Questions about 262s, 272s and 282s

[DFWdude]

Hey Y’all, I’m in the market for a new to me Cobalt, and based on availability and pricing, this has landed me in the 2000 - 2005 range of these models. Hoping y’all can teach me a bit about these, and help me decide which is best for me.

2002 262, asking 45k. Looks totally mint. 8.1Gi engine with only 261 hours.

2005 272, asking 50k. Certified preowned. Looks clean. 8.1 Gxi with 430 hours. Tower & extended swim

2005 282, asking 55. Looks clean. Twin 5.7s with 650 hours.

Questions;
1) Anything specific I need to look at on any of these models?
2) Is the 272 the same hull as the 262 but with a different layout?
3) Does this 262/272 need the 8.1 Gxi to haul 10 people around comfortably, or will the Gi get it done?
4) Are these prices way out of line? Dont seem to be based on what I’ve seen, but ya never know unless you ask.

This will be a trailer stored boat, used primarily for cruising and tubing. Tow vehicle is a 3/4 ton diesel pickup.

Thanks for the help

[Dhooghe81]

Check your inbox I PM'D you.

[Krob1114]

Can't believe that no one has responded with "Get the twins."
You didn't mention if any or all come with trailer. That might be the determining factor. Trailers are hard to find or expensive or both.
A well-maintained Cobalt holds its value pretty well.

[DFWdude]

All have a trailer, as I cant get them home without one. Sadly, none are local to me; at least 3hrs away.

[Krob1114]

Three hours is nothing in the long-term scheme of things. The twins are nice, but the tower and extended swim platform are too. Also, the Certified must mean it's from a dealership, how much it that worth for you. Plus how important is each $5,000 increment mean to you. Also, the cheapest one is the only one you mentioned at "totally mint". Hard decision.

[DFWdude]

I dont mine the drive. But none of them are in the same direction so its tough to see them all in person. Need to pick the best option and go see if it checks out.
Sounds like the 272 is the best one so far (talking w dhooge81)

[DFWdude]

Regarding the certified, its at a dealership but oddly they dont carry Cobalts. Is this even possible?

[Krob1114]

I'm thinking "Certified" means they went through the boat enough to give some kind of warranty.

[Krob1114]

Also, I drove 6 hours one way to look at a used 2012 Cobalt 242. The guy hadn't even cleaned it. I drove 8 hours Lake Lanier to look at a boat, and the guy hadn't even cleaned it. I drove a second time 8 hours later to same lake, the owners made delayed taking me out on the boat until almost dark. I think they didn't want me to see the bottom of the boat as it had been sitting in the water for three years.

I used all that driving, how much it was wear and tear on our cars, time and gas, etc.; to leverage my wife into a new Cobalt. Even she hasn't regretted it.

[kbloom72]

I'd personally go with the 272 just based on the tower, swim platform and back seat. I have a 262 and love the center walk thru as it situates people to both sides of the boat. But when hanging out on the anchor, the rear seat on the 272 is much nicer than the 262 and 282. Just my .02...

[Dhooghe81]

I'd personally go with the 272 just based on the tower, swim platform and back seat. I have a 262 and love the center walk thru as it situates people to both sides of the boat. But when hanging out on the anchor, the rear seat on the 272 is much nicer than the 262 and 282. Just my .02...

All 3 boats are super solid choices and I'll have to agree with you on the 272, it has the most desirable options, I too was in this exact dilemma 18mo ago and ended up with a 272 and cannot be more pleased with it and it's functionality. I set out looking for a 262 and wound up with its brother the 272. Both extremely good boats. I guess it really depends on how you want your interior layout to be. Kbloom your 262 is beautiful

[AsLan7]

.
So glad you found us DFWdude. (Dallas Ft Worth area?)

Yes you can’t go wrong with any of those models. As mentioned above it all depends on how you use them. Water sports, lounging, taking day trips, kids, etc. I’m partial to the center walk thorough myself and have owned the 262 and 263. I prefer everyone evened out versus on one side especially while underway. Trim tabs are also helpful in balancing any list or crosswinds depending on how many folks are on board.

Keep in mind the 282 has a larger beam than 8’6” which is the legal trailering limit in most states. Other than that it is a very versatile model although I prefer twin big blocks vs the 350’s (unless they’re the scorpion engines ).

If you have an arch in the 262 or 272, I wouldn’t go less than the 425 Merc or 420 VP. It adds quite a bit of weight.
Finally the extra extended swim platform is a must. Once you have one you’ll never go back.

The 272 is a different hull in the 2000-2005 era. Eventually the 272 used the 262 hull starting around 2010.

Enjoy the journey and be sure to post pics.

And welcome aboard mate!

.

[DFWdude]

Keep in mind the 282 has a larger beam than 8’6” which is the legal trailering limit in most states.

You just saved me a potential world of pain w the state police. I knew the legal limit, but did not know that the 282 exceeded it.

So now its the 272 in 1st place pending a talk w the seller tomorrow, then the mint 262.

Thanks fellas!

[DFWdude]

282 is too wide to legally tow w/o permits.
272 has a tower w/o the bimini. Just found out that its already sold.
The mint 262 has a bimini but no tower, and no extended swim. With the little kids and dog, the extended swim is a must.

So at this point, my search will continue.

[AsLan7]

Took us three years to find that combo in the 263 (Cuddy configuration). We sold our 262 and upgraded to the options you mentioned. Well worth the wait!