Searching for OEM Cobalt 262/263 Swim Platform

[SMandarino]

Hi - Searching for a factory OEM extended swim platform for a 2000-2006 Cobalt 262 or 263. Please contact steven.mandarino@gmail.com or 630.373.8402 if you're looking to sell one.

[AsLan7]

Hi - Searching for a factory OEM extended swim platform for a 2000-2006 Cobalt 262 or 263. Please contact steven.mandarino@gmail.com or 630.373.8402 if you're looking to sell one.

I think these OEM platforms are one of the rarest items to find other than a factory arch.

Makes finding the rear center transom filler cushions a breeze.

Will keep an eye out for ya though.

Do you own a 260 series or is this for a friend. Pics would be fantastic.

...and welcome aboard mate!

.

[SMandarino]

Thanks! I’m in search of a 2000-2007 Cobalt 262. More options the better!

[AsLan7]

Thanks! I’m in search of a 2000-2007 Cobalt 262. More options the better!

Ok...a man after my own heart! One of Cobalt's finest models ever produced.

Are you willing to travel or have her shipped? Trailer needed?

Folks here will love spending your money too.

Again, welcome.

[SMandarino]

I agree. One of the best hulls Cobalt produced. I’m in Chicago, but willing to search nationwide and would likely ship her if it’s over 500 Miles. Will need trailer, but it’s not a deal breaker. Stainless arch and waterline swim platform a big plus. I’m speaking with a few gentleman that have their 262’s listed, but hoping there might be more out there. Thanks in advance for the help!

[Table Rockin]

The model number "262" doesnt do that boat justice at all. Its a bigger boat than that. Beastly.

[tgrace98]

Thanks! I’m in search of a 2000-2007 Cobalt 262. More options the better!

here is a nice one. Even has the arch and the swim platform. Same place I bought mine from. He seems to find all the ones with the factory arch.


https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006 ... %20listing

[AsLan7]

Keep in mind that if you want an arch from which to tow, the stainless one is required on the 260 series.

[SMandarino]

Thanks. Looking for stainless.

Called TCI fabrication in Neodesha, KS. They made a bunch of stainless components for Cobalts including the arches and mounts for the extended platforms. Unfortunately Cobalt, who owned the drawings for these parts, took the drawings back once they discontinued servicing the parts. Cobalt never saved them. I’d pay for schematics.

[AsLan7]

Thanks. Looking for stainless.

Called TCI fabrication in Neodesha, KS. They made a bunch of stainless components for Cobalts including the arches and mounts for the extended platforms. Unfortunately Cobalt, who owned the drawings for these parts, took the drawings back once they discontinued servicing the parts. Cobalt never saved them. I’d pay for schematics.

Yes, you are going down the road I traveled 3 years ago. Wish Cobalt would have saved those...ughhh.

[SMandarino]

AsLan7 - Where did you leave off on your hunt for these parts? I find it crazy that Cobalt destroyed any schematics of these platforms and stainless arches. I could tell that the parts guy at Cobalt was getting annoyed with me, so I did't press it too hard.

In my quest for a 262/263 I've actually decided to look for two boats. I want to find a near mint condition fully loaded 262 or 272 for my family and I'd like to find a project 263 to bring back to life. But I'll be bummed if I cant get these parts.

Am I crazy?

[AsLan7]

AsLan7 - Where did you leave off on your hunt for these parts? I find it crazy that Cobalt destroyed any schematics of these platforms and stainless arches. I could tell that the parts guy at Cobalt was getting annoyed with me, so I did't press it too hard.

In my quest for a 262/263 I've actually decided to look for two boats. I want to find a near mint condition fully loaded 262 or 272 for my family and I'd like to find a project 263 to bring back to life. But I'll be bummed if I cant get these parts.

Am I crazy?

Not crazy. It's just so unfortunate that after 10 years, Cobalt will not supply certain parts anymore. It's one of the Achilles heal of the Cobalt brand (and some others who do the same).

We just decided to keep searching until we found a 90% loaded 263 that had all the parts which Cobalt does not offer anymore-- in great condition.
The remaining 10% that the boat did not have we knew were still available for purchase on the market so I had them installed separately. (for instance the Corsa CC system as well as Bennett trim tabs)

Since Cobalts, like many boats, use a boutique manufacturing process for most of the build, as long as that contractor is still in business (ie Corsa, Bennett, taylor made, etc.) I knew I could get the boat exactly like I wanted it. The issue becomes OEM parts which are custom unicorns...(stainless arch, extended swim platform, rear sunpad & transom cushions, Cobalt gauges and panels, etc.) As long as these are installed and in good to great condition, I was satisfied... and knew I would not have to be concerned with finding "no longer manufactured" parts.

Ytmsn, JrCramer1 & of course Liquid helped me obtain the center walk thru transom cushions as that was the only OEM piece missing from the boat we found. We took the chance that I could eventually obtain this. Whew.

You can always go aftermarket, but many times in my experience I have been unhappy with the product compared to the OE manufacturer's product. That's where some research is involved. There are certainly after market products which are better than manufacture OEM...and some that are not.(Stainless steel quality for example)

Our quest took 3 years but eventually paid off.

.

[tgrace98]

Ah didn't know you wanted a stainless arch. Well here is another one with a merc 496 mag and has sea deck all throughout the boat.

https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006 ... 103315930/

[Whippled263]

AsLan7 - Where did you leave off on your hunt for these parts? I find it crazy that Cobalt destroyed any schematics of these platforms and stainless arches. I could tell that the parts guy at Cobalt was getting annoyed with me, so I did't press it too hard.

In my quest for a 262/263 I've actually decided to look for two boats. I want to find a near mint condition fully loaded 262 or 272 for my family and I'd like to find a project 263 to bring back to life. But I'll be bummed if I cant get these parts.

Am I crazy?

Not crazy. It's just so unfortunate that after 10 years, Cobalt will not supply certain parts anymore. It's one of the Achilles heal of the Cobalt brand (and some others who do the same).

We just decided to keep searching until we found a 90% loaded 263 that had all the parts which Cobalt does not offer anymore-- in great condition.
The remaining 10% that the boat did not have we knew were still available for purchase on the market so I had them installed separately. (for instance the Corsa CC system as well as Bennett trim tabs)

Since Cobalts, like many boats, use a boutique manufacturing process for most of the build, as long as that contractor is still in business (ie Corsa, Bennett, taylor made, etc.) I knew I could get the boat exactly like I wanted it. The issue becomes OEM parts which are custom unicorns...(stainless arch, extended swim platform, rear sunpad & transom cushions, Cobalt gauges and panels, etc.) As long as these are installed and in good to great condition, I was satisfied... and knew I would not have to be concerned with finding "no longer manufactured" parts.

Ytmsn, JrCramer1 & of course Liquid helped me obtain the center walk thru transom cushions as that was the only OEM piece missing from the boat we found. We took the chance that I could eventually obtain this. Whew.

You can always go aftermarket, but many times in my experience I have been unhappy with the product compared to the OE manufacturer's product. That's where some research is involved. There are certainly after market products which are better than manufacture OEM...and some that are not.(Stainless steel quality for example)

Our quest took 3 years but eventually paid off.

Aslan long time no talk. I hope things are well. Ive been trying to find a filler cushion since i bought my boat. Could you put your gang on a mission to find me one as well?

[Ytmsn]

Hey Whipple, good to hear from you! Those seat cushions are unicorns and will be very hard to find. A7 looked for a year before he found his.