It’s been nearly 20 years since Cobia Boats, which was already 40 years old at the time, was acquired by Maverick Boat Group and quickly elevated to a level matching MBG’s other industry-leading brands: Maverick, Hewes and Pathfinder. Today Cobia is one of the top-selling fishing boats, blending tournament-grade performance and family comfort.
Courtesy Cobia Boats
Cobia models over 26 feet are built using MBG’s proprietary Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion System, providing the stiffer and stronger construction that these larger boats need for heavier engine loads and long-range trips in big seas and open oceans. VARIS construction also boosts speed and fuel efficiency.
The company is a consistent supporter of conservation groups, including those focused on the marine environment and its fisheries.
Courtesy Cobia Boats
Cobia 301 CC
Offering both fishability and family friendliness, the Cobia 301 CC has an inward-opening side door that welcomes aboard the big ones, and makes entering and exiting while diving and boarding or debarking easy.
The 301 CC, an expanded version of its popular predecessor, the Cobia 296 CC, combines that proven running surface with additional space—82 square feet, in all—for fishability and comfort. A narrow helm console makes it easy to move throughout the boat. A tackle station at the back of the two helm seats includes a freshwater sink, rigging station and storage.
The bow features an electronically adjusted table/sun lounge. Bow cushions with backrests are optional. Same with a hardtop, with or without windshield, and sunshades. Kingfish rod holders, outriggers and kite rod holders can be added to the hardtop.
Standard are two 80-gallon fish boxes with macerating overboard drains, stainless-steel gunwale-mounted rod holders, undergunwale rod storage, and a pair of oval 28-gallon livewells. A novel option is a deep-drop setup with reinforced gunwale boards and electric-reel outlets.
Standard power is twin Yamaha F300s, with DES, joystick and autopilot optional. Garmin electronics including radar are among choices, as are underwater lights.
Editor’s Tip
Having enough bait can be the difference between a good day and a great day. If you’re a live bait aficionado, make sure the boat you’re choosing offers at least 30 gallons of livewell capacity. Dual wells offer more volume, and let you separate bait by species. -Joe Albanese, Executive Editor Salt Water Sportsman
Specifications
LOA:29’5″Beam:9’10”Fuel Capacity:267 gal.Dry Weight With Power:7,230 lb.Max HP:600Certifications:NMMAPowered By:Yamaha
Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; cobiaboats.com
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