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Cobalt 273

Have your cake and eat it too.

Sistership to the open-bow 276, Cobalt’s 273 cuddy cabin model boasts propulsion that qualifies as having a California Air Resource Board rating of ultralow emissions. Yet speeds approached 50 mph during our test. Apparently performance and efficiency aren’t mutually exclusive here.

You’ll love the graceful lines as much as that stellar performance. The electro-polished stainless-steel engine vents and the integrated swim platform add the perfect athletic accents to the 276’s grace. We liked the big engine compartment where you needn’t climb inside for routine maintenance.

Belowdecks, the cuddy cabin has conservative headroom and a berth that fits this big, tall boat tester. The full-size skylight and overhead hatch admit ambient light to counteract the “cave” sensation that’s so common to many other cuddy cabin boats.

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Just to the right of the companion console’s head with permanent toilet is a stairway with rubber treads that climb the dash to the ­walk-through windshield to foredeck. Despite the ease of negotiating the foredeck, we’d spring for the optional through-stem anchor with a windlass so you can raise and lower the hook with a button from the helm rather than needing to go forward.

Key Features
-This V-berth is big enough for dining or sleeping in comfort.
-The skylight and deck hatch provide the feeling of wide-open spaces.
-The 273’s private head compartment is accessible without entering the cabin.

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