The Cobia 330 dual console
The Cobia 330 dual console is the latest model from the Fort Pierce, Florida, builder. The company’s largest dual console, the boat is designed for family fun, fishing and day cruising.
The 330 was introduced at the Miami International Boat Show in February, where we had a chance to walk through it.
The boat has ample seating, a large cockpit for fishing or lounging and plenty of amenities, such as a summer kitchen with a sink, refrigerator and a wine cooler, and a hidden bow table that converts to an oversized forward sun lounge. USB outlets and cup holders are located throughout the boat.
The new model also has a good turn of speed. Powered by a pair of Yamaha 425s, the 330 gets on plane in about 5 seconds and has a top speed of 60 mph. It cruises at 32 mph at 3,500 rpm, getting about 1.5 miles per gallon, according to the builder.
The hull was designed specifically for the dual console layout, with additional running-surface beam to carry the additional weight of the boat, relative to a center console. Additional hull bottom geometry was incorporated to counter the weight forward, which is typical of a dual console boat, and thus keep the boat at a proper running angle through all loading conditions.
The boat has a sharp entry, ample bow flare and rides a variable deadrise hull with 21½ degrees at the transom, which enables it to run dry and smoothly through a sea and remain stable at rest.
The 330 dual console is resin infused, producing laminates that are strong, stiff and light, which contributes to the overall soundness of the hull and fuel efficiency. Cobia uses the proprietary VARIS process — vacuum-assisted resin infusion system.
The new boat has 10-foot, 9-inch beam, allowing for a large uncluttered cockpit that resembles a dance floor. “It’s like your living room with rod holders, fishboxes and a live well,” says Charlie Johnson, marketing director for the Maverick Boat Group, Cobia’s parent company.
Cockpit seating includes a large fold-away aft bench, another one under the port gunwale and two aft-facing jump seats. With seating for eight, the cockpit makes a great social space. Aretractable cockpit shade is an option.
Depending on where the boat is anchored or docked, there are three ways to board. The 330 hasan extended swim platform and integrated swim ladder leading to a transom door. There is also a starboard-side door that swings inboard on oversized hinges and closes on a magnetic catch. And a bow ladder enables boarding from a beach.
The boat does a nice job of blending fishing and family features. Given the fishing heritage of Maverick Boat Group president Scott Deal, it’s little surprise the boat can fish hard (The groupbuilds four brands of fishing boats: Cobia, Pathfinder, Maverick and Hewes.)
The cockpit seats, for example, fold away when you’re in fishing mode, providing unencumbered cockpit space and keeping the upholstery clean. There are two insulated fishboxes (70 quarts and 40 quarts) with macerators in the cockpit sole, a 28-gallon live well, rod holders and a full bait-prep station, which makes for a great working station. Outriggers are an option.
A hardtop covers the helm station and summer kitchen to starboard and the L-shaped seating to port. The standard galley has a refrigerator, wine cooler and sink, and a grill is optional. The helm is stylish and ergonomically laid out, with gauges, electronics, the autopilot, VHF and controls within easy reach. Sightlines are clean whether sitting or standing. The helm chair moves forward and aft electrically.
A head with a mirror and shower is in the port console. Forward, a hidden bow table rises from the sole with a touch of a button, converting the forward space into a large sun pad or, rising to table height, a place to dine.
The ample dry storage compartments from stem to stern are gasketed, with drains. There also is easy access to the bilge and mechanical systems via a lazarette, which can be raised electrically.A deck hatch in the center of the cockpit sole was designed to accommodate an optional Seakeeper 2 gyro stabilizer.
The Cobia 330 dual console is a smart blend of luxury, fishing know-how and performance.Suggested MSRP is $261,050 with twin Yamaha F300s.
