Cobia 280 Dc for Sale

Cobia 280 DC Specifications

The following specifications reflect the current-production Cobia 280 DC. Minor variations exist across model years — particularly in electronics packages, colour options, and hardware finishes — but the core hull dimensions, VARIS construction method, and capacity ratings have remained consistent since the 2019 introduction.

The defining construction detail is the VARIS process. Unlike the hand-laid fibreglass used by many production builders in this price range, VARIS uses vacuum pressure to draw resin through dry fibreglass reinforcement in a closed mould. The result is a hull with a higher glass-to-resin ratio, more uniform laminate thickness, fewer voids, and lower overall weight compared to hand layup. This is the same fundamental technology — resin infusion — used by premium builders including Regulator, Yellowfin, and HCB, though each manufacturer’s specific process, materials, and quality control differ. Cobia’s application of VARIS across its entire model range was a deliberate investment by Maverick Boat Group to position the brand above hand-laid competitors on construction quality while maintaining a price point below premium builders that use similar processes.

The 21-degree transom deadrise is a moderate figure that reflects the 280 DC’s dual-purpose mission. A sharper entry would improve rough-water ride quality but sacrifice the at-rest stability that families value when anchored at a sandbar or swimming off the transom. The 21-degree deadrise strikes an effective balance — the hull handles 2–3 foot seas comfortably at cruise and provides a stable platform for fishing, swimming, and entertaining at rest. Reverse chines channel spray downward and outboard while adding lateral stability, and the integrated swim platform provides a large, low-freeboard boarding area at the stern.

The stringer system is a foam-filled composite grid that is bonded directly to the hull laminate, creating a structurally rigid platform that distributes loads evenly. This construction eliminates the plywood stringers and transom cores used in budget-tier builders — there is no wood in the structural hull of a post-2005 Cobia, which means no moisture absorption, no rot risk, and no long-term structural degradation from water intrusion. The all-composite construction is one of the most significant quality improvements Maverick Boat Group introduced when it rebuilt the Cobia brand.

Performance & Handling

The Cobia 280 DC is powered exclusively by Yamaha outboards, reflecting the Maverick Boat Group’s long-standing relationship with Yamaha Motor Corporation. Buyers choose between twin Yamaha F250 V6 outboards (500 hp total) as the standard package and twin Yamaha F300 V6 outboards (600 hp total) as the optional upgrade. Both engines are drawn from Yamaha’s proven 4.2-litre V6 platform, which has earned a strong reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and longevity among offshore anglers.

Twin Yamaha F300 (600 hp total) — Recommended Configuration

The twin F300 upgrade is the preferred configuration for buyers who plan to run offshore regularly or who want the additional thrust for pulling skiers and wakeboarders. With 600 combined horsepower, the 280 DC reaches a top speed of approximately 57 mph (50 knots) and gets on plane quickly with a full load of passengers and gear. Cruising speed settles at approximately 32 mph (28 knots) at 3,500 RPM, where the engines consume a combined 16–18 gallons per hour. Based on 90 percent of the 199-gallon fuel capacity, this delivers a cruising range of approximately 320–340 statute miles — more than adequate for a full-day offshore run to the edge and back with a comfortable fuel reserve. The VARIS hull’s lighter weight compared to hand-laid competitors contributes to the 280 DC’s strong power-to-weight ratio and efficient fuel burn.

Twin Yamaha F250 (500 hp total) — Standard Configuration

The standard twin F250 package delivers a top speed of approximately 51 mph (44 knots) and slightly better fuel economy at cruise — approximately 1.9 MPG at 28 mph. For owners who fish primarily nearshore, run to the islands, or prioritise fuel economy over top-end speed, the F250 package is entirely adequate and saves approximately USD 8,000–12,000 on the initial purchase. The performance difference between the F250 and F300 configurations is most noticeable when the boat is heavily loaded with a full complement of passengers, gear, and ice — the additional 100 horsepower from the F300 package maintains quicker hole shots and better cruising speed under load.

