9:53 PM Wed 19 Aug 2009 GMT
US-built Cobalt Boats can rightly be termed 'a breed apart' and I have made no secret of my admiration for this marque ever since I first spotted them at a Miami International Boat Show sometime during the late eighties.
What Cobalt has that many manufacturers simply don't offer is absolutely stunning interiors, meticulous build integrity and up to the minute hull design and performance.
Fully hand-crafted, what could be described as 'over-engineered' construction and a bevy of standard inclusions that would be listed as optional extras in lesser brand names are part of the Cobalt appeal.
Latest member of the Cobalt family, the quite luxurious (as are all Cobalts!) 262 BowRider, has been released by Sydney dealer JD's BoatShed and is just made for family boating.
This is a spacious, 7.8-metre boat that delivers something for everyone in the family, from superb comfort, outstanding ride characteristics and ample stowage aboard for gear and equipment.
Versatile, luxurious and unrivalled, the Cobalt 262 offers almost too many features to adequately list.
At the helm, one is offered total control, excellent stability right through the speed range and tight cornering ability.
JD's BoatShed's Mark Wellstead likens driving the 262 as similar to driving a sports car 'on a winding, mountain road.' He's definitely got a point.
The Cobalt 262 is specifically designed for performance, cruising and comfort for all on board, with an oversized cockpit featuring ample seating and an extended sun pad aft.
It may be considered 'small' at 26 overall', but this cleverly-designed craft even boasts an enclosed toilet/head compartment with surprisingly good headroom.
Another 'Cobalt touch' can be seen at the dashboard, with refined switches and instrumentation and a rich 'feel' to the overall layout and sports steering wheel.
The standard extended swim platform aft is a must for all water activities, low to the water offering easy access and plenty of space for swimmers, skiers and boarders to enter and leave the water.
Another nice touch is a heavy-duty, stainless steel grab/bumper rail aft, handy indeed as a grab rail, but it also helps eliminate fibreglass damage when reversing into a tight spot.
The Cobalt 262 is offered with a range of proven MerCruiser power options, from 300hp through to 425hp and that would really make this stylish rig get up and 'boogie.'
For anyone in the market for a new boat, take my word for it, the Cobalt marque is more than worthy of inspection.
Specifications:
LOA: 7.8-metres
Beam: 2.59-metres
Fuel capacity: 276-litres
Fresh water: 38-litres
Dry weight: 2461kg
Capacity: 15 persons.
For further information, contact JD's BoatShed, Taren Point, NSW, telephone (02) 9525-3166.
by Bob Wonders
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Double Is Pt, QLD
