Dual consoles may be the fastest-growing segment of saltwater fishing boats. The Cobia 280 DC offers up a platter full of standard features and, for the more refined palate, a buffet of options that make this dual console more exciting.
Dual consoles increasingly get the nod from saltwater boaters because of the creature comforts they afford. Plenty of shade on this one comes from a standard hardtop plus an optional electrically deployed sunshade for the aft cockpit — shade is no longer a scarce commodity at sea.
Add full curtains to enclose the cockpit. Close the wind-dam door to the bow seating area and you have the perfect medley of features for extended-season boating. Open it back up and the bow-area lounges allow sunbathers and casual anglers to coast along while the fishing team tends the lines. The upholstery is plush, with thick padding and multiple textures and colors of vinyl to complement the hull color scheme you select.
For all-day comfort, there is a head in the port console. And there’s plenty of dry storage in the starboard console, plus access to the electronics.
An entertainment galley aft of the skipper’s seat can be optionally garnished with an electric grill and refrigerator. There is ample seating, including a foldaway transom seat and another in the starboard coaming. A large cooler under the portside seat adds refreshment storage, and the hinged top pulls forward, dropping away from the opening to ease access.
If you’re fishing, and you’ll want to from this capable vessel, you’ll appreciate the standard rod holders in the gunwales and all the rod storage in the hardtop. The livewell is ample with solid aeration, and fish boxes keep the catch iced for the table.
Dual-console fans tend to be omnivorous consumers of the outdoor experience, so the 280’s freshwater washdown and bow boarding ladder will be important standards for chilling on the sandbar and rinsing down after beach volleyball.
For long-term beauty, the DC is trimmed in stainless-steel rub rails, stainless anchor-plate protection and highly polished cleats. Each hinge and latch is also of polished stainless steel and fashioned in durable weights for long life.
Good looks, good fishing, durable construction and plush lounging are on the table with the 280 DC.
High Points
* Standard hardtop can be equipped with an optional electric shade to protect the cockpit.
* Wraparound windshield and wind dam at the walk-through can be closed to protect the cockpit.
* Rocket launchers on the hardtop superstructure keep rods handy but out of the way for cruising.
* Custom colors and two-tone hardtop colors are available.
Price: $159,591 (base with test power)
How We Tested
Engine: Dual Yamaha V-6 3.3L outboards
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Reliance 14.25″ x 17″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.00:1
Fuel Load: 60 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 877-242-4238; cobiaboats.com