Offshore Handling & Ride Quality

The 280 DC handles offshore conditions with genuine confidence for a 28-foot dual console. The modified deep-V hull with reverse chines delivers a comfortable ride in 2–3 foot seas at cruise, and remains manageable in the 4-foot chop that is common on summer afternoons off the southeast Florida coast. The dual console layout provides a significant handling advantage over centre consoles in rough conditions — both the helmsman and the companion passenger are shielded behind tempered-glass windshields, reducing wind and spray exposure substantially. This matters on a 40-mile offshore run in building seas, where crew fatigue from wind and spray can become a genuine safety concern on an open centre console.

At the 21-degree deadrise, the 280 DC will not deliver the same glass-smooth ride through steep head seas as deeper-V competitors like the Pursuit S 288 Sport (24 degrees) or the Boston Whaler 280 Outrage (23 degrees). The trade-off is worthwhile for many buyers: the moderate deadrise provides noticeably better stability at rest, which is exactly what a family wants when anchored at the sandbar, and the dual console windshield protection compensates for some of the ride-quality difference by keeping crew dry and comfortable at speed.

Docking and close quarters: The dual console layout provides excellent visibility from the helm, and twin outboards allow the operator to pivot the boat in its own length using differential thrust. The optional Yamaha Helm Master joystick transforms docking from a stressful exercise into a one-handed operation — a particularly worthwhile upgrade for owners who single-hand the boat regularly. At 28 feet with a 9-foot-6-inch beam, the 280 DC fits comfortably into standard marina slips and most dry-stack facilities.

Fishing Features & Family Layout

The Cobia 280 DC’s dual console layout is the defining feature that separates it from centre console competitors. The port-side companion console creates a second protected seating area with its own windshield section, forward-facing cushioned seat, and a walk-through passage between the consoles that provides safe, low-step access to the bow area. This layout delivers two distinct advantages: families get a comfortable, wind-protected ride with a clear forward view for the companion passenger, and anglers retain full access to both gunwales, the transom, and the bow without the port-side console blocking movement around the cockpit.

Fishing Infrastructure

The 280 DC delivers the core fishing features an experienced offshore angler expects, though it makes considered trade-offs to accommodate the family-comfort elements. Six stainless-steel rod holders come standard — four flush-mounted in the gunwales and two in the transom. An optional package adds four hardtop-mounted holders for vertical storage of rigged rods. Under-gunwale rod racks cradle four rods per side, keeping expensive gear protected during rough transits.

Twin 45-gallon insulated in-floor fish boxes are positioned port and starboard in the cockpit sole, providing a combined 90 gallons of catch storage with overboard drain. A 30-gallon recirculating livewell is integrated into the transom with an LED-lit interior and clear acrylic lid — adequate for a day’s supply of live pilchards, shrimp, or goggle-eyes. The 30-gallon capacity is notably larger than the 24-gallon livewell on the competing Pursuit S 288 Sport, and the LED lighting makes monitoring bait condition easy during pre-dawn starts and evening fishing.

The cockpit provides unobstructed walkways along both gunwales, with coaming bolsters for comfort during extended bottom-fishing sessions. A raw-water washdown and freshwater transom shower handle end-of-day cleanup. The integrated swim platform sits at near-water level, simplifying fish landing and reboarding after a swim.

Family Comfort & Amenities

The family-comfort side of the 280 DC is where the dual console layout truly separates this boat from centre console competitors. The enclosed head compartment is built into the starboard helm console and includes an electric-flush toilet, a sink with freshwater faucet, a vanity mirror, and — critically — a fully integrated shower stall with curtain. This is not a pull-out transom shower or a bucket-and-hose arrangement; it is a proper enclosed shower that allows crew to rinse off after diving, swimming, or a salt-spray run without exposing themselves on deck. A 12-gallon holding tank connects to a deck pump-out fitting. For families with children, the enclosed head with shower transforms the ownership experience compared to a centre console with a cramped porta-potty behind a curtain.

