2025 Cobia 265 CC Open

Overview

Mathematicians and philosophers have long debated whether there can be more than 100 percent of anything. I remember this from the mists of math class, while I dreamt of boats. But until I saw the new Cobia 265 CC Open, I hadn’t formulated Caswell’s Theorem.  

Here’s a simple explanation: At first glance, the Cobia 265 CC looks to be an ­angler’s dream—decks dotted with rod holders, two rows of rocket launchers on the ­hardtop, rod racks along the cockpit sides, plus a livewell and fish boxes. So, let’s call it 95 ­percent a fishing war wagon.

Interior and Accessories

But then, it also has a family-friendly head inside the console that ­surprises everyone who unlatches the forward opening door, with easy entry steps, 6 feet of headroom, a sink and mirror, a shower, and a toilet. Add in the folding bench seat for Aunt Edna aft in the cockpit, the hinged lounge backrests forward around a high/low sun pad/munchies table, and you have a boat that is 75 percent for families.  

It’s clear that if there can be no more than 100 percent of anything, then philosophers have never seen the Cobia 265 CC Open because it disproves everything: This boat is far more than its numbers. It blends serious angling with family fun. This is Caswell’s Theorem of Fun Boats at work.

Because the percentages favor fishing, let’s start there. The 265 CC Open is just that: a wide-open cockpit, a 30-gallon livewell aft, and a dedicated console behind the helm with tackle boxes, a cutting board, and an ice chest. Need to chase a fish forward in a hurry? The ­24-inch-wide side decks are deep and secure, padded thigh-high, with grab rails ­everywhere.

Once forward, a removable casting platform (with dedicated stowage) gets you up high, and our test boat had the optional Garmin Force Kraken trolling motor with enough length so that the prop continues to find a bite (excuse the pun), even in rough seas. Tucked forward under a hatch is a Lewmar anchor windlass with helm remote for easy anchoring.

That helm is going to be a feature for both anglers and families, protected by an integrated frame with a tempered-glass enclosure, full-width wiper, and an electric vent for those hot days. A big glove box for suntan potions and shades is backed up by another in the hardtop, and two levels of skipper footrests fit ­everyone. The dash is designed for a pair of ­Garmin ­16-inch displays, and the row of toggles is ­backlit for night running.

Read Next: Cobia 350 CC

Engines

For our test, we had the midsize Yamaha 200s (150s are standard; 250s available), which seemed just right, topping out at over 50 mph while getting better than 1 mpg (38.3 gph!). Ease the throttles to 4,000 rpm, and you’ll sip fuel at 17-plus gph while getting better than 2 miles per gallon (35 mph).

Just as important—whether you’re ­heading to an offshore canyon or yanking kids on ­inflatables—is the hull, and here is where the 265 excels. Your starting point is the 21-degree ­deep-V, with twin strakes and wide chine flats that throw spray to the side. And the 265 is just plain fun to drive. I flipped the stainless-steel wheel to its flat bus-driver position and cranked the Cobia hard over with the Brody knob. It banked solidly, with no cavitation, even when I did it into a passing yacht wake. Solid for ­offshore, comfy for families.

Its construction is what you’d expect from this sister company to Pursuit Boats, with its proprietary VARIS (Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion System) for a wood-free stringer grid. That’s a fancy way to say rock-solid, with no creaks or groans.  

What about families? They’re going to love the bowrider seating forward, and the big enclosed head is where they can change clothes, rinse off and, of course, do the usual stuff. Aft, the transom platform is free of the typical outboard-rigging tangle (it’s hidden underneath), making it easy for adults to drop snapper baits straight down and for kids to use the pull-out swim ladder safely. Access is via a locking sealed door, so no water enters the cockpit even if you back down hard. Another freshwater shower on the transom gets rid of salt or sand from ­swimming or a sandbar.

Speaking of ladders, the inward-opening side door abaft the helm is of equal interest to anglers and families. Big enough to pull in a trophy-size fish (or a well-fed diver), it has a removable ladder that stores neatly in a dedicated alcove. That door is right next to one of the two 46-gallon insulated fish boxes, so you can drop your catch from the water and into the box. And whether you’re splashing water or fishing around, the EVA faux-teak decking (an addition from Malibu boats, which recently acquired Cobia) proved itself on our 100-degree test day by maintaining its cool on our bare feet, while giving a solid grip as well.

If you are shopping, you might consider the Sea Pro 262 DLX. It is available with your choice of twin Mercury, Suzuki or ­Yamaha outboards, and it comes in at $155,183, ­well-equipped, with twin 175 hp Suzukis.

Well-built, thoughtfully equipped and just plain fun, the Cobia 265 CC Open proves my theorem: This is a boat that adds up to fun.

High Points

• Deep gutters on hatches and doors.
• Good access to electrical and plumbing, including batteries.
• Multiple cellphone chargers.
• Fish-box lids lock in the “up” position.

Low Point

• For anglers, a single livewell can be limiting.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 200 hp Yamaha outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/13 ¾” x 19″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 750 lb.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Operation, Efficiency

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