2023 Cobia 301 CC

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