Forward seating in the bow creates a large social zone with L-shaped lounge cushions, a fold-down table for dining, and removable backrests that convert the bow into a sun pad for lounging at anchor. The bow area includes integrated cup holders, USB charging ports, and storage compartments. Aft, a fold-down bench seat across the transom provides additional seating for cruising and entertaining while folding away to clear deck space for fishing. Dual adjustable helm chairs with flip-up bolsters allow the captain to sit or stand comfortably during long runs, and the companion-side console seat features a similar arrangement for the co-pilot.

A Fusion Bluetooth stereo with four speakers comes standard, providing adequate audio for cruising and raft-ups. The standard T-top provides shade over the helm area, with an integrated electronics box for mounting displays, antennas, and speakers. Two blue LED underwater lights come standard, and upgraded multi-colour lighting is available as an option. The overall impression is of a boat that takes the family’s comfort seriously without gutting the fishing capability — a balance that the dual console layout achieves more naturally than any centre console bolt-on solution.

Ownership & Running Costs

The Cobia 280 DC sits in the mid-to-upper tier of the 28-foot dual console market, priced meaningfully below premium competitors like the Grady-White Freedom 285 and the Pursuit S 288 Sport while delivering construction quality and features that punch above the price tag. A US-based owner should budget approximately USD 10,000–30,000 per year in total operating costs, depending on usage frequency, storage arrangement, and geographic location.

• New pricing: The Cobia 280 DC has a base MSRP of approximately USD 175,000–195,000 depending on model year and engine selection. A typical retail transaction with twin Yamaha F300s, Yamaha Helm Master, electronics, T-top accessories, and dealer preparation falls in the USD 210,000–280,000 range. This positions the 280 DC approximately USD 40,000–80,000 below a comparably equipped Pursuit S 288 Sport or Grady-White Freedom 285 — a significant delta that makes the Cobia an exceptionally competitive value proposition for buyers who are not locked into a premium brand.
• Insurance: 1.0–2.0% of hull value annually. For a 280 DC insured at USD 150,000–250,000, expect approximately USD 1,500–5,000 per year. Florida and Gulf Coast policies may carry hurricane surcharges. Named-storm haul-out provisions can reduce premiums in hurricane-prone areas.
• Slip or storage: Wet slip fees range from USD 3,000–10,000+ annually depending on location. Dry-stack storage at USD 1,500–3,500 per year is a practical and popular alternative, keeping the hull out of the water and eliminating bottom paint requirements. At 28 feet and under 8,000 lbs with power, the 280 DC fits comfortably in most dry-stack facilities.
• Engine service: Twin Yamaha F250 or F300 outboards require annual service including oil and filter changes, gear lube replacement, anode inspection, and periodic water pump impeller and fuel filter service. Budget USD 500–1,800 for twin engines annually at an authorised Yamaha dealer. Yamaha’s parts availability and dealer network are excellent throughout the US, Caribbean, and internationally.
• Fuel: At the optimal cruise of ~28–32 mph at 3,500 RPM, the twin outboards consume 16–18 gallons per hour. At current US marina fuel prices (approximately USD 4.50–5.50 per gallon), a typical 80–120 hour season costs roughly USD 5,800–11,900. Owners who fish heavily — 150+ hours per year with regular offshore runs — should budget toward the higher end.
• Bottom maintenance: For wet-slipped boats, annual haul-out and bottom paint costs approximately USD 1,200–2,800. The VARIS infused hull provides excellent moisture resistance, but regular bottom maintenance remains essential for saltwater boats. Dry-stacked boats avoid this cost entirely.
• Miscellaneous: Registration, fishing licences, tackle, safety equipment, cleaning supplies, and periodic electronics updates add USD 500–2,000 per year.

Resale strength: Post-2005 Cobia models have built a steadily improving reputation in the brokerage market, driven by the VARIS construction quality, Yamaha powerplants, and the Maverick Boat Group pedigree. Used 2019–2021 Cobia 280 DC models currently trade at approximately USD 120,000–175,000, representing roughly 65–75% retention of their original MSRP after 4–6 years. The 280 DC does not match the extraordinary resale strength of the Grady-White Freedom 285 or Boston Whaler 280 Outrage, but it outperforms the broader market average for production dual consoles. The lower initial purchase price means that the total cost of ownership — depreciation plus operating costs — is often comparable to or lower than premium competitors that hold their value more tightly but cost significantly more to acquire.

