Advice on buying a 262 (or other 24-27')

[KansasCobalter]

Hello all, long time lurker first time poster

I grew up on a Cobalt. A mid 1980's 21BR. I grew up a short drive from Neodesha, KS, so we took a lot of pride in the boat and that it was Kansas made.

Fast forward 30 years, and I have two kids of my own that love the lake (7 year old son and 4 year old daughter). My in-laws are retiring and moving to Table Rock, MO, so my wife and I are in the market to finally get a boat of our own and we both agree that there is no choice but a Cobalt.

We are tempted to go all out and get a newer R-Series, but I keep pulling myself back towards the older boats, mainly for budget reasons. To be honest, I do really like the lines of the 2000's boats. They seem more horizontal/stretched, which probably doesn't maximize the functional space as well, but they look really sleek to me.

I have set my eyes on the 262. Love the profile, love the center walk through, love that most are equipped with a big block. There is one close to home that appears immaculate, but is priced way higher than the others further away. It's tough to compare apples to apples without driving to see a lower priced alternative, but what do you all think of this boat in terms of value?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... 3e6a381abc

Apologies for the Facebook only link. I don't believe it is posted anywhere else.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[AsLan7]

As a long time 262 and 263 owner, I would jump on that.
Price is not unreasonable.
The options it has and the updates make it well worth the price. The memories you’ll make on it will be priceless.

[KansasCobalter]

As a long time 262 and 263 owner, I would jump on that.
Price is not unreasonable.
The options it has and the updates make it well worth the price. The memories you’ll make on it will be priceless.

Thanks, AsLan! Is there anything in particular that you recommend I take a close look at? Like potential wear items or problem areas?

[AsLan7]

As a long time 262 and 263 owner, I would jump on that.
Price is not unreasonable.
The options it has and the updates make it well worth the price. The memories you’ll make on it will be priceless.

Thanks, AsLan! Is there anything in particular that you recommend I take a close look at? Like potential wear items or problem areas?

.
I see it has the center transom cushions. The two piece small seat cushion and backing are unicorns. It allows you to close off the cockpit for extra passengers to sit.
Does it have a cockpit heater? Ours did and we enjoyed that to heat our toes during cooler outings.
Does it have the transom shower?. We did not use ours too often but it was nice to have it when we did.

The three rare major items this boat has that most do not are the stainless tower (a $10k option alone); the EXTRA extended swim platform that extends at water level. We LOVED that...especially for our dog; and three...the GXI 420 hp motor. It is needed with the weight of that arch.

Does it have the switchable Captain's call for the engine. Love that feature...especially during start up.

Was the steering cable ever replaced. If not it will be about time to replace it as the grease dries up and it becomes difficult to turn the wheel.

One weakness of the 260 series is the inability to raise the engine hatch with the ski pylon in. If someone tries it, it will put some spider cracks (or worse) in the area of the ski pylon insert. Look for that.

Check the condition of the cushions. The seams tend to deteriorate and separate.

Ask about the condition of the trailer. Bearings, brakes, winch strap condition?

Those are some items to check.

[KansasCobalter]

As a long time 262 and 263 owner, I would jump on that.
Price is not unreasonable.
The options it has and the updates make it well worth the price. The memories you’ll make on it will be priceless.

Thanks, AsLan! Is there anything in particular that you recommend I take a close look at? Like potential wear items or problem areas?

.
I see it has the center transom cushions. The two piece small seat cushion and backing are unicorns. It allows you to close off the cockpit for extra passengers to sit.
Does it have a cockpit heater? Ours did and we enjoyed that to heat our toes during cooler outings.
Does it have the transom shower?. We did not use ours too often but it was nice to have it when we did.

The three rare major items this boat has that most do not are the stainless tower (a $10k option alone); the EXTRA extended swim platform that extends at water level. We LOVED that...especially for our dog; and three...the GXI 420 hp motor. It is needed with the weight of that arch.

