Cobia’s 285 CC scores big on both  fishing and comfort. Fishability is obvious at a glance, with raw- and freshwater washdowns, rod holders, rocket launchers on the hardtop and behind the helm seats, rod racks and even kite rod holders. Trust me, you’re going to need to buy more fishing rods to fill them all.

But it can also handle your crew for  towing water toys all day, visiting the sandbar, or just zooming around. And the 285 CC does zoom, topping out at an eye-­watering 61.9 mph with twin ­Yamaha 350s.

The 285 CC offers many seating choices, from the wraparound backrest ­bowriders to the fold-down transom bench that Aunt Edna likes, which disappears—the seat, not Aunt Edna—to create a 101-square-foot angler’s cockpit. The helm seats behind the twin 16-inch Garmin monitors are so comfy, you won’t want to stand. And in what appears to be a compact console is a forward-opening (no scrunching) enclosed head with a standard electric toilet plus a sink, for space to change out of a wet swimsuit.

Cobia has a reputation for fishing, and the 285 CC sports details such as an oval 43-gallon livewell (so your bait won’t bonk their noses), a full tackle station, and a forward table that converts to a casting station.  

You’ll love the 285 CC offshore. Its 21-degree transom deadrise tames the chop, full-length strakes provide lift and straight tracking, and Carolina bow flare casts spray aside. Construction uses ­Cobia’s  proprietary VARIS resin infusion system, which morphs the hull and inner grid into a rock-solid foam-cored unit.

Cobia uses more than 60 years of ­boatbuilding experience to include thoughtful touches too. For example, the fish box is part cooler and easily reached through the cockpit side door when grabbing drinks at a sandbar. Another 57-quart cooler is forward for the bow gang. And there are twin fuel fills, so you’re never on the wrong side at the gas dock. 

Yep, you can describe the Cobia 285 CC as very comfortable and a great fishing boat. No one’s going to contradict you.

High Points

• VARIS proprietary resin infusion construction results in the highest strength-to-weight ratio in Cobia hulls and, ultimately, higher performance.
• Family-friendly electric head and sink.
• Inward-hinged cockpit side door makes dockside or in-water boarding of swimmers and landing fish easy.
• Multiple options for the helm seats include tackle center and ­sliding cooler.
• Bow table can be lowered flush, raised for munchies, or become a casting platform.
• With twin 350 ­Yamaha outboards, cruising speed is 28-plus mph and range is 455-plus miles.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Cobia 285 CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Mathematicians and philosophers have long debated whether there can be more than 100 percent of anything. I remember this from the mists of math class, while I dreamt of boats. But until I saw the new Cobia 265 CC Open, I hadn’t formulated Caswell’s Theorem.  

Here’s a simple explanation: At first glance, the Cobia 265 CC looks to be an ­angler’s dream—decks dotted with rod holders, two rows of rocket launchers on the ­hardtop, rod racks along the cockpit sides, plus a livewell and fish boxes. So, let’s call it 95 ­percent a fishing war wagon.

Interior and Accessories

But then, it also has a family-friendly head inside the console that ­surprises everyone who unlatches the forward opening door, with easy entry steps, 6 feet of headroom, a sink and mirror, a shower, and a toilet. Add in the folding bench seat for Aunt Edna aft in the cockpit, the hinged lounge backrests forward around a high/low sun pad/munchies table, and you have a boat that is 75 percent for families.  

It’s clear that if there can be no more than 100 percent of anything, then philosophers have never seen the Cobia 265 CC Open because it disproves everything: This boat is far more than its numbers. It blends serious angling with family fun. This is Caswell’s Theorem of Fun Boats at work.

Because the percentages favor fishing, let’s start there. The 265 CC Open is just that: a wide-open cockpit, a 30-gallon livewell aft, and a dedicated console behind the helm with tackle boxes, a cutting board, and an ice chest. Need to chase a fish forward in a hurry? The ­24-inch-wide side decks are deep and secure, padded thigh-high, with grab rails ­everywhere.

