Cobalt Boats 263 2006 vs Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 or the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013?

The Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 is the longer of the two at 26,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 or the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 has the edge at 55 lbs dry weight versus 537 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 263 2006. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 tops out at 430 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

Q: How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 carry?

The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 has an official capacity rating of 8 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 263 2006 and Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 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 263 2006 and Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 7 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 263 2006 and Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 and the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 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 263 2006 vs Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 263 2006

2006

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013

2013

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 263 2006 vs Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 vs Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 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.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Cobalt Boats 263 2006 at 26,0 ft versus Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 at 26,2 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 tips the scales at 537 lbs — 482 lbs more than the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 at 55 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 500 hp, the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 has a 70-hp advantage over the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013's 430-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 7 gal and 5 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 is rated for up to 8 people. Passenger data for the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 wasn't available.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 and its 500-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 with its 430-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCobalt Boats

Model263

Model26SD WSS

Model Year2006

Model Year2013

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Inches102

Bridge clearance - Detail57 in. (1.45 m)

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

Bridge clearance - Meters1.45

Bridge clearance - Meters1.5

Bridge clearance - Inches57

Bridge clearance - Inches59

Deadrise22℃

Deadrise21°

Draft [drive up] - Detail22 in. (0.56 m)

Draft [drive up] - Detail27 in. (0.69 m)

Draft [drive up] meters0.56

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inches22

Draft [drive up] inches27

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail5,064 lbs. (2,297 kg) (with small block engine) 5,370 lbs. (2,436 kg) (with big block engine)

Weight - Detail5,500 lbs. (2,495 kg)

Weight - kg2435.79

Weight - kg2494.76

Weight - lbs.537

Weight - lbs.55

Height - DetailOverall: 73 in. (1.85 m) With arch or tower: 107-1/2 in. (2.73 m) Without windshield: 59-3/4 in. (1.51 m)

Height - Detailnot available

Height - Meters2.74

Height - Metersnot available

Height - Inches107.5

Height - Inchesnot available

Length - Meters8.12

Length - Metersnot available

Length - Feet26

Length - Feet26.17

Length - Inches8

Length - Inchesnot available

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

Length [over all with swim platform]26 ft. 2 in. (7.97 m)

Length overall - Detail26 ft. 8 in. (8.12 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters8.13

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches32

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 Gi SX 280 hp (209 kW)

Engine/s standardVolvo Single V8-300C DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail70 gal. (265 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters264.98

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Gal7

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Engine max500 hp (373 kW)

Engine max430 php (321 PkW)

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower300 php (221 PkW)

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (37.9 l)

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Maximum capacityYacht certified

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Body / Hull

Hull materialnot available

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typenot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Cobalt Boats 263 2006 vs Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 or the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013?

The Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 is the longer of the two at 26,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 comes in at 26,0 feet, making it roughly 0,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 or the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 has the edge at 55 lbs dry weight versus 537 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 263 2006. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 is rated to a maximum of 500 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 tops out at 430 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 carry?

The Cobalt Boats 263 2006 has an official capacity rating of 8 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 263 2006 and Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 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 263 2006 and Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 7 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 263 2006 and Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 263 2006 and the Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 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 263 2006 full specs ← Cobalt Boats 26SD WSS 2013 full specs