The Cobalt Boats 262 2006 vs Cobalt Boats 343 2006 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Cobalt Boats 343 2006 measures 35,0 feet overall (2006), giving it roughly 9,0 additional feet of deck space compared to the Cobalt Boats 262 2006 at 26,0 feet (2006). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobalt Boats 343 2006 tips the scales at 1 175 lbs — 661 lbs less than the Cobalt Boats 262 2006 at 514 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 — 500 hp for the Cobalt Boats 262 2006 and 500 hp for the Cobalt Boats 343 2006. 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 262 2006 carries 7 gallons versus 2 gallons in the Cobalt Boats 343 2006. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Cobalt Boats 343 2006 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Cobalt Boats 262 2006 caps at 8. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Cobalt Boats 343 2006 could be the deciding factor.