
Licensed Yacht BrokersSales and service of yachts and shipsDesigned for refined day boating, the 296byCOBALTis a premiummotor yachtrunaboutfeaturing a Deep Vee hull, twin Volvo Penta gas I/O power, and a durablefiberglass and plasticconstruction. Presented by Andrey Shestakov and Shestakov Yacht Sales.
Selecting a 296
Choosing the 296 makes sense if you want an agile dayboat with confident proportions: 30 ft (9.14 m) LOA and a 9 ft (2.87 m) beam. As a motor yachtrunabout, it balances compact size with the practicality of a single head and meaningful fuel and water capacities.
Work with Andrey Shestakov and the team at Shestakov Yacht Sales to evaluate current opportunities for a COBALT296that aligns with your boating style and location.
Features of the Model
- Deep Vee hull configuration
- Twin Volvo Penta gas I/O engines (2)
- One head for day-cruising convenience
- fiberglass and plastichull with fiberglass deck
- Practical capacities: 123 gal fuel and 18 gal water
- Manageable footprint: 30 ft LOA, 9 ft beam
Technical Specifications
- Builder: COBALT
- Model: 296
- Category: motor yacht
- Subcategory: runabout
- Hull category/material: fiberglass and plastic
- Hull configuration: Deep Vee
- Deck material: Fiberglass
- LOA: 30 ft (9.14 m)
- Beam: 9 ft (2.87 m)
- Draft (min): 7.382 ft (2.25 m)
- Draft (max): 10.663 ft (3.25 m)
- Engines: 2 x Volvo Penta, I/O
- Fuel type: Gas
- Heads: 1
- Fuel capacity: 123 gal
- Water capacity: 18 gal
Pricing and Ordering
For current pricing, availability, and to arrange a viewing or discuss suitable listings of the 296byCOBALT, contact Andrey Shestakov at Shestakov Yacht Sales. Our brokerage will guide you through selection, inspections, and closing.
Questions and Answers
Q: What type of boat is the 296? A: It’s amotor yachtrunaboutdesigned for day boating, built with afiberglass and plastichull.
Q: What are the key dimensions? A: The 296measuresLOA30 ft (9.14 m) with abeamof 9 ft (2.87 m), anddraftfrom 7.382 ft (2.25 m) to 10.663 ft (3.25 m).
Q: What is the engine setup? A: It has 2 enginesby Volvo Penta withI/Odrives andgasfuel, delivering reliable propulsion for this class.
Q: What is the hull and deck construction? A: The hullisfiberglass and plasticwith aDeep Veeconfiguration, and thedeckis fiberglass.
Q: What onboard capacities and amenities are included? A: There is 1 head, plusfuel capacityof 123 gal andwater capacityof 18 gal for practical day-cruising needs.
Owner Experience Review
Owners gravitate to the COBALT296as a family day‑cruiser and entertainer, thanks to its salon‑style cockpit, modular seating with reversible backrests, and a convertible sunpad that adapts to how the day unfolds. Multiple reviews highlight upscale upholstery and overall fit/finish that “feels like a proper salon,” and the accessible, roomy head with quality touches such as a Corian counter makes full days aboard easy. In some markets the model is certified for up to 11 people, and it’s widely used for nearshore cruising, raft‑ups, and relaxed weekend outings.
On the water, the 21° deadrise deep‑V hull delivers a composed ride through chop, with expert tests noting very responsive steering and a clean ability to slice through rougher patches better than many bowriders. Reported test numbers cite about 40.4 knots at the top end and roughly 0–20 knots in around seven seconds, which, paired with strong Dual‑Prop bite and handling, makes the 296a credible platform for tubing and wakeboarding when the water lays down.
Routine ownership themes focus on sensible attention to systems: electronics and transducer items come up frequently, with owners noting that topping the transducer jar with antifreeze can resolve a depth‑finder that shows flashing zeros. Volvo Penta EVC and joystick suites are praised for capability but described by owners as complex. With big‑block V8 sterndrive options (from MerCruiser 8.2/377 Mag to Volvo Penta 320/380‑class), expect higher routine service costs and the occasional EFI or oxygen‑sensor discussion, consistent with this power category.
Pros and Cons
- Deep‑V 21° deadrise delivers a composed, confident ride in chop.
- Salon‑style cockpit with modular seating and a convertible sunpad suits entertaining.
- Responsive steering and Dual‑Prop bite make it a capable watersports dayboat.
- Electronics/transducer quirks occur, with depth‑finder flashing‑zero fixes reported.
- Volvo Penta EVC/joystick systems are complex and can add troubleshooting time.
- Large V8 sterndrives bring higher routine service costs and occasional EFI/O2‑sensor issues.
Comparison with Other Models
| Model | LOA | Beam | Draft | Speed (Cruising/Max) | Gross Tonnage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 296 | 30' 0" (9.14 m) | 9' 0" (2.87 m) | 7' 5" (2.25 m) – 10' 8" (3.25 m) | - | - |
| 272 | 27' 0" (8.23 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 6' 0" (1.83 m) – 10' 8" (3.25 m) | - | - |
| R6 | 26' 0" (7.92 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 5' 2" (1.58 m) – 9' 10" (3 m) | - | - |
| R4 | 24' 0" (7.32 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 5' 2" (1.58 m) – 9' 10" (3 m) | - | - |
| 222 | 23' 0" (7.01 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | - | - | - |
| 302 | 31' 0" (9.60 m) | 9' 0" (3.02 m) | 7' 1" (2.17 m) – 12' 0" (3.67 m) | - | - |
| 24SD | 24' 0" (7.47 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 6' 10" (2.08 m) – 10' 1" (3.08 m) | - | - |
| 24 SX | 24' 0" (7.54 m) | 8' 0" (2.59 m) | 4' 11" (1.50 m) – 10' 1" (3.08 m) | - | - |
| A40 | 40' 0" (12.19 m) | 12' 0" (3.66 m) | 6' 7" (2 m) – 10' 11" (3.33 m) | - | - |
| 343 | 35' 0" (10.67 m) | 9' 0" (2.95 m) | 9' 10" (3 m) | 45 kn / 70 kn | - |

Learn more on the “COBALT - 296”
To learn more on the “COBALT - 296” or to get advice on how to buy or sell a yacht or get a great price for a yacht charter
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