The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 vs Cobalt Boats 302 2016 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 carries a rated maximum of 350 hp. Engine data for the Cobalt Boats 302 2016 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 26 SD 2018 carries 69 gallons versus 15 gallons in the Cobalt Boats 302 2016. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Cobalt Boats 302 2016 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Cobalt Boats 302 2016 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Cobalt Boats 302 2016 if your priority is putting more people on the water — it handles 9 passengers and at 30,0 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Cobalt Boats 26 SD 2018 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.