Cobalt Boats 296 2013 vs Cobalt Boats A40 2016 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 296 2013 or the Cobalt Boats A40 2016?

The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 is the longer of the two at 40,0 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 296 2013 comes in at 30,2 feet, making it roughly 9,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

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

The Cobalt Boats 296 2013 has a documented max rating of 2 hp. Engine specifications for the Cobalt Boats A40 2016 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 A40 2016 carry?

The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 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 A40 2016 measures 144" wide, compared to 113" for the Cobalt Boats 296 2013. 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 296 2013 or the Cobalt Boats A40 2016?

The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 has the bigger tank at 225 gallons, versus 123 gallons on the Cobalt Boats 296 2013. That 102-gallon difference translates to roughly 306–510 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Q: Are the Cobalt Boats 296 2013 and Cobalt Boats A40 2016 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 296 2013 and the Cobalt Boats A40 2016 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 2013 vs Cobalt Boats A40 2016

Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats 296 2013

2013

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Cobalt Boats

Cobalt Boats A40 2016

2016

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Cobalt Boats 296 2013 vs Cobalt Boats A40 2016 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Cobalt Boats 296 2013 vs Cobalt Boats A40 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 296 2013 carries a rated maximum of 2 hp. Engine data for the Cobalt Boats A40 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 A40 2016 carries 225 gallons versus 123 gallons in the Cobalt Boats 296 2013. On a lake day that's negligible, but for coastal cruising or long reservoir runs the extra range matters.

Bottom line: The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 at 40,0 ft is the right call if deck space, comfort, and entertaining are top of your list. The Cobalt Boats 296 2013 at 30,2 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

Makenot available

Model296

Modelnot available

Model Year2013

Model Yearnot available

Measurements / Dimensions

Beam9 ft. 5 in. (2.9 m)

Beam12.00 ft

Beam - Meters2.87

Beam - Meters3.66

Beam - Inches113

Beam - Inches144

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

Bridge clearance - Detailnot available

Bridge clearance - Meters2.41

Bridge clearance - Metersnot available

Bridge clearance - Inches95

Bridge clearance - Inchesnot available

Deadrise21°

Deadrisenot available

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

Draft [drive up] - Detailnot available

Draft [drive up] meters0.69

Draft [drive up] metersnot available

Draft [drive up] inches27

Draft [drive up] inchesnot available

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

Draft [max] - Detail3.31 ft

Draft [max] - Meters0.99

Draft [max] - Meters1.01

Draft [max] - Inches39

Draft [max] - Inches40

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

Weight - Detailnot available

Weight - kg3964.39

Weight - kgnot available

Weight - lbs.874

Weight - lbs.not available

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

Length [at waterline]not available

Length - Feet30.17

Length - Feet40

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

Length [over all with swim platform]not available

Length overall - Detailnot available

Length overall - Detail40.00 ft

Length overall - Metersnot available

Length overall - Meters12.19

Length overall - Inchesnot available

Length overall - Inches480

Body / Hull

Hull materialFiberglass

Hull materialnot available

Hull typeDeep Vee

Hull typenot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Max no of engines2

Max no of enginesnot available

Engine/s standardVolvo Single V8-380C DP

Engine/s standardnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Detail123 gal. (457 l)

Fuel tank capacity - Detailnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters465.61

Fuel tank capacity - Liters851.72

Fuel tank capacity - Gal123

Fuel tank capacity - Gal225

Fuel typeGas

Fuel typenot available

Drive typeI/O

Drive typeinboard

Horsepower380 php (283 PkW)

Horsepowernot available

Engine max(2) 430 php (321 PkW)

Engine maxnot available

Engine makenot available

Engine makeVOLVO PENTA

Engine 2 Engine Makenot available

Engine 2 Engine MakeVOLVO PENTA

Engine 2 Drive Typenot available

Engine 2 Drive Typeinboard

Operational Info

HeadPorta Potti

Headnot available

Water capacity18 gal. (68 l)

Water capacity5

Maximum capacityYacht certified

Maximum capacitynot available

Maximum peopleYacht certified

Maximum peoplenot available

Holding tank capacity - Detail18 gal. (68 l)

Holding tank capacity - Detailnot available

Holding tank capacity - Liters68.14

Holding tank capacity - Litersnot available

Holding tank capacity - Gal18

Holding tank capacity - Galnot available

Boat typenot available

Boat typePower

Performance

Cruising speednot available

Cruising speed22.6

Cruising speed measurenot available

Cruising speed measureknots

Maximum speednot available

Maximum speed34.8

Maximum speed measurenot available

Maximum speed measureknots

Cobalt Boats 296 2013 vs Cobalt Boats A40 2016 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Cobalt Boats 296 2013 or the Cobalt Boats A40 2016?

The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 is the longer of the two at 40,0 feet overall. The Cobalt Boats 296 2013 comes in at 30,2 feet, making it roughly 9,8 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Cobalt Boats 296 2013 has a documented max rating of 2 hp. Engine specifications for the Cobalt Boats A40 2016 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many passengers can the Cobalt Boats A40 2016 carry?

The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 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 A40 2016 measures 144" wide, compared to 113" for the Cobalt Boats 296 2013. 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 296 2013 or the Cobalt Boats A40 2016?

The Cobalt Boats A40 2016 has the bigger tank at 225 gallons, versus 123 gallons on the Cobalt Boats 296 2013. That 102-gallon difference translates to roughly 306–510 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.

Are the Cobalt Boats 296 2013 and Cobalt Boats A40 2016 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Cobalt Boats 296 2013 and the Cobalt Boats A40 2016 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 2013 full specs ← Cobalt Boats A40 2016 full specs