Once forward, a removable casting platform (with dedicated stowage) gets you up high, and our test boat had the optional Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor with enough length so that the prop continues to find a bite (excuse the pun), even in rough seas. Tucked forward under a hatch is a Lewmar anchor windlass with helm remote for easy anchoring.

That helm is going to be a feature for both anglers and families, protected by an integrated frame with a tempered-glass enclosure, full-width wiper, and an electric vent for those hot days. A big glove box for suntan potions and shades is backed up by another in the hardtop, and two levels of skipper footrests fit ­everyone. The dash is designed for a pair of ­Garmin ­16-inch displays, and the row of toggles is ­backlit for night running.

Read Next: Cobia 350 CC

Engines

For our test, we had the midsize Yamaha 200s (150s are standard; 250s available), which seemed just right, topping out at over 50 mph while getting better than 1 mpg (38.3 gph!). Ease the throttles to 4,000 rpm, and you’ll sip fuel at 17-plus gph while getting better than 2 miles per gallon (35 mph).

Just as important—whether you’re ­heading to an offshore canyon or yanking kids on ­inflatables—is the hull, and here is where the 265 excels. Your starting point is the 21-degree ­deep-V, with twin strakes and wide chine flats that throw spray to the side. And the 265 is just plain fun to drive. I flipped the stainless-steel wheel to its flat bus-driver position and cranked the Cobia hard over with the Brody knob. It banked solidly, with no cavitation, even when I did it into a passing yacht wake. Solid for ­offshore, comfy for families.

Its construction is what you’d expect from this sister company to Pursuit Boats, with its proprietary VARIS (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion System) for a wood-free stringer grid. That’s a fancy way to say rock-solid, with no creaks or groans.  

What about families? They’re going to love the bowrider seating forward, and the big enclosed head is where they can change clothes, rinse off and, of course, do the usual stuff. Aft, the transom platform is free of the typical outboard-rigging tangle (it’s hidden underneath), making it easy for adults to drop snapper baits straight down and for kids to use the pull-out swim ladder safely. Access is via a locking sealed door, so no water enters the cockpit even if you back down hard. Another freshwater shower on the transom gets rid of salt or sand from ­swimming or a sandbar.

Speaking of ladders, the inward-opening side door abaft the helm is of equal interest to anglers and families. Big enough to pull in a trophy-size fish (or a well-fed diver), it has a removable ladder that stores neatly in a dedicated alcove. That door is right next to one of the two 46-gallon insulated fish boxes, so you can drop your catch from the water and into the box. And whether you’re splashing water or fishing around, the EVA faux-teak decking (an addition from Malibu boats, which recently acquired Cobia) proved itself on our 100-degree test day by maintaining its cool on our bare feet, while giving a solid grip as well.

If you are shopping, you might consider the Sea Pro 262 DLX. It is available with your choice of twin Mercury, Suzuki or ­Yamaha outboards, and it comes in at $155,183, ­well-equipped, with twin 175 hp Suzukis.

Well-built, thoughtfully equipped and just plain fun, the Cobia 265 CC Open proves my theorem: This is a boat that adds up to fun.

High Points

• Deep gutters on hatches and doors.
• Good access to electrical and plumbing, including batteries.
• Multiple cellphone chargers.
• Fish-box lids lock in the “up” position.

Low Point

• For anglers, a single livewell can be limiting.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/13 ¾” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 750 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Operation, Efficiency

The post Boat Test: 2025 Cobia 265 CC Open appeared first on Boating Mag.

The flagship of Cobia’s ­center-console lineup, the 350 CC can be easily labeled a mean fishing machine, yet it has plenty of creature comforts to please the nonanglers in the family looking to enjoy a day on the water. It’s a “best of both worlds” situation. For power, the 350 CC can be rigged with twin Yamaha 450s or triple Yamaha 300s. Both power options will help this boat perform on those long runs to the blue water, as will its solid construction thanks to the VARIS resin-infused molding process that ensures quality. The double-stepped design helps the hull keep a level attitude. It also improves efficiency underway while the deep-V hull, which tapers to 21.6 degrees of deadrise at the transom, slices through waves and chop. The run outside the inlet should be no problem.

