Cobalt Boats 296 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2010 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2010?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 is the longer of the two at 30,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 comes in at 30,2 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2010?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 has the edge at 874 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 296 2010 has a documented max rating of 420 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: Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010 share an 9 ft. 5 in. (2.9 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

Q: How do the fuel tanks compare on the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 123 gallons and 123 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Q: Are the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 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 296 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2010

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 296 2009

2009

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 296 2010

2010

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 296 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2010 — A Close Look at Two Deep Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 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?

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Cobalt Boats 296 2009 at 30,2 ft versus Cobalt Boats 296 2010 at 30,2 ft. At 874 lbs and 874 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 tops out at 420 hp. Engine specs for the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 aren't listed — confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 123 gal and 123 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.

General Boat Info

MakeCobalt Boats

Model296

Model Year2009

Model Year201

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.9 m)

Beam - Meters2.87

Beam - Inches113

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

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Deadrise21°

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

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] inches27

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

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Inches39

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

Weight - kg3964.39

Weight - lbs.874

Length - Feet30.17

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

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

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

Engine/s standardVolvo 8.1 GXi DP

Fuel tank capacity - Detail123 gal. (457 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters465.61

Fuel tank capacity - Gal123

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Max no of enginesnot available

Max no of engines2

Horsepowernot available

Horsepower420 php

Operational Info

Water capacityFresh: 18 gal. (68 l)

Maximum capacityYacht certified

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Cobalt Boats 296 2009 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2010?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 is the longer of the two at 30,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 296 2009 comes in at 30,2 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Which is easier to trailer — the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2010?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 has the edge at 874 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 296 2010 has a documented max rating of 420 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.

Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?

Both the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010 share an 9 ft. 5 in. (2.9 m) beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.

How do the fuel tanks compare on the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010?

Both boats carry similar fuel loads — 123 gallons and 123 gallons respectively. Range will depend heavily on motor choice, throttle usage, and whether you're on flat lake water or coastal chop.

Are the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and Cobalt Boats 296 2010 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 296 2009 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 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 296 2009 full specs ← Cobalt Boats 296 2010 full specs