Does it have the switchable Captain's call for the engine. Love that feature...especially during start up.

Was the steering cable ever replaced. If not it will be about time to replace it as the grease dries up and it becomes difficult to turn the wheel.

One weakness of the 260 series is the inability to raise the engine hatch with the ski pylon in. If someone tries it, it will put some spider cracks (or worse) in the area of the ski pylon insert. Look for that.

Check the condition of the cushions. The seams tend to deteriorate and separate.

Ask about the condition of the trailer. Bearings, brakes, winch strap condition?

Those are some items to check.

Thanks! That's all really helpful. I'm not sure about the captains call. Would be awesome if it did have it. Will check for the shower and heater as well. The seller is out of town but we plan to meet up on Wednesday.

Will also ask about the steering cable as well.

Is there any visual check to see the 8.1 is in good shape, or at least well cared for? I understand that's tough short of a compression test and/or sea trial. Is it obvious if the manifolds are past due for replacing?

Thanks again for all the info.

[Dhooghe81]

I highly recommend the 272 from 2005-2008 production years. Exactly same hull bottom and length as the 262 but has a side walk through and rear lounge. I'm a Southeast KS guy myself and proud owner of a 2006 272. Message me if you have any questions. BTW 262s are awesome as well! Iconic model.

[AsLan7]

If the engine area is clean and well cared for then it is most likely taken care of. You could eat off of ours. Bilge was kept clean as well. Not a drop of oil or liquid.
We vessel view for our Merc which could read codes and diagnostics using our Iphone bluetooth. Not sure what VP has. Ask about his service records.
(fluid changes; drive alignment; batteries; etc.)

To Dh81's point, we specifically wanted a center walk thru due to the amount of people we would carry. By slipping that center walk thru transom seat in you could pack em' in. Plus the boat could be perfectly balanced without using tabs when folks were seated. I think our record was 16. We have a lot of nieces and nephews.

Jump on that boat....she won't last long.

[allerickb@gmail.com]

@kansascobalter So did you close the deal on the 262 yet?

[KansasCobalter]

Yep, we've come to terms on price. Owner is out of town for a couple of weeks, so we'll finalize it and I'll get the boat on 10/27. Looking forward to joining the club!

Here's a video my wife took during the sea trial. Sure looks sharp with the bimini on! I'll add more photos once I take delivery.

[AsLan7]

Yes so sexy!

[Twistedsteel51]

Wowwwwww!!!!!! I was really disappointed when I did my daily 262 add check and that was marked sold!!!! I promise you, that is one of the nicest 262’s sold this year. (Ask me how I know) I to have been bouncing back and forth with a A28 and a 262. I have about 6 262’s in my back pocket that I hope one of owners/dealerships come down just a little bit more on the price. They all are so close on options and price. One has this but the others don’t vice versa all with similar prices. The one you just purchased is absolutely beautiful!!!! And from one Kansas boy to another, that was awesome purchase!!!!! I to was about a hour and a half way from that boat. I will look forward to seeing you at Table Rock next year!!!! People don’t understand that even though we live in the land of Cobalt that to put our eyes on one big girl it’s a 4 hour drive. Just to look at a boat!!!!! I’m trying to talk my self out of the A28 just because of the money. But…….. it’s not really not that much more money!!!!!! If I knew it was gonna be as trustworthy and trouble free as the 2 series boats I would just pull the trigger!!!! In my eyes the 2 series will forever ever be the standard as the “classic Cobalt boat” that will never go out of style. And that goes from the 17’ all the way to the top. There is just something about those lines that will never go out of style!!!!!! Congratulations, you did great and you bought one of the best boats sold in 2024!!!!! If I don’t have something bought by Thanksgiving, I’m gonna throw in the towel!!!!! Now, I have to go make a new post about how we add heaters to these things!!!!! See ya, at Table Rock!!!!!!

