DISPATCHES

The new Cobia 280 is a dual console geared toward family boating — and, of course, it can fish.

Maverick Boat Group, known for Maverick, Hewes, Pathfinder and Cobia fishing boats, has launched a 28-foot dual console geared toward family boating. The Cobia 280 has all the elements for a comfortable day on the water, says group president Scott Deal.

“You can fish the boat hard, flip a couple things around, and it becomes a family daycruising boat,” Deal says.

Three padded benches with backrests — cleverly hidden in the gunwales and the transom console — can be deployed to fill the cockpit with seating. The companion seat at the helm, with an adjustable backrest, can be used as a forward- or aft-facing settee and converts to a sunpad.

A sink, wine rack and cooler are abaft the starboard helm. Upgrades include a grill, refrigerator and shore power. An electric head with a sink is in the port console, accessed through a large door. Twin bow lounges flank a centerline walkway that leads to the anchor locker and hideaway bow ladder.

The steering wheel, controls and helm seat are mounted higher than on most dual consoles, allowing skippers to stand or sit while driving. The standard fiberglass hardtop (with LED lighting) can include an optional electric- powered shade that extends over the cockpit.

Fishing equipment includes a standard 25-gallon live well, fishboxes (with optional macerators), cockpit and hardtop rod holders, and optional outriggers.

The boat rides the same deep-vee hull as the Cobia 277 center console. Power is twin Yamaha F200s or F250s. The boat’s estimated top speed is 50 mph with F200s and about 55 mph with F250s. The 280 DC is $ 156,059 with twin F200s. Cobia Boats, Fort Pierce, Florida, (772) 460-5258. cobiaboats.com