The 350 CC’s impressive list of fishing features includes a full tackle station with a bait-prep station aft; two giant 62-gallon in-sole fish boxes that are insulated, macerated and drain overboard; a pair of 42-gallon livewells; and rod holders in the gunwales and hardtop. Hidden, lockable rod storage belowdecks means you can safely store your quiver on board at the marina. All the amenities add to the boats fishy layout: a spacious 131-square-foot cockpit aft, wide walking spaces to each side of the console, and a side boarding door to starboard for landing that catch of a lifetime.

Creature comforts? The walk-in console features a pump-out head as well as a cushioned berth to get out of the sun. A flip-up transom bench provides plush seating for crew underway, and the triple helm-seat configuration means the ­captain always has company. Cup holders and USB ports are strategically placed throughout the boat to keep the crew entertained and happy. Add the optional Seakeeper 2 gyrostabilizer to keep the crew of your 350 CC even happier while at anchor or on a drift or troll. It helps eliminate that offshore rock and roll. When you’re ready for the sandbar, take out the bow cushion fillers to create comfortable seating for up to 11 people. Crank up the stereo and enjoy the day, no matter the mission.

High Points

• Electric bow table raises for a dining area or conversation pit, and lowers to be flush fully with the deck when not in use.
• VARIS resin-infusion construction process ensures a quality build.
• Twin large 62-gallon insulated and macerated insole fish boxes drain outboard rather than into the bilge.
• Inward-swinging cockpit side door makes for easy dockside boarding as well as boating a particularly large catch.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2024 Cobia 350 CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Cobia 301 CC is a true angler’s center-console. It’s laden with features that make it eminently fishable, yet it still offers a family-friendly layout for a day of cruising or hitting the sandbar.

Cobia builds the 301 CC with VARIS, a vacuum-bagged resin infusion process that creates a super-strong and lightweight hull. Its strong construction and bluewater design make the 301 CC an excellent choice to roam outside the inlet. When you hook a fish, the boat is well-suited to carry the fight from bow to stern, with 82 square feet of cockpit space. The narrow helm console also makes for easy walk-through access to the bow.

The 301 CC has enough fishy features to be tournament-ready, starting with the twin 28-gallon livewells built into the transom. Both livewells are oval-shaped, so your baits can swim without snubbing their noses. The clear lids allow you to easily check them. Ample rod holders found in the gunwales, transom, hardtop and inwale storage racks mean you can bring along an arsenal for all kinds of fishing scenarios.

The aft cockpit sole hides two 40-gallon fish boxes that are insulated and macerated. With the inboard-opening cockpit door to port, you can slide your catch directly into the cockpit, then into one of the fish boxes to chill on ice. It’s a fishing machine.

Creature comforts? The dual captain’s chairs at the helm have flip-up bolsters and drop-down armrests so you can sit or stand at the helm in comfort. If you’re sitting, the drop-down footrests in the helm add to the comfort level. When you’re not fishing, the flip-out transom bench might be the most comfortable place to sit on the boat. There are plenty of stereo options to keep the music pumping.

One of the coolest features is the hidden bow table. It’s completely recessed into the cockpit sole when not in use. Electrically actuated, it raises and lowers with the push of a button. It can be raised partway to create a bow sun lounge with the provided cushions.

Paired with twin Yamaha F300s, the 301 CC can hit speeds of nearly 60 mph, climbing onto plane in 3.5 seconds so you can get where you want to go quickly.

High Points

• Inward-opening side door in the cockpit makes it easy to haul in a big catch and works well as a safe access point for dockside boarding.
• Helm console places the MFD screens and switches within easy reach of the captain, with unobstructed views of the displays and gauges for ease of operation and navigation.
• Tackle-prep station behind the helm includes a freshwater sink and a rigging station to help get the baits in the water quickly.

