The Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008 is a modified-V design and the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 is a deep-V design, so you're likely deciding between two noticeably different on-water experiences. Hull type shapes everything from ride quality and fuel burn to dock handling and resale trajectory.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department - Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008 at 23,0 ft versus Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 at 25,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 tips the scales at 4 700 lbs - 1 500 lbs less than the Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008 at 3 200 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 power gap is worth calling out. Rated to 350 hp, the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 has a 50-hp advantage over the Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008's 300-hp ceiling - enough to notice on acceleration and at cruising speed, particularly with a full passenger load. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 carries 150 gallons versus 140 gallons in the Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008. 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 Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 is rated for 8 passengers, while the Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008 caps at 7. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 8 passengers and at 25,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Cobia Boats 236 CC 2008 is the smarter pick if you want a lighter, easier-to-trailer boat rated for 7 that costs less to run day-to-day.