Cobalt Boats 296 2010 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2011 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2011?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2011 is the longer of the two at 30,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 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 2010 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2011?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 296 2011 has the edge at 874 lbs dry weight versus 874 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 296 2010. 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: Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 is rated to a maximum of 420 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Cobalt Boats 296 2011 tops out at 2 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

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

Both the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 and Cobalt Boats 296 2011 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 2010 and Cobalt Boats 296 2011?

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 2010 and Cobalt Boats 296 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2011 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 2010 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2011

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 296 2010

2010

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 296 2011

2011

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Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 296 2010 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2011 — A Close Look at Two Deep Vees

When two boats share the same hull type — in this case both the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2011 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 2010 at 30,2 ft versus Cobalt Boats 296 2011 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 420 hp, the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 has a 418-hp advantage over the Cobalt Boats 296 2011's 2-hp ceiling — enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Both carry nearly identical fuel loads — 123 gal and 123 gal — so range won't be a tiebreaker here.

Bottom line: Performance buyers should lean toward the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 and its 420-hp ceiling. If fuel economy and quieter running matter more than top-end speed, the Cobalt Boats 296 2011 with its 2-hp rating is the more economical daily driver.

General Boat Info

MakeCobalt Boats

Model296

Model Year201

Model Year2011

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 - DetailSingle Engine: 7,350 lbs. (3,334 kg) 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)

Length [at waterline]not available

Length [at waterline]28 ft. 5 in. (8.69 m)

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull typeDeep Vee

Engine and Drivetrain

Max no of engines2

Engine/s standardVolvo 8.1 GXi DP

Engine/s standardVolvo Penta 8.1 Gi DP (non-catalyst)

Fuel tank capacity - Detail123 gal. (457 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Liters465.61

Fuel tank capacity - Gal123

Fuel typeGas

Drive typeI/O

Horsepower420 php

Horsepower375 php (280 PkW)

Engine maxnot available

Engine max(2) 430 php (321 PkW)

Operational Info

Water capacityFresh: 18 gal. (68 l)

Water capacity18 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 2010 vs Cobalt Boats 296 2011 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2011?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2011 is the longer of the two at 30,2 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 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 2010 or the Cobalt Boats 296 2011?

For trailering, the Cobalt Boats 296 2011 has the edge at 874 lbs dry weight versus 874 lbs for the Cobalt Boats 296 2010. 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.

Which boat can handle a bigger outboard?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2010 is rated to a maximum of 420 hp, giving it the larger power ceiling. The Cobalt Boats 296 2011 tops out at 2 hp. Keep in mind that maximum ratings are just that — matching the motor to the actual load and usage pattern usually matters more than chasing the ceiling.

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

Both the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 and Cobalt Boats 296 2011 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 2010 and Cobalt Boats 296 2011?

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 2010 and Cobalt Boats 296 2011 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 296 2010 and the Cobalt Boats 296 2011 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 2010 full specs ← Cobalt Boats 296 2011 full specs