You’ll like Cobia’s new 350CC so much, you may want to make it yours with the same alacrity and enthusiasm with which you’d adopt that perfect, irresistible puppy at the pound. Cobia’s latest boat proved loaded with features bespeaking know-how and, in my opinion, that can fish hard and play even harder.
It starts with over 11 feet of beam so your gang of anglers won’t be crowded as they chase a fish around the wide side decks without roadblocks. Even passing the console, there’s room to wield a rod in rocky seas. In the cockpit, take note of the full tackle station with baitprep station aft, two humongous in-sole fish boxes that drain overboard, a pair of 42-gallon livewells, and six of the seven boxes are insulated to keep your beverages, catch or bait cold.
Individual bolstered seats for three anglers reside under the optional hardtop (a no-brainer to include). With its three-sided, vented windshield, the vertical dash handles twin Garmin 16-inch multifunction displays, and I found that Cobia located the accessory switches right where my hands wanted to go.
Open the console door, and you’ll find everything a family needs for an extended weekend or comfy overnighting on the water. There’s the stretch-out double berth, an electric head and a freshwater shower. Air conditioning is a nice touch to stay cool (and bug-free) when sleeping aboard.
Up forward is family turf, with seating for 11 including a chaise for two, plus an electric bow table that rises from the sole for munchies while hanging at the sandbar.
Power for the 350CC starts with a trio of Yamaha F300s, but our test boat sported twin Yamaha 425 XTOs that come out of the hole like a drag boat (7.3 seconds to 30 mph). These twins seem allergic to fuel too, sipping just 23 gph at 33 mph. Top speed is above 62 mph, and the 320 gallons of fuel let you get to the islands or out to the canyons in fine style. During our test, the double-stepped hull with 21.6 degrees of deadrise ate the lumpy seas and asked for more, please.
Well-built, well-designed and well-rigged—you’ll want to get the adoption papers ready.
High Points
- Wide side decks ease chasing fish around the console.
- Sturdy hardtop includes a vented locker for life-jacket stowage.
- Great access to batteries (under the helm seat) and to systems such as water separators and pumps.
- Deep gutters and squish-rubber seals mean no leaks on hatches.
Low Points
- Slightly offset steering wheel can be irritating.
- No shower curtain, so don’t splash too enthusiastically in the cabin.
Toughest Competitor
The Scout Boats 350 LXF (about $337,000) offers similar features and dimensions, and either twin or triple power configurations.
Price: $292,387 (with test power)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Twin 425 hp Yamaha 425 XTO DRIVE/
Props: Outboard/16 3/8″ x 21″ XTO Offshore 3-blade stainless
Gear Ratio: 1.79:1
Fuel Load: 160 gal.
Water On Board: 0 gal.
Crew Weight: 460 lb.
Cobia Boats, Maverick Boat Group - Fort Pierce, Florida; 877-COBIA-FUN; cobiaboats.com