Pricing and Specs

Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 888-742-5569; cobiaboats.com

The post 2023 Cobia 301 CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

The Maverick Boat Group builds legendary fishing boats such as Hewes, Maverick, Pathfinder and Cobia. We recently visited their factory to find out how they use a resin infusion process called the VARIS to build some of the incredible boats in their lineup. Take a look behind the curtain to see how it works and why it means a better boat for you.

The post Maverick Boat Group’s Resin Infusion Process appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

Cobia’s 262 CC is capable of safely navigating offshore in all but the nastiest conditions, but also has the shallow draft to stop at a sandbar or fish protected waters inshore.

Interior and Accessories

U-shaped seating in the front includes generous dry storage underneath, with foldaway backrests for lounging. A dedicated locker at the bow stows the anchor and rode, and a large compartment forward of the console stores fenders and other hefty gear.

The console offers more walk-around space and storage than its predecessor, the 261 CC model, and conceals a roomy head compartment and an integrated windshield frame. Matched with the optional fiberglass hardtop, a full-height, three-sided windshield with a wiper and vent (also an option) effectively shelters those at the helm from the elements.

The helm affords enough mounting space for dual 9-inch multifunction displays and other essentials, such as a VHF radio and engine monitoring display. The optional black-acrylic infinity dash adds protection and a sleeker look. Captain’s chairs with backrests, flip-up bolsters and armrests accommodate two at the helm, while the fiberglass module they rest on houses a tackle-storage center, leaving plenty of room in the cockpit for fishing or mingling.

Angling features include 12 flush-mount rod holders on the covering boards and transom, gunwale racks for six rods, and an optional five more racks on the hardtop and four more in back of the helm seats. There’s a 29-gallon transom livewell, dual 45-gallon fish boxes, and a transom door too.

The long list of options includes outriggers, a cockpit tow rail, coaming pads, raw- and freshwater washdowns, a windlass with wireless remote, a portable or electric head with macerator, bow and aft shades, and much more.

Engines

Powered by twin Yamaha F200s, the 262 CC displayed plenty of acceleration and agility, jumping on plane, bolting from zero to 30 mph in under 9 seconds, and surpassing 53 mph at wide-open throttle. Turning 3,500 rpm, the Cobia cruises comfortably at 30.7 mph while burning a modest 11.6 gph.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F200s
• Drive/Props: Outboard/13 ³/₄” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 80 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb.

High Points

• Proud bow greets waves with aplomb and boasts the necessary flare to knock down spray.
• Considerable and conveniently located rod and tackle storage is easy to augment with options.
• Freeboard progressively slopes down to a 25-inch height amidships, providing security without requiring a long gaff to bring fish over the gunwales.
• Elbow room in the cockpit (83.5 square feet) is ample for a boat this size.

Low Points

• When it comes to bait supply, a single 29-gallon livewell is a bit limiting, particularly for offshore fishing.
• Hardtop is not standard equipment but an optional upgrade.

Toughest Competitor 

Sea Born’s LX26 ($143,460 with twin Suzuki DF200s) comes with a fiberglass hardtop (a Cobia option), and offers a side door for easier boarding and loading. It also offers more livewell capacity. The Cobia, however, offers 26 gallons more fuel capacity and draws 3 inches less water.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-0631; cobiaboats.com

The post 2022 Cobia 262 CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Cobia caters to boat buyers looking for a versatile, easy-to-trailer option under 30 feet. The 262 CC proved capable of navigating safely offshore and offers the shallow draft to stop at a sandbar or fish protected waters inshore.

U-shaped seating upfront includes dry storage underneath and foldaway backrests for lounging. A dedicated locker at the bow stows the anchor and rode, and a large compartment forward of the console stores fenders and other hefty gear.

The console offers more walk-around space than its predecessor (the 261 CC), and it comes with a head compartment and an integrated windshield frame. Matched with the optional fiberglass hardtop, a full-height, three-sided windshield with a wiper and vent (also an option) effectively shelters the helm from the elements.