[Twistedsteel51]

I forgot to mention I have my eye on a couple of 282’s also as I responded to somebody else’s post. Boat buying would be a breeze if a person had a million bucks laying around to snatch up whatever catches his eye!!!!

[KansasCobalter]

Wowwwwww!!!!!! I was really disappointed when I did my daily 262 add check and that was marked sold!!!! I promise you, that is one of the nicest 262’s sold this year. (Ask me how I know) I to have been bouncing back and forth with a A28 and a 262. I have about 6 262’s in my back pocket that I hope one of owners/dealerships come down just a little bit more on the price. They all are so close on options and price. One has this but the others don’t vice versa all with similar prices. The one you just purchased is absolutely beautiful!!!! And from one Kansas boy to another, that was awesome purchase!!!!! I to was about a hour and a half way from that boat. I will look forward to seeing you at Table Rock next year!!!! People don’t understand that even though we live in the land of Cobalt that to put our eyes on one big girl it’s a 4 hour drive. Just to look at a boat!!!!! I’m trying to talk my self out of the A28 just because of the money. But…….. it’s not really not that much more money!!!!!! If I knew it was gonna be as trustworthy and trouble free as the 2 series boats I would just pull the trigger!!!! In my eyes the 2 series will forever ever be the standard as the “classic Cobalt boat” that will never go out of style. And that goes from the 17’ all the way to the top. There is just something about those lines that will never go out of style!!!!!! Congratulations, you did great and you bought one of the best boats sold in 2024!!!!! If I don’t have something bought by Thanksgiving, I’m gonna throw in the towel!!!!! Now, I have to go make a new post about how we add heaters to these things!!!!! See ya, at Table Rock!!!!!!

Hey TwistedSteel, glad to see another Kansan on the forum! Yep, we're really happy with the purchase. Can't wait to get it on the water next spring. We're just east of Wichita (Andover), but will be making the drive to Table Rock often next summer.

For a 20 year old black boat, the 262 is in great shape. And it has all the options I'd spec it with if I were buying it new.

The A28 is a gorgeous boat. Love the hydraulic deck. I actually had my eye on the A25 before I bought this one. Like you said, if only money grew on trees, lol.

If you're ever around Shell Knob, look for us and don't hesitate to holler. I plan to make it to the Regatta next year, so look for us there as well.

[Cruiser64]

Fellow KS guy and just to the West of you, Goddard. First boat was a 96 Crownline 182, sold to get a new 07 Cobalt 220 and attended our first regatta the same year. In 2018 sold it with only 160 ish hours on it to get a 04 Cobalt 262 in 2019 and haven't looked back. We love the 262 Platform, the Bimini can be a pain and is better with 2 people, the taller the better. We were lucky enough to score a slip at Campbell Point marina last year and used it more last year than the 2 previous years even with it being 5 hours away.
Congrats on your 262, its cool that you got a video while on the water, it's hard to get pics while on the water. You'll love the size and power.

[KansasCobalter]

Fellow KS guy and just to the West of you, Goddard. First boat was a 96 Crownline 182, sold to get a new 07 Cobalt 220 and attended our first regatta the same year. In 2018 sold it with only 160 ish hours on it to get a 04 Cobalt 262 in 2019 and haven't looked back. We love the 262 Platform, the Bimini can be a pain and is better with 2 people, the taller the better. We were lucky enough to score a slip at Campbell Point marina last year and used it more last year than the 2 previous years even with it being 5 hours away.
Congrats on your 262, its cool that you got a video while on the water, it's hard to get pics while on the water. You'll love the size and power.

Hi Cruiser, beautiful boat! The Regatta is always a good time. Have gone the past few years on my buddies 24SD.

We considered getting on the list for Campbell Point, but decided it may work better for us to store it in the shop until a slip comes up for sale, but who knows when that will be.

The bimini is absolutely a pain but great once it's up. The previous owner was sure to walk me through it, which I appreciated. Once it's on, I intend to keep it on all season unless I have to tow it far.

Will be sure to look for you at the Regatta next year!