Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 243 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 243 2013?

The Cobalt Boats 243 2013 is the longer of the two at 23,9 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 comes in at 23,9 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 243 2013?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 485 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 243 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Cobalt Boats 243 2013 has a documented max rating of 430 hp. Engine specifications for the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Cobalt Boats 243 2013 is certified for 13. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 5 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and the Cobalt Boats 243 2013 are built by Cobalt Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 243 2013

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009

2009

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 243 2013

2013

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 243 2013 — A Close Look at Two Deep Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and the Cobalt Boats 243 2013 are deep vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 at 23,9 ft versus Cobalt Boats 243 2013 at 23,9 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobalt Boats 243 2013 tips the scales at 485 lbs — 439 lbs less than the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 at 46 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Cobalt Boats 243 2013 tops out at 430 hp. Engine specs for the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 5 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Both boats are rated for 13 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeCobalt Boats

Model242WSS

Model243

Model Year2009

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Bimini: 5 ft. 3 in. (1.6 m) With Arch or Tower: 8 ft. 2 in. (2.49 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Deadrise21°

Deadrise21℃

Draft [drive up] - Detail21 in. (0.53 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [max] - Detail37 in. (0.94 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Inches37

Weight - Detail4,600 lbs. (2,087 kg)

Weight - Detail4,850 lbs. (2,200 kg)

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg2199.92

Weight - lbs.46

Weight - lbs.485

Length - Feet23.92

Length [over all with swim platform]25 ft. 11 in. (7.9 m)

Length overall - Detail23 ft. 11 in. (7.29 m)

Length overall - Meters7.29

Length overall - Inches287

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.0 GXI SX 270 php (201 PkW)

Engine/s standardVolvo Single V8-300C DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower300 php (224 PkW)

Engine maxnot available

Engine max430 php (321 PkW)

Operational Info

Water capacityFresh: 10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum capacity2,250 lbs. (1,021 kg)

Maximum people13

Headnot available

HeadPorta Potti

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 243 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 243 2013?

The Cobalt Boats 243 2013 is the longer of the two at 23,9 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 comes in at 23,9 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 243 2013?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 485 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 243 2013. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Cobalt Boats 243 2013 has a documented max rating of 430 hp. Engine specifications for the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 is Coast Guard rated for 13 passengers, while the Cobalt Boats 243 2013 is certified for 13. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013 share an 8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 5 gallons and 5 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and Cobalt Boats 243 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 and the Cobalt Boats 243 2013 are built by Cobalt Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2009 full specs ← Cobalt Boats 243 2013 full specs