Advice needed: 2011 262WSS vs. 2014 276

[TX777]

Soon to be Cobalt boat owner trying to decide between two different boats. I’ve been looking for the right boat for a couple of months and have two great options but analysis paralysis has set in! Hoping there are members here that can please weigh in on pros/cons of each model and which is a better overall value?

Both boats have +/- 180 hours and are in both very good condition. WSS is loaded with every single option available that year including largest hp VP 8.1. The 276 has what I would consider standard level options with VP380, extended swim platform, and a tower. The 276 is $6k higher total when the new trailer for it is factored in. The WSS is priced right at NADA average book value and 276 is about $12k below average book.

This will be our first boat and aren’t we huge into wakeboarding or surfing at this point, but will be pulling a tube occasionally and will average 4-6 people in the boat most days. I’m told for that year the WSS is essentially just a 262 with a tower and graphics? Would the WSS with a super heavy set of options and $6k less cost be worth sacrificing ~1ft. of boat length, an extra 3 years of boat age, and paying book vs. less than book value? We plan to keep the boat for the next 7+ years. Thanks in advance for your positive counsel.

[Big Block Power]

I would measure it and there might not even be that much of a length diff. Larger engine is airways a bonus.
Don't surf behind either of those boats. They are not designed for that and without a forward drive you could hit your head on the props and die.
262 is a great boat. I don't know much any the 276.glwtp.

[AsLan7]

.
Hey TX777 (pilot by chance?). So glad you found us.

If I had the choice between the two options above I’d go with the fully loaded WSS. I’ve always liked the looks of that boat but then again I’m partial to the 262 which is similar. Any pics of these machines? That may help for us viewers. Solid rides either way.

And welcome aboard mate!

.

[Snowman8]

I will just add confusion... I would go with the 276. When we purchased our 2014 R5 the dealer had a 276 on the show floor right next to our R5. I liked the 276 better than the R5 but my wife liked the R5 and my checkbook liked the R5 better too. Now that we have had the R5 for 7 years I have no regrets. Show us a picture when you purchase your new 276!

[Dudley67]

The 262 WSS is a tower and Graphics added. But I might add a sweet riding hull.. I have never stepped foot on a 276, but from the pics, it seemed to have less seating.

Honestly you can’t go wrong either way, but for some it comes down to what the hull colors are…

Having owned a 262 (252 when it was called that in 2007). I would take one again. The layout is great with seating and storage.

This was my 252/262

400E7A91-EF1B-4D3D-860F-9984BF969AEC.jpeg

[TX777]

Thanks all for your comments! After much thought and deliberation, we’ve decided to go with the 276. While the options on the WSS were awesome and it’s a great looking boat, it just seemed like it would be something that would age more quickly than the 276, which has more of a classic set of colors and timeless feel to us. I’m not big into decals and the WSS has a few large ones that were beginning to show wear and since Cobalt doesn’t stock items for boats beyond 7 years old this was of concern longer term. The 276 feels like it has more interior space and we liked the sun pad and seating better.

Now it’s just a matter of prying a 28’ trailer from the hands of another dealer, as they are nearly unobtanium! We should be picking it up on Friday if we are successful in obtaining the trailer. Much better pics to come once in the water as these definitely aren’t great! Thanks again!

[Snowman8]

That’s a good looking boat! You will definitely love it! I am kinda partial to your color choice, it is timeless. Here’s our R5. If you can’t find a trailer and need to have one made contact Loadmaster trailers in Port Clinton Ohio!

[dustinm]

If you can’t find a trailer and need to have one made contact Loadmaster trailers in Port Clinton Ohio!

thanks for the chuckles !!!

OP they are a great trailer btw .... Its just Snowman is very outspoken about how much he likes them and it is within reason considering his past experiences with other brands.

[Snowman8]

If you can’t find a trailer and need to have one made contact Loadmaster trailers in Port Clinton Ohio!

thanks for the chuckles !!!

OP they are a great trailer btw .... Its just Snowman is very outspoken about how much he likes them and it is within reason considering his past experiences with other brands.

I don’t recall mentioning Loadmaster ever before! At least not today! You would think I was a paid spokesperson or something! Lol. When I like something I like it, when I dislike I really don’t like it! I’m not afraid to say it either!

[Big Block Power]

If you can’t find a trailer and need to have one made contact Loadmaster trailers in Port Clinton Ohio!

thanks for the chuckles !!!

OP they are a great trailer btw .... Its just Snowman is very outspoken about how much he likes them and it is within reason considering his past experiences with other brands.

I don’t recall mentioning Loadmaster ever before! At least not today! You would think I was a paid spokesperson or something! Lol. When I like something I like it, when I dislike I really don’t like it! I’m not afraid to say it either!

Does Cobalt Make these so called trailers? I never heard of them.

[dustinm]

[TX777]

@Snowman8 and DustinM thanks for the Loadmaster recommendations! Found a new trailer about 30 minutes away from the boat so will be picking it and taking delivery of both on Saturday. The trailer isn’t going to win any beauty contests being aluminum with galvanized wheels, but it will get the boat from the Austin dealer to the Houston area lake and will be serviceable for now, which was the goal. Definitely going to have a custom trailer built in the near future. The 276 is too pretty to live on a butt ugly trailer!

[Big Block Power]

@Snowman8 and DustinM thanks for the Loadmaster recommendations! Found a new trailer about 30 minutes away from the boat so will be picking it and taking delivery of both on Saturday. The trailer isn’t going to win any beauty contests being aluminum with galvanized wheels, but it will get the boat from the Austin dealer to the Houston area lake and will be serviceable for now, which was the goal. Definitely going to have a custom trailer built in the near future. The 276 is too pretty to live on a butt ugly trailer!

Also snowman is a huge fan of EZ Loader trailers

[Snowman8]

@Snowman8 and DustinM thanks for the Loadmaster recommendations! Found a new trailer about 30 minutes away from the boat so will be picking it and taking delivery of both on Saturday. The trailer isn’t going to win any beauty contests being aluminum with galvanized wheels, but it will get the boat from the Austin dealer to the Houston area lake and will be serviceable for now, which was the goal. Definitely going to have a custom trailer built in the near future. The 276 is too pretty to live on a butt ugly trailer!

Also snowman is a huge fan of EZ Loader trailers

Absolutely!

[Howl Yes 242]

Great choice. That Volvo 380 is an amazing engine and you won’t regret it.