The helm affords mounting space for dual 10- or 12-inch Garmin multifunction displays and other essentials, like a VHF radio and engine monitoring display. The optional black-acrylic infinity dash adds protection and a sleeker look. Captain’s chairs featuring flip-up bolsters and armrests accommodate two at the helm, while the fiberglass module they rest on houses a tackle-storage center, leaving plenty of room in the cockpit for fishing or mingling.

Angling features include 12 flush-mount rod holders on the covering boards and transom, gunwale racks for six rods, and optional rocket launchers for five more on the hardtop and four in back of the helm seats. There’s a 29-gallon transom livewell, dual 45-gallon fish boxes and a transom door.

Options include outriggers, a cockpit tow rail, coaming pads, a windlass with wireless remote, raw- and freshwater washdowns, a portable or electric head and more. The 262 CC, like all Cobia models 26 feet and larger, is vacuum-infused using Maverick’s proprietary VARIS (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion System).

Powered by twin Yamaha F200s, the 262 CC displayed plenty of acceleration and agility, planing quickly, hitting 30 mph in under 9 seconds, and surpassing 53 mph at wide-open throttle. Turning 3,500 rpm, it cruised comfortably at 30.7 mph while burning a modest 11.6 gph.

High Points

• Proud bow takes on waves with aplomb and boasts the necessary flare to knock down spray. 
• Considerable and conveniently located rod and tackle storage is easily augmented with options. 
• Freeboard slopes down to a 25-inch height amidships, providing security without requiring a long gaff to bring fish aboard.
• Ample elbow room in the cockpit (83.5 square feet) for a boat this size.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F200
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/13 3/4″ x 19″ stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 80 gal. Crew Weight: 600 lb

Pricing and Specs

Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-0631; cobiaboats.com

The post 2022 Cobia 262 CC appeared first on Boating Mag.

The new Cobia 330 Dual Console meets all the check points that a serious angler looks for in a boat. But these days that’s not always enough. Want your hardcore fishing boat to have enough amenities to entertain the crew when the lines are in? The 330 has you covered there too.

Let’s start with the fishy features. The 330 has a wide-open cockpit with 54.5 square feet of space, which is ample room for working a trolling spread or fighting a fish after the hookup. There’s a bait-prep station behind the port console seating and a 28-gallon livewell in the transom with a clear acrylic lid. Both the 70-gallon in-sole fish box to port and the 45-gallon one to starboard are insulated with optional macerators to handle your catch. You can upgrade the outriggers for the T-top.

When it’s time to entertain, the 330 sports a plethora of standard family-friendly amenities. A nine-piece filler set turns the bow area into either a lounge with wraparound seating and an electrically actuated bow table, or a full-on sun pad. The main cockpit features a working galley abaft the helm to starboard, with a standard fridge and sink, and the option to add a grill. Flip-out jump seats -behind the galley in the transom and along the port gunwale can convert the cockpit from a fish-fighting arena to a conversation pit. The portside console hides a head with a standard electric pump-out toilet.

The standard power package for the 330 DC is a pair of Yamaha F300s that provide plenty of muscle to get this boat up and running. However, upgrading to twin V-8 5.6L 425 XTO Offshore outboards will push the boat over 60 mph, according to test data provided by Cobia. In the same test data, the boat enjoyed its best fuel economy at 3,500 rpm, with a recorded speed of 32.3 mph while burning 21.5 gph for a 1.5 mpg rate. Those are good numbers for a boat capable of running far and wide to find the fish.

So, whether it’s a full day of fishing or a day of relaxing you’re after, the 330′s vacuum-infused construction and offshore-ready hull—with a 21-degree transom deadrise—ensure a smooth ride whether running inside or outside the inlet.

