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
| Price: | $123,088 (with twin Yamaha F150s) |
| LOA: | 26’1″ |
| Beam: | 9’3″ |
| Draft: | 1’5″ |
| Displacement: | 5,555 lb. |
| Bridge Clearance: | NA |
| Max Cabin Headroom: | NA |
| Transom Deadrise: | 21.5 degrees |
| Fuel Capacity: | 161 gal. |
| Max Horsepower: | 400 |
| Available Power: | Single or twin Mercury outboards to 300 hp and Yamaha outboards to 400 hp |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-0631; cobiaboats.com
