Boat Shopping

[Protip]

I had a 99' 220 with the 7.4 merc as my last boat that we absolutely loved and I know you guys like pictures so I added one from our test drive. Life got in the way and it wasn't getting used so we got rid of it. Now the kids sports and schedules have slowed down and it is time for another one. I think an older 262 may be the sweet spot. Do you guys think it is big enough to handle the water at LOTO on shootout weekend? Is it to big to be fun for water sports? How are the volvo engines in the early 2000s models? Is that the biggest older cobalt I could trailer legally?

[jwill323]

https://www.lakeexpo.com/boating/shooto ... 9zL9YlSl4Z

I would say on most weekends you'd be fine at LOTO with the 262. The shootout is moving starting in 2025 to a new location. Used to be at Capt. Rons at the 34mm now it's moving up to Dog Days area so this is a brand new venue. I can tell you that usually that area is pretty big water (non-shootout weekends) , but no one knows what this will look like going forward. If your smart about your coming and going i don't think you'd have a big problem and usually they have an extended no-wake area going to and from the shootout. It all really depends where you're coming from and where your trying to go to, the biggest problems were usually after the shootout since that's when you had the most people trying to leave all at once. If you wait it out and stay put for a bit i don't think you'd have an issue. For water sports it depends what your into as well. Tubes, wakeboards i think would be great, but if your looking for a slalom boat its probably not the best option.

[Protip]

No one in our family is really into slalom. Mostly wakeboard, kneeboard, and normal skis.

[Table Rockin]

I think the early 2000s 262 would be a great boat to jump back into for trailering and watersports. I would be cautious taking her to LOTO. Yes generally your probably fine (especially during the week) but as Jwill mentioned on Shootout weekend it may be a different story. There will be a large no wake area I'm sure but watch yourself outside of that. Situation can turn quickly in spots and the big boys will give no quarter. They just simply dont care. I've been to Shootout and seen plenty of boats that size so clearly it can be done. Just exercise caution.

Buy it

[jwill323]

I say go for it too! Those 262's are a cool boat. Back in the day in our 280 sea ray before the no wake zones i would either duck into a cove to hide out for a while or try to get in behind the biggest cruiser i could find heading my way and follow along until we got out of the worst of it. its all doable as long as you don't drive like an idiot. What part of the lake would you be staying on when your down there? That's probably going to determine how much you like the 262 at LOTO.

[Protip]

No real plans for the shootout yet. We typically come down and stay by bagnell for the strip party so we can check out all the boats up close. I knew my 220 was to small to chance it so we always just left it in the slip on beaver lake. Never had the opportunity to go out on the water for shootout so just going by what I have heard from people and in the forums. Sounds like a 262 probably wouldn't be great for shootout either.

I still think that is probably what I am after. We mainly like coveing out and cruising, and when the kids aren't busy and come out they like to wakeboard, ski, and tube. Trying to get something that isn't a pain to tow a couple of hours if I want to, but is still big enough to handle bigger water than what the 220 liked. I think the 262 would be good on even the busiest days on grand, beaver, and table rock. Sounds like it would be fine for a weekend away to LOTO just not on shootout weekend. Anyone know what I can expect for cruise and top speed in a 262 with the 8.1? Seems like a small jump in motor for the size of the boat when my 220 had a 7.4 so I suspect it will be a little slower.

[Table Rockin]

I would say top speed is 48-55sh? Cruise around 30sh. Yes that boat will be more than fine for Beaver/TRL/Etc. I'm at TRL and see 262s all the time.

[AsLan7]

Lookin' good pt..! Love your boy's smile. A future Cobalt owner for sure.

Yes in regard to the early 2000 models, the 262/263 model is the widest beam (8'6") that is considered legal to trailer in most (if not all) US states.

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