Cobia’s VARIS Technology: Stronger, Faster, Lighter
Cobia Boats make the perfect family boats and ideal fishing platforms. With their irresistible mix of fishing features and family-friendly amenities, Cobia boats really do offer the opportunity for boaters to Have it All on one boat.
Beneath Cobia boats’ fantastic mix of features is a carefully engineered hull designed to deliver a confident ocean-going ride, spectacular handling, and class-leading fuel efficiency. A particular highlight of Cobia boats is their VARIS hull construction, applicable to all Cobia boats over 26 feet long.
In this blog, we explain what VARIS is, what you can expect from a Cobia boat with a VARIS-built hull, and why a Cobia VARIS hull should be a non-negotiable for your next boat.
What is VARIS?
VARIS is an acronym for Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion System. In simple terms, VARIS is a construction method that is used to make strong, lightweight composite parts. In the boatbuilding industry, it is universally accepted as the very best way to build a boat. At Cobia Boats, VARIS is used in the construction of all Cobia models over 26 feet long.
How does VARIS work?
In simple terms, here is how VARIS works:
- Dry Materials in a Mold: First, dry layers of fiberglass fibers are arranged inside a mold.
- Sealing the Mold: Next, the mold is covered with a plastic film and sealed tightly to prevent any air or other elements from entering or exiting.
- Applying a Vacuum: Then, a vacuum pump is used to remove all the air from inside the sealed mold.
- Drawing in the Resin: With the air removed, resin (a liquid adhesive) is drawn into the mold by the vacuum, flowing through the fiber layers and filling every gap.
- Curing: Finally, the resin and fibers harden together, forming a strong and lightweight composite part.
What Are the Benefits of VARIS in Boatbuilding?
There are several good reasons why we utilize the VARIS process to build many of our hulls:
- Enhanced Strength-to-Weight Ratio: VARIS allows for the ideal fiber-to-resin ratio, resulting in hulls that are both strong and lightweight.
- Uniform Resin Distribution: The vacuum ensures even saturation of the glass fibers, which leads to consistent material properties and reduces weak spots.
- Reduced Material Waste: VARIS uses only the necessary amount of resin, lowering waste and potentially reducing overall material impact.
- Improved Quality and Consistency: The controlled environment minimizes human error, leading to repeatable, consistently high-quality hulls.
- Environmental Benefits: With optimized resin use and fewer volatile emissions, VARIS is a more environmentally friendly production method compared to traditional techniques.
Benefits of a VARIS Hull for the Boat Owner
While VARIS has many benefits for our production processes, its benefits for our customers are more important. VARIS hulls are simply better in so many ways:
They are incredibly strong: VARIS-built hulls have the highest strength-to-weight ratio possible in fiberglass construction. This is crucial given the longer-range trips that Cobia’s bigger boats typically undertake, and the heavier engine loads they carry.
They are more fuel-efficient: The improved structural integrity and high fiber-to-resin ratio resulting from the VARIS process create a lighter hull that doesn’t sacrifice strength. Additionally, the hull maintains its shape under stress, which reduces unnecessary flexing or vibration that can increase drag.
They boast optimized load-carrying capacity: The even distribution of resin through the hull minimizes or even eliminates weak spots, while also enhancing the structural integrity of the hull. All of this means the hull can better withstand loads and stresses.
Cobia Boats with VARIS Hulls
The hulls of all Cobia Boats models over 26 feet are built with the VARIS method. Check out these two examples from the Cobia catalog:
Cobia 280 DC
The Cobia 280 DC is designed to maximize every trip you take, whether fishing, cruising, or spending time at the sandbar. This dual console’s standard features include a hideaway bow ladder, a fully featured kitchenette, a hardtop with an optional electric cockpit sunshade, and a walk-down head. A 25-gallon livewell, standard rod storage, and an expansive cockpit appeal to the serious angler.
When the fishing is finished, the cockpit and helm area can be transformed into an elegant seating and lounging area for up to 10 passengers. All seating, including the additional bow lounges, have standard USB outlets and cup holders close by, and there’s even a standard stern table and optional bow table, both of which can be completely stowed away. Add to all this its superb inshore and offshore running performance and the 280 DC will make you and your passengers smile every time you hit the water.
Browse the 280 DC in more detail on its product page here.
Cobia 285 CC Open
Launched in 2025, the all-new 285 Open by Cobia Boats is designed for both the avid family angler and the dedicated tournament-driven angler. With an increased focus on an open space layout for full walk-up access to the bow and stern, the 285 Open takes fishing features even a step further by adding two additional cockpit insulated fish boxes with macerated overboard drains, standard kite rod holders, and an optional deep drop set-up that includes reinforced gunnel boards and electric reel outlets.
Additional upgrades include a Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor and enhanced JL Audio sound system packages with 10” subwoofers and up to 10 speakers that are strategically positioned to optimize the sound no matter where you are sitting, standing or fishing from on the boat.
View the new 285 CC Open in more detail here.
Conclusion
Buying a boat need not be a difficult decision navigated by complicated lists of pros and cons of each model. Simply choose one of our Cobia Boat models and Have it All.
Our buyers love the fact that Cobia boats are high-quality fishing and family boats. And if you opt for one of our 26′ and up models, you will quickly notice the difference made by our VARIS hull construction. These high-performance fiberglass hulls are optimized for a smooth, solid ride, fuel efficiency, and thrilling, confident handling.
Ready to Have it All and experience the VARIS difference for yourself? Contact your nearest authorized Cobia Boats dealer today. They are standing by to introduce you to Cobia in person.