High Points

• Starboard dive door comes with a telescoping ladder for easy reboarding and keeps swimmers away from the engine props.
• The 54.5 square feet of cockpit space ensures crew has plenty of room to fish or lounge.
• Standard bow boarding ladder is a great feature for beaching at the local sandbar.
• Nine-piece cushion filler set converts the bow area into a cozy conversation pit or a full tanning bed.

Specs

LOA: 33′6″

Beam: 10′9″

Draft (max): 2′3″

Dry Weight: 9,981 lb. (with test power)

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 275 gal.

Available Power: Twin Yamaha outboards to 850 hp total

Price: $302,350 (with test power)

More Information

Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-460-5258; cobiaboats.com

The post 2021 Cobia 330 DC appeared first on Boating Mag.

Vacuum infusion construction is universally considered as the most advanced way to build a boat. The process is more environmentally and employee friendly and maximizes stiffness and strength every time. Cobia Boats takes that one step further with its proprietary VARIS (Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion System.) The result is better performance, better gas mileage, and a solidness you can feel.

The post Not All Vacuum Infusion Construction Is the Same appeared first on Boating Mag.

I fell in like with the new Cobia 350CC the moment I stepped through the inward-opening side door that makes pulling in a fish (or a fully rigged diver) as easy as stepping off a dock. This wasn’t crazy-mad irrational lust like I have for Sophia Loren, but a genuine like for all the right stuff that I discovered during my test of this new Cobia. This is a great center-console that fishes hard and plays even harder.

First, the twin, hulking, Yamaha 425 XTO outboard engines (triple F300s are standard) shot us right out of the hole like a drag boat (7.3 seconds to 30 mph), but virtually sipped gas at a more moderate cruising speed (33 mph equals 23 gph). At the 62.6-mph top speed I recorded while running the Cobia, these 425 hp behemoths propel you to the islands or the canyons in fine style, and the 320 gallons of fuel allows you to stay all day.

The double-stepped hull with 21.6 degrees of transom deadrise eats lumpy seas and asks for more, please.

Just over 11 feet of beam means plenty of walk-around room to chase fish, especially as you pass by the console. Yep, a gang of anglers won’t be crowded.

There’s a tackle center equipped with a bait-prep station aft, a pair of oversize in-sole fish boxes that drain overboard, twin 42-gallon bait tanks,no less than seven insulated boxes to keep your beer, bait and lunch cold. Really neat is the hidden, lockable rod stowage locker in the sole.

The cabin will prove a delight for families, with a stretch-out double berth, an electric head and a shower, plus optional air conditioning. For the sandbar, there is seating for 11, including a chaise for two forward and an electric bow table that rises from the sole for picnic lunches.

The skipper (and two companions) get individual seats behind the big windshield, each adjustable with bolsters. The dash has a vertical display that allows for easy reading of two 16-inch Garmin monitors, and all the switches are easy to find and right where you’d want them for controlling the boat.

One look at the Cobia 350CC, and I know you’ll fall in like too. Don’t miss this new Yamaha-powered center-console.

High Points

⋅Wide walk-arounds allow anglers to chase fish all around the boat easily.

⋅Solidly built hardtop includes a vented locker for easy access to life jackets.

⋅Waist-level power panel in cabin means no stooping to find switches.

⋅Great access to batteries (under helm seat) and to systems such as fuel separators and pumps.

⋅Deep gutters and squish-rubber seals on all hatches prevent leaks.

⋅Two macerated fish boxes aft.

Specs

LOA: 34′4″

Beam: 11′2″

Draft: 2′0″ (hull)

Dry Weight: 10,560 lb. (rigged, with engines)

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 320 gal.

Price: $292,387 (with triple Yamaha F300XCA)

How We Tested

Engines: Twin Yamaha 425 XTO

Drive/Props: XTO Offshore 16 3/8″ x 21″ stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.79:1

Fuel Load: 125 gal.

Crew Weight: 640 lb.

More Information

Cobia Boats, Maverick Boat Group – Fort Pierce, Florida; 877-COBIA-FUN; cobiaboats.com

The post 2020 Cobia 350CC appeared first on Boating Mag.