The Cobia Boats 256 Express 2008 is a modified-V design and the Cobia Boats 256CC 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 256 Express 2008 at 25,0 ft versus Cobia Boats 256CC 2012 at 25,5 ft. Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2008 tips the scales at 4 700 lbs - 700 lbs more than the Cobia Boats 256CC 2012 at 4 000 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.
Both boats share a closely matched power ceiling - 350 hp for the Cobia Boats 256 Express 2008 and 350 hp for the Cobia Boats 256CC 2012. Real-world performance will come down more to which motor is actually bolted on, its load at the time, and whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke setup. Fuel capacity breaks the other way: the Cobia Boats 256CC 2012 carries 162 gallons versus 150 gallons in the Cobia Boats 256 Express 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 256CC 2012 is rated for 10 passengers, while the Cobia Boats 256 Express 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 256CC 2012 could be the deciding factor.
Bottom line: Choose the Cobia Boats 256CC 2012 if your priority is putting more people on the water - it handles 10 passengers and at 25,5 ft it has the deck room to back that rating up comfortably. The Cobia Boats 256 Express 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.