Cobia’s new center console proves easy to trailer and store, while serving as a versatile and comfortable fishing boat.

If you’re searching for a family-friendly fishing boat that’s easy to trailer and store, and versatile enough to fish practically anywhere, the 262 CC, one of the latest additions to Cobia’s center-console family, might just be the ideal ride for you.

Cobia designed the hull of the 26-foot 1-inch boat to provide a comfortable, dry ride even in a moderate chop. And, while not a bay boat, the 262’s 17-inch draft will enable you to fish protected inshore waters when high winds and seas force you to abandon offshore fishing plans.

The 262’s high bow and sheerline, which gradually descends toward midship, combine to provide reassuring seaworthiness, while the hull’s forward flare pushes spray down and away from the boat. Cobia employed its proprietary Vacuum Assisted Resin Infusion System (VARIS) for strength and durability in the build, while minimizing weight.

A dedicated locker at the bow stows the anchor and rode, and U-shaped seating forward includes substantial dry storage underneath, as well as fold-away backrests for lounging. A large compartment, ahead of the console, is perfect for stashing fenders and other large or wet gear.

The 262’s console walk-around space and storage exceed those of its predecessor, the 261 CC. A roomy head compartment inside the console includes a permanent marine toilet, sink, freshwater faucet and mirror. Cobia offers a fiberglass hardtop and full-height, three–sided windshield with wiper and vent, both optional, to provide shade and better protect the helm from the elements.

The dash features sufficient mounting space for a pair of 9-inch MFDs plus other essentials, like an engine-monitoring display and a VHF radio. A pair of contoured captain’s chairs with flip-up bolsters and fold-down armrests offer superb comfort at the helm. The fiberglass module that serves as the base for the helm seats includes a tackle-storage center, leaving considerable fishing room in the cockpit.

This Cobia’s fishing features include 12 flush-mount rod holders on the covering boards and transom, gunwale racks for six rods, and optional rocket launchers for five more on the hardtop and four aft of the helm seats. There’s a transom door too, so the crew can slide large gaffed fish onboard without hoisting them over the gunwales. A 29-gallon transom livewell features a clear-acrylic hatch.

The lengthy list of available options also includes outriggers, cockpit toerail, coaming pads, raw- and freshwater washdowns, windlass with wireless remote, portable or electric head with macerator, bow and aft shades, and much more.

During our test, the 262 CC proved quite responsive and agile. Twin Yamaha F200s on the transom supplied ample pep, swiftly pushing the boat up on plane, accelerating from zero to 30 mph in less than 9 seconds, and surpassing 53 mph at wide-open throttle.

Turning 4,000 rpm, the Cobia cruises at a quick pace of 36.9 mph while burning just 13.4 gph. That translates to 2.75 mpg and a range of 398 miles based on 90 percent of the 161-gallon fuel capacity.

Read Next: Cobia 301CC Center Console Review

Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; 772-465-0631

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