Warranty: Cobia offers a limited lifetime structural hull warranty (transferable), a five-year blister-free warranty, and a one-year limited warranty on components and systems. Yamaha outboards carry a separate three-year manufacturer’s warranty, extendable to five years through Yamaha’s YES (Yamaha Extended Service) programme. The lifetime structural warranty is a strong statement of confidence in the VARIS construction and a meaningful differentiator in the brokerage market.

Buying Guide: How to Buy a Cobia 280 DC

Buying new: New Cobia 280 DC models are available through Cobia’s authorised dealer network, covering all major US coastal and inland markets. Lead times vary from immediate dealer stock to 8–16 weeks for factory-ordered units with custom colour and option configurations. Dealer preparation and destination charges typically add USD 2,000–5,000 on top of MSRP.

Buying pre-owned: Pre-owned models from 2019–2025 trade between approximately USD 120,000–250,000, with model year, engine hours, electronics, and condition driving the spread. The sweet spot for value-oriented buyers is a 2020–2022 model with 200–400 engine hours, twin Yamaha F300s, and a documented Yamaha service history from an authorised dealer. These boats offer the proven hull with 3–5 years of depreciation absorbed while the Yamaha engines remain well within their useful service life.

Key Inspection Points

• VARIS hull construction: The infused hull is structurally superior to hand-laid fibreglass, but inspect the running surface for impact damage from groundings, dock strikes, or debris. Tap-test the hull bottom for delamination, particularly around hardware attachment points and transducer locations.
• Yamaha outboards: Check engine hours on the Yamaha Command Link system, review service records (authorised dealer stamps preferred), verify compression readings, and inspect lower unit condition for fishing-line wrap damage and gear oil contamination.
• Dual console windshields: Inspect both the helm and companion-side tempered-glass windshields for chips, cracks, or seal deterioration. Check the walk-through passage between consoles for secure latching and gasket condition. The windshield seals are a common maintenance item on dual consoles.
• Head compartment: Run the electric-flush toilet, test the shower, and inspect for any signs of water intrusion or mould in the enclosed head. Check the 12-gallon holding tank level sensor and deck pump-out fitting for proper operation.
• Livewells and fish boxes: Run the 30-gallon livewell pump and verify flow rate, drain function, and LED light operation. Test both fish box drains. Inspect insulation integrity and gasket condition on all hatches.
• T-top and hardware: Inspect the powder-coated aluminium T-top for corrosion, particularly at mounting points and hardware attachment areas. Aluminium T-tops can develop dissimilar-metal corrosion where stainless-steel hardware meets the aluminium frame — look for white powder and pitting at these junctions.

A professional marine survey is strongly recommended for any pre-owned purchase. Budget USD 800–1,500 for a comprehensive survey including an out-of-water hull inspection, engine diagnostic scan, sea trial, and full systems check.

Pre-2005 vs post-2005 Cobia: This is a critical distinction for buyers searching the used market. Pre-2005 Cobia boats were built by the original manufacturer with conventional hand-laid construction, wood stringers, and varying quality control. Post-2005 models are entirely Maverick Boat Group products with VARIS construction, composite stringers, and the build quality associated with the Maverick, Pathfinder, and Hewes brands. The two eras are effectively different boats sharing a name. Any pre-2005 Cobia should be evaluated on its own merits without reference to the current brand’s quality reputation.

Competitors & Alternatives

The 28-foot dual console and centre console market is one of the most competitive segments in recreational boating. The Cobia 280 DC competes on value, VARIS construction quality, and the balance between fishing capability and family comfort. Its competitive advantage is clear: premium-quality construction at a price point USD 40,000–80,000 below the established premium brands. The following four models represent the most common cross-shops for 280 DC buyers.

