Cobalt Boats 222 2011 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2009 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2009?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 is the longer of the two at 30,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 9,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2009?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 has the edge at 41 lbs dry weight versus 874 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 carry?

The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 has an official capacity rating of 12 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Q: Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 measures 113" wide, compared to 102" for the Cobalt Boats 222 2011. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Q: Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2009?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 has the bigger tank at 123 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Cobalt Boats 222 2011. That 118-gallon difference translates to roughly 354–590 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 and Cobalt Boats 296 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 are built by Cobalt Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Cobalt Boats 222 2011 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2009

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 222 2011

2011

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 296 2009

2009

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 222 2011 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2009 — Which Deep Vee Fits Your Needs?

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 are deep vee designs with fiberglass construction — the buying decision usually comes down to a handful of practical questions: how many people are you putting on the water, how far do you trailer, and what does your tow vehicle weigh?

Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 measures 30,2 feet overall (2009), giving it roughly 9,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 at 21,0 feet (2011). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 tips the scales at 874 lbs — 833 lbs less than the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 at 41 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.

The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 carries a rated maximum of 320 hp. Engine data for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 carries 123 gallons versus 5 gallons in the Cobalt Boats 222 2011. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 is rated for up to 12 people. Passenger data for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 wasn't available.

Bottom line: The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 at 30,2 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 at 21,0 ft wins on trailering ease, likely lower purchase price, and simpler docking — a solid choice for a buyer who wants more boat for less money.

General Boat Info

MakeCobalt Boats

Model222

Model296

Model Year2011

Model Year2009

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam8 ft. 6 in. (2.59 m)

Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.9 m)

Beam - Meters2.59

Beam - Meters2.87

Beam - Inches102

Beam - Inches113

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Bimini: 4 ft. 9 in. (1.45 m) With Arch or Tower: 7 ft. 6 in. (2.29 m)

Bridge clearance - DetailWithout Bimini: 4 ft. 11 in. (1.49 m) With Arch: 7 ft. 11 in. (2.41 m)

Bridge clearance - Meters2.29

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Inches9

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Deadrise21°

Draft [drive up] - Detail26 in. (0.66 m)

Draft [drive up] - DetailSingle Engine: 25 in. (63.5 cm) Twin Engine: 27 in. (68.6 cm)

Draft [drive up] meters0.66

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inches26

Draft [drive up] inches27

Draft [max] - Detail36 in. (0.91 m)

Draft [max] - DetailSingle Engine: 37 in. (93.9 cm) Twin Engine: 39 in. (99 cm)

Draft [max] - Meters0.91

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches36

Draft [max] - Inches39

Weight - Detail4,100 lbs. (1,860 kg)

Weight - DetailWith Single Engine: 7,350 lbs. (3,334 kg) With Twin Engines: 8,740 lbs. (3,964 kg)

Weight - kg1859.73

Weight - kg3964.39

Weight - lbs.41

Weight - lbs.874

Length - Feet21

Length - Feet30.17

Length [over all with swim platform]23 ft. 7 in. (7.11 m)

Length [over all with swim platform]30 ft. 2 in. (9.19 m)

Length overall - Detail21 ft. (6.4 m)

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Meters6.4

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Inches252

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Engine/s standardMerCruiser 5.0 l MPI Alpha (catalyst)

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 5.7 GXI SX 320 php (239 PkW)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail50 gal. (189 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail123 gal. (457 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters189.27

Fuel tank capacity - Liters465.61

Fuel tank capacity - Gal5

Fuel tank capacity - Gal123

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Horsepower260 php (194 PkW)

Horsepowernot available

Engine max320 php (239 PkW)

Engine maxnot available

Operational Info

Water capacity10 gal. (38 l)

Water capacityFresh: 18 gal. (68 l)

Maximum capacity1,800 lbs. (816 kg)

Maximum capacityYacht certified

Maximum people12

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Cobalt Boats 222 2011 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2009 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2009?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 is the longer of the two at 30,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 comes in at 21,0 feet, making it roughly 9,2 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2009?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 has the edge at 41 lbs dry weight versus 874 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 has a documented max rating of 320 hp. Engine specifications for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 carry?

The Cobalt Boats 222 2011 has an official capacity rating of 12 people. Capacity data wasn't available for the other model in this comparison — verify directly with the dealer.

Which boat is wider, and does it affect trailering?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 measures 113" wide, compared to 102" for the Cobalt Boats 222 2011. The US standard-width towing limit is 8’6" (102") in most states — anything over that may need a wide-load permit. Confirm your specific route requirements with each state's DOT.

Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2009?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 has the bigger tank at 123 gallons, versus 5 gallons on the Cobalt Boats 222 2011. That 118-gallon difference translates to roughly 354–590 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 and Cobalt Boats 296 2009 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 222 2011 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 are built by Cobalt Boats. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Cobalt Boats 222 2011 full specs ← Cobalt Boats 296 2009 full specs