk through transom vs starboard walk through. I’m interested to hear whether there are any performance differences or other important differences between the Gen 1 and Gen 2.

Thanks all!

Eric

[AsLan7]

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Our fam can only speak to the 2000-2007 262 and 263 models after having owned both ej520. To us they are the best to ever come out of the world headquarters in Neodesha. (other than maybe the 343)

22 degree deadrise makes for a terrific ride, especially on larger lakes like Erie

Sexy, versatile, powerfully fast & trailerable. Go for it. You won't be disappointed my friend....especially with the 425 horse, stainless arch and extra extended swim platform. The downside.... those three options included on one 262/263 makes them unicorns and you may have to hunt for awhile. It took us three years to find that combo. No regrets though. Here's a unicorn spotted in the wild...
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[Dhooghe81]

I was in this same dilemma last fall after selling my 1994 272. I looked at several 262s and could not find one that had all the options I wanted(ext swim platform, stainless steel tower, matching trailer). I ended up looking at the 2005+ 272 with the starbird side walkthrough. We absolutely love the 272 for its versatility. VERY happy we went with the 272.

[kbloom72]

Eric, We upgraded from an 01 206 to an 05 262 a few summers ago. We absolutely loved our 206, but for similar reasons to yours, we chose to upgrade. We couldn't be happier with the change. If I had any complaints about the 262 it would be the coolers under the seats aren't necessary in my opinion. They make the compartments just a bit too small to put bags in. Otherwise, there isn't much not to love. Let me know if you have any questions from one to the other. Cheers...