The new Cobia 240CC, an improved and redesigned 237CC, proved itself a quadruple winner during our test. It’s not only great for both fishing and family outings, but its 21.5-degree deadrise is also just as comfortable in far offshore waters as its 17-inch draft is skimming over the flats.
Wraparound seating in the bow boasts the high-end appointment of fully finished self-draining compartments underneath (for stowage, or extra fish if you’re lucky), and a hatch in the sole big enough to devour fenders, lines and gear.
The console is a masterpiece with a forward-facing seat hiding a cooler, and the entire panel opens to reveal a private head. This isn’t a cramped box, but a fully molded space for easy cleaning with a sink, pull-out shower and 6 feet of headroom.
The helm side of the console is equally well-done, with room for a pair of monitors on the dash in front of the standard leaning post. Our test boat had the optional comfy Llebroc helm seats with dual bolsters, folding armrests and, on the aft side, drawers plus three tackle boxes. You’d be silly not to order the hardtop with powder-coated aluminum frame and inset windshield and vent, plus stowage, lights, speakers and five rocket launchers.
The foldaway rear seat provides room for anglers, and a 28-gallon livewell is in the transom next to the door. In the floor are a pair of 33-gallon macerated fish boxes. The coamings are fully padded.
Construction is first-rate: all-composite, no-wood, no-rot with a 10-year transferable structural warranty. Thoughtful build details include seacocks on all through-hulls, copper-tinned marine-grade wiring, and 316-grade stainless-steel hardware. Access to the house and cranking batteries under the console is good, and you can easily service the engine rigging inside the transom.
The 240CC is set up for either single or twin outboards to 300 hp. Our test boat had a Yamaha F300 that pushed us to 51 mph. As we expected, this Cobia carved clean, no-cavitation turns flat-out, and slicing through wakes and chop was painless.
No question, the 240CC is a clear winner for Cobia.
High Points
- All lockers are fully finished.
- Custom wiring harnesses feature pull cords and labels.
- Easy access to all systems.
- Through-stem anchor roller has space for windlass.
Low Points
- We'd like to see the transom cleats mounted lower and farther aft, where they'd allow cross-tying without chafing the engine cowls.
- We'd like to see tubing attached to the bottom of the rod holders installed in the transom so that water can drain past pumps — instead of dripping on them — and into the bilge.
- Gas-tank fillers opposite the helm don't have much splash protection to keep fuel "burps" from going into the cockpit right next to the batteries.
Toughest Competitor
The American Marine Sports Shearwater 25LTZ ($83,805) trades the in-console head for a forward casting platform, and has 2 to 3 inches less draft and a lifetime hull warranty.
Price: $81,060 (with Yamaha F300)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300 V-6
Drive/Prop: Outboard/ 151/2" x17" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 65 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Cobia Boats - Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-0631; cobiaboats.com
