Have it All With the 280 Dual Console by Cobia Boats
Whether you’re a fishing family, a cruising couple, or just a group of friends looking to spend some time fishing or hanging out at the sandbar, the Cobia 280 Dual Console needs to be on your wishlist the next time you’re ready to upgrade. Packed with fishing features while combining comfort, functionality, excellent handling, and performance on the water, this 28-foot dual console by Cobia is ready to impress.
In this article, we check out three standout reasons why the Cobia 280 Dual Console should be at the top of your shortlist if you’re in the market for a versatile, dependable, high-quality dual console boat.
1. Unmatched Versatility and Space for the Whole Crew
Few things ruin an onboard experience faster than feeling like you’re always in someone else’s way. Whether you’ve dealt with cramped quarters before or not, one of the first things you’ll notice when stepping aboard the Cobia 280 Dual Console is its impressive, open layout that gives you room to move with ease.The Cobia 280 DC’s ample open deck space and thoughtfully designed seating ensure that your crew is comfortably accommodated on the water, giving everyone the space to relax and enjoy their time onboard.
Bow Seating and Lounge Options
The bow seating on the 280 Dual Console is perfect for kicking back under the sun. Plush upholstery, backrests, and cup holders let passengers relax while storage compartments are provided underneath for towels, life jackets, or any other gear you want to keep handy. An optional removable table makes the bow area a great spot for refreshments or a quick lunch at anchor.
Meanwhile, back in the cockpit, a roomy fold-down bench on the transom and a table come standard, allowing you to quickly turn the cockpit into a relaxing waterfront picnic space. And if you need extra seating, fold-down side seating is available as an option. A double lounge seat alongside the helm is a standard feature too, below which is an insulated cooler for keeping your drinks and snacks fresh all day long.
Family-Friendly Comfort
Dual console boats are especially appealing to families because they typically feature additional seating and easy-to-access storage compartments for items like kids’ toys, snacks, or extra clothes. The Cobia 280 DC takes family time on board a step further with a well-appointed head compartment (an electric head with a macerator is standard) under the passenger console. This convenient feature means you can spend more time enjoying the water and less time heading back to the dock for bathroom breaks – something that families with children will appreciate, particularly on extended outings.
Wash it Down
Fresh and raw water washdown systems are standard on the 280 Dual Console ensuring that everyone can take a refreshing shower and rinse the salt off after a swim, staying fresh and relaxed while onboard. The raw water system, meanwhile, makes it easy to keep the deck and other exterior surfaces clean of spills, fish guts, and everything else.
Convertible and Flexible
From sunrise fishing trips to sunset cruises, the 280 DC’s layout adapts to your plans. The rear seating folds away to create more space for fishing, while its wraparound windshield protects from wind and spray when cruising at higher speeds. Built-in storage spaces throughout the boat and the integrated cooler in the port lounge mean you can stow away refreshments, rods, tackle boxes, water toys, or safety gear without cluttering the deck. This thoughtful design means you’ll be prepared for whatever the day brings – whether that’s chasing game fish or enjoying a sunset cocktail.
Speaking of relaxing at anchor: Unlike many of its competitors, this 28-foot dual console comes standard with a boarding ladder hidden in the bow, making it easier and safer than ever before to access your favorite secret beaches.
A fiberglass hardtop is included as standard too, giving the whole family an escape from the hot sun during those long days out. An optional electric cockpit sunshade adds even more protection.
2. Exceptional Fishability
The Cobia 280 Dual Console lives up to Cobia’s promise that owners of Cobia boats genuinely can Have it All. While the 280 DC is a fantastic family cruiser, it is also designed to thoroughly meet the needs of anglers.
Well-Equipped Cockpit
For fishing enthusiasts, the open cockpit is the most critical section of the boat, and the 280 DC delivers with stainless steel rod holders strategically placed along the gunwales, under-gunwale rod storage, and additional rod holders in the transom. This layout allows multiple anglers to fish simultaneously without tangling lines or stepping over gear.
The large open cockpit also provides a fantastic, stable area that is ideal for fighting fish. The 280 DC’s wide 9’06” beam helps keep rolling movement to a minimum and reduces motion sickness, which is great for a more comfortable fishing experience and safety!
Convenient Tackle and Gear Storage
Built-in tackle stations keep your lures, lines, and tools organized and within easy reach. For serious offshore trips, there’s ample room to bring everything you might need, from cast nets to extra tackle boxes. Storage compartments are integrated seamlessly, ensuring that you don’t waste time rummaging around looking for that perfect lure when the fish are biting.
Livewells and Fish Boxes
If you plan to target bigger species, the 280 DC is equipped with two spacious 41-gallon insulated fish boxes and a 25-gallon livewell all as standard, ensuring that your bait stays lively and your catches stay fresh on ice for hours of fishing without worry.
3. Durability with an Exceptional Ride
When heading out to sea – whether offshore and far over the horizon or to the sandbar – you need your boat to be durable and absolutely reliable. No matter how spacious or feature-rich a boat might be, none of that matters if it cannot take you out and bring you home safely and securely in diverse water conditions.
For those reasons, Cobia’s engineers ensure that every Cobia boat delivers a smooth, dry, and rock-solid ride in many different sea conditions, without sacrificing safety or the hull’s durability. Here is how:
Cobia’s Proven Hull Design
Cobia’s boatbuilding heritage lies in designing hulls that maximize both speed and stability. The 280 DC’s variable deadrise hull provides enough sharp entry to cut through choppy seas, while a slightly flatter section towards the stern enhances stability at rest. This design keeps you confidently on plane when cruising at anywhere from moderate to high speeds, delivering a ride that feels both nimble and reassuring.
Solid Construction
From the transom to the bow, the 280 DC is built to take you offshore without breaking a sweat thanks to Cobia’s very stringent quality standards. For example, the stringer systems are engineered for structural integrity, minimizing flexing in rough water. Additionally, high-quality gelcoat and corrosion-resistant hardware help the boat retain its sleek appearance and functional reliability season after season.
VARIS Construction
A particular highlight is Cobia’s VARIS construction technique, employed in the construction of all Cobia models over 26 feet long. The VARIS – Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion System – process is a technique that uses vacuum pressure to drive resin into a laminate. The VARIS technique, which is unique to Cobia, precisely controls the amount of resin in the structure being built, while also being more environmentally and worker-friendly. VARIS delivers incredibly strong hulls, boasting the highest strength-to-weight ratio possible in fiberglass construction.
Not yet convinced by the features we have provided above?
Here are some of these great optional features and accessories you can specify when you buy a 280 DC:
Stereo system: A premium JL Audio marine stereo with eight JL Audio speakers.
Hull color accents: Choose from seven striking hull color accents to make your boat match your personal style.
Engine options: Power for the 280 DC comes from twin Yamaha outboard engines in your choice of either the Yamaha F300XSB (4.2L V6, 300hp) or the Yamaha 200XSA (200hp), which are both available in black or white.
Electrical: A Four-bank battery charger with an inlet is optional, ensuring that you have all the necessary power.
Conclusion: A True All-Rounder
This 280 DC from Cobia is truly the embodiment of our ‘Have it All’ ethos. Featuring plenty of room for all of your family, friends, or fishing crew, as well as family-friendly features all wrapped in our VARIS-built hull, this 28-foot dual console will give you and your family or friends the freedom to head out and go anywhere your heart desires.
Ready to build your dream boat and experience how Cobia really lets you Have it All? Build Your Boat on our website and when you’re done, Find your local Cobia Boats dealer to arrange a sea trial.