Dual-console models rank as one of the fastest-growing segments in the saltwater-boat market, and after spending time aboard the Cobia 240 Dual Console, I gained a greater appreciation for this popular phenomenon.
From the trailerable size, stylish lines and ample seating to the angling amenities, smooth ride and brisk performance, this boat offers everything you need for fishing and other on-water activities.
This boat is also built for years of service. The 240 DC’s decks stiffened with carbon-reinforced beams, hand-laid fiberglass with thermal barriers (to maximize gelcoat cosmetics), and fiberglass-encapsulated, reinforced thermoplastic-polymer-foam stringer systems provide outstanding durability.
Fishing Heritage
I was joined on my test day in early April by Charlie Johnson, director of marketing for the Maverick Boat Group, which includes Hewes, Pathfinder and Maverick, as well as Cobia.
“MBG’s heritage is as a fishing-boat company,” Johnson says. “So, you are going to see that reflected strongly in the design, features and construction of every Cobia model.
“The Cobia 240 DC is the perfect blend of comfort, amenities and fishing smarts in an easily manageable size,” he adds.
Cobia molded a standard 22‑gallon livewell into the transom in the port quarter. I also found a pair of standard, insulated 24-gallon fish lockers under the cockpit sole. Macerators for these lockers are optional. A third insole locker for watersports items such as wakeboards lies between the consoles.
Ease of Service
I love the access to the bilge rigging. An electrically operated hatch hinges upward from the interior side of the full transom. Every boater will eventually need to change out a pump or service another piece of equipment, and that’s why I really appreciate this feature.
A covered sink with a freshwater faucet and cutting board for rigging tackle and baits resides abaft the helm seat on the starboard side. I discovered a stowage recess under the hinged cutting board and three cabinets for tackle items and fishing tools such as pliers and knives. Four stainless-steel gunwale rod holders are also standard, as is the fiberglass hardtop with rod holders integrated into the aft supports of the powder-coated aluminum frame.
The 240 DC’s helm panel spans nearly the entire width of the starboard console, and that offers plenty of room to flush-mount an array of marine-electronics screens. My test boat included an optional Garmin GPSMap 7610xsv multifunction display, a Yamaha 6YC engine gauge, and a JL Audio display to control the optional amplified eight‑speaker stereo system.
Power Galore
Boasting a Yamaha F300 V-6 outboard as standard (indeed, the only engine choice for this model), my 240 DC was certainly not underpowered. I was anxious to see how fast it would run. So, once we cleared the no-wake zones, I punched the throttle, and the 240 DC vaulted to plane in 5 seconds, reaching 30 mph in 9 seconds.
Using the flip-up bolster on the thickly padded helm seat as a leaning pad, I continued to advance the throttle, eventually maxing out the boat speed at 50 mph at 5,400 rpm, where the F300 burned 26.3 gallons per hour, resulting in 1.9 mpg at wide-open throttle.
I throttled back to see where I might find peak efficiency. I found it at 3,500 rpm and 28 mph, where the Yamaha burned 8.9 gph for 3.14 mpg. That translates to a range of more than 350 miles based on the 123-gallon fuel capacity.
The 240 DC sports a deep-V hull with 21.5 degrees of deadrise at the transom and a wide bow flare to tame rough seas and knock down spray. Standard trim tabs helped me dial in the ride in rough water. Cornering proved easy and precise at speed, thanks to SeaStar Solutions hydraulic steering and the stainless-steel steering wheel with a tilt-and-lock helm.
Helm Protection
For greater comfort at eye-watering speeds, you can close the center section of the wraparound windshield and secure the walk-through door to block the wind blast. When not in use, the door swings open to secure against the starboard console.
Within the interior of the step-down port console, I found 45 inches of headroom, a Corian countertop with sink and freshwater faucet, and a macerated electric-flush marine toilet—all standard.
The 240 DC can seat as many as nine, thanks to a hideaway transom bench (one of the most comfortable I have seen), portside back-to-back seating that quickly converts to a lounge chair (a 91-quart cooler resides underneath), and bow seating that doubles as a pair of forward-facing loungers or an expansive sun pad. There’s also cavernous dry stowage under the bow seats.
On fishing days, you might remove the forward-seating upholstery and leave it at home so you can step up onto the elevated pods to fight a fish or gain access to the anchor. I found a massive anchor locker served by an in-stem anchor chute. An electric windlass is available as an option.
Read Next: Cobia 280 Dual Console Review
Some days, families just want to go swimming or snorkeling, and the 240 DC obliges with an integrated extended swim platform with a hidden telescoping boarding ladder. A pullout freshwater shower nozzle comes standard, and a transom door in the starboard quarter offers easy access. For entry at the bow, Cobia also includes a removable ladder.
In an era of escalating boat sizes and prices, the Cobia 240 DC represents a manageable, versatile, and seaworthy choice for families who enjoy fishing and other fun activities on the water.
Performance
Power: Yamaha F300 outboard
Load: 25 gal. fuel, two crew
Top Speed: 50 mph @ 5,400 rpm
Time to 30 MPH: 9 sec.
Best MPG: 3.14 @ 28 mph (3,500 rpm)
Standout Options:
- Three-bank battery charger ($347)
- JL Audio eight-speaker stereo system with amplifier ($3,332)
- Garmin GPSMap 7610xsv multifunction display ($4,847)
Hull
LOA: 25 ft. 1 in.
Beam: 8 ft. 10 in
Deadrise: 21.5 deg.
Dry Weight: 4,200 lb. (dry w/ engine)
Draft: 1 ft. 6 in.
Fuel: 123 gal.
Max Power: 300 hp
MSRP: $114,142 (w/ Yamaha F300)
Cobia Boats
Fort Pierce, Florida
772-460-5258
cobiaboats.com
