Late 2000s 242-262s 8.1 ok to buy?

[Arcoriver]

Looking at cobalt 242s mostly, some 262s aswell with the 8.1s. What’s the deal with this “water ingestion” about the manifold design and riser height and etc. I’ve read about it. Called 3 dealers and they’ve never heard of it… The boats I’m looking at are 2007 and 2009 as of now. They have less than 300 hours on them. Should I be worried? Should I avoid 8.1s? What’s the deal? HELP

[Arcoriver]

I’ll add these are fresh water boats and would remain that way if I was to buy

[AsLan7]

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So glad you found us Arcoriver.

Water ingestion was more of an issue on later model Cobalts around the 2017 to 2020's ish time frame. I've owned the mid 2000's 262 (and 263) and there is no water ingestion issues whatsoever with these models. There's actually a funny video where if there was ever a chance for water ingestion in a mid 2000 series Cobalt it would have happened.




Be sure to post pics if you purchase.

And welcome aboard mate!

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[Arcoriver]

That’s definitely some serious captaincy right there lol! So I don’t need to be concerned any on either vessel?

[Sumgai]

Why C naval architects (tongue in cheek) haven’t been able to figure out how to design self-bailing cockpits is one those unsolved mysteries. I’d sleep a little easier if I didn’t need to rely on an (awarded to the cheapest) bilge pump supplier for their self actuating and working pump; just because it rained hard last night.