Cobia 280 DC vs Pursuit S 288 Sport

The Pursuit S 288 Sport is the Cobia 280 DC’s most direct corporate sibling competitor — both are built in Fort Pierce under the Malibu Boats umbrella, both use Yamaha power exclusively, and both target the fish-and-family buyer. The fundamental difference is layout: the Pursuit is a centre console with a single helm station, while the Cobia is a dual console with a companion side. The Pursuit counters with a sharper 24-degree deadrise hull that delivers a smoother ride in steep offshore seas, higher standard equipment levels (integrated bonded-glass windshield, vacuum-flush head, teak accents, JL Audio stereo), and the stronger Pursuit brand recognition and resale value. The Cobia’s advantages are the dual console layout (better family comfort, enclosed head with shower), the VARIS infused hull construction, a larger 30-gallon livewell, and a significantly lower price point — typically USD 40,000–70,000 less for comparable power and equipment. For the buyer who prioritises value per dollar and the dual console family layout, the Cobia is the stronger choice. For the buyer who prioritises offshore ride quality, brand prestige, and a pure centre console fishing cockpit, the Pursuit justifies the premium.

Cobia 280 DC vs Boston Whaler 280 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage is the benchmark centre console in this size class, and while it competes as a centre console rather than a dual console, it frequently appears on the same buyer’s shortlist. The Whaler’s defining advantages are its proprietary Unibond foam-core unsinkable construction, the strongest brand recognition and resale value in the market, and the Brunswick Corporation global service infrastructure. The Whaler is Mercury-powered exclusively, which gives buyers access to the Verado platform but removes the Yamaha option that many offshore anglers prefer. The Cobia counters with the dual console layout, the enclosed head with shower, VARIS infused construction, Yamaha power, and a dramatically lower price — typically USD 60,000–100,000 less than a comparably equipped 280 Outrage. The total cost-of-ownership gap over a five-year hold is substantial, even accounting for the Whaler’s superior resale retention. The Whaler is the right choice for buyers who value unsinkable construction and maximum resale value above all else. The Cobia is the right choice for buyers who want a premium dual console at a mid-market price.

Cobia 280 DC vs Sailfish 275 DC

The Sailfish 275 DC is the most direct layout competitor — a dual console in the same size range targeting the same fish-and-family buyer. The Sailfish typically prices USD 15,000–30,000 below the Cobia, making it the budget-oriented option in this comparison. Available with twin Yamaha outboards up to 600 hp, the Sailfish offers competitive performance. Where the Cobia separates itself is in construction quality: VARIS infusion produces a lighter, more uniform laminate than the Sailfish’s hand-laid process, and the Cobia’s fit-and-finish — hardware, upholstery, wiring, and detail work — reflects the Maverick Boat Group’s higher manufacturing standards. The Sailfish depreciates more quickly than the Cobia, which narrows the total cost-of-ownership gap over a five-year hold. For the buyer whose primary criterion is initial purchase price, the Sailfish is a capable alternative. For the buyer who values construction quality, finish detail, and long-term structural integrity, the Cobia justifies the modest premium.

Cobia 280 DC vs Grady-White Freedom 285

The Grady-White Freedom 285 is the gold standard of the dual console segment and the most aspirational cross-shop for 280 DC buyers. Grady-White’s proprietary SeaV² hull design delivers an exceptionally smooth and dry ride, and the brand has won more customer satisfaction awards than any other boat builder. The Freedom 285 offers standard twin Yamaha F250s with an optional upgrade to twin F300s — the same engine options as the Cobia. Build quality, fit-and-finish, and component selection on the Grady-White are best-in-class, and resale values are among the strongest in the industry — comparable to Boston Whaler. The Grady-White’s weakness is price: a well-equipped Freedom 285 with twin F300s, electronics, and options typically transacts at USD 320,000–400,000, compared to USD 210,000–280,000 for a similarly powered Cobia 280 DC. That USD 80,000–120,000 price gap is the Cobia’s most powerful argument. The Grady-White is the objectively finer boat in terms of fit, finish, and ride quality. Whether that quality delta justifies a 40–50% price premium is the question every dual console buyer must answer for themselves.

For a full interactive comparison between the Cobia 280 DC and any of these competitors — including pricing trends, value retention curves, and market analytics — visit the Hulls.io Market Intelligence tool.