Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 vs Cobalt Boats A28 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 or the Cobalt Boats A28 2013?

The Cobalt Boats A28 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,5 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 comes in at 23,9 feet, making it roughly 4,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 or the Cobalt Boats A28 2013?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 546 lbs for the Cobalt Boats A28 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: How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 carry?

The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 has an official capacity rating of 13 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and Cobalt Boats A28 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: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 or the Cobalt Boats A28 2013?

The Cobalt Boats A28 2013 has the bigger tank at 9 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012. That 4-gallon difference translates to roughly 12–20 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and Cobalt Boats A28 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and the Cobalt Boats A28 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 2012 vs Cobalt Boats A28 2013

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012

2012

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats A28 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 vs Cobalt Boats A28 2013 — Which Deep Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and the Cobalt Boats A28 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?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Cobalt Boats A28 2013 measures 28,5 feet overall (2013), giving it roughly 4,6 additional feet of deck space compared to the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 at 23,9 feet (2012). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobalt Boats A28 2013 tips the scales at 546 lbs — 500 lbs less than the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 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.

Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling — 430 hp for the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and 430 hp for the Cobalt Boats A28 2013. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Cobalt Boats A28 2013 carries 9 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 is rated for up to 13 people. Passenger data for the Cobalt Boats A28 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Cobalt Boats A28 2013 at 28,5 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 at 23,9 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeCobalt Boats

Model242WSS

ModelA28

Model Year2012

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 - DetailWithout Bimini: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.49

Bridge clearance - Meters1.5

Bridge clearance - Inches98

Bridge clearance - Inches59

Deadrise21°

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

Draft [drive up] - Detail30 in. (0.76 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.53

Draft [drive up] meters0.76

Draft [drive up] inches21

Draft [drive up] inches3

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

Draft [max] - Detail39 in. (0.99 m)

Draft [max] - Meters0.94

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches37

Draft [max] - Inches39

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

Weight - Detail5,460 lbs. (2,477 kg)

Weight - kg2086.52

Weight - kg2476.61

Weight - lbs.46

Weight - lbs.546

Length - Feet23.92

Length - Feet28.5

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

Length [over all with swim platform]28 ft. 6 in. (8.68 m)

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

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters7.29

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches287

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 GiC DP

Engine/s standardMerCruiser Single 8.2 Mag ECT B3X

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail90 gal. (341 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters340.69

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal9

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Horsepower300 php (224 PkW)

Horsepower380 php (283 PkW)

Engine max430 php (321 PkW)

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

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

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum people13

Maximum peoplenot available

Headnot available

HeadPorta Potti

Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 vs Cobalt Boats A28 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 or the Cobalt Boats A28 2013?

The Cobalt Boats A28 2013 is the longer of the two at 28,5 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 comes in at 23,9 feet, making it roughly 4,6 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 or the Cobalt Boats A28 2013?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 has the edge at 46 lbs dry weight versus 546 lbs for the Cobalt Boats A28 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.

How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 carry?

The Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 has an official capacity rating of 13 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

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

Both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and Cobalt Boats A28 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.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 or the Cobalt Boats A28 2013?

The Cobalt Boats A28 2013 has the bigger tank at 9 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012. That 4-gallon difference translates to roughly 12–20 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and Cobalt Boats A28 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 242WSS 2012 and the Cobalt Boats A28 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 2012 full specs ← Cobalt Boats A28 2013 full specs