Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

This year Cobalt is releasing a new model to the lineup. The 272 seems to be following quickly in the tracks of its bigger sister the 343. Handling, speed and thrill factors seem to be in line and the amenities include a cuddy for getting out of the sun or putting the little ones down for an afternoon nap.

Cockpit Features

Cobalt uses gas assist shocks on just about everything that opens on this boat, even the anchor/swim ladder locker up front. The swim ladder is shaped to wrap over the bow and reach all the way to the water. Six people can fit in the bow seating without a shoe horn. Pull the fillers out and a few can have even more space. Each side has grab rails and cup holders and there is even a removable trash bin up front. Easy care snap in carpet makes clean up a snap. Under the carpet up front is a large storage area. The storage space under the helm makes the life jacket kit seem small. A flip over windshield with positive catch along with a bi-fold door keeps the chilly air out of the cockpit in the fall and early spring.

In the cockpit, the center floor storage space is large enough for skis and other large boards or lots of small stuff. Bucket seats have hefty stainless steel grab bars and a chart pocket in the back. The seats have swivel and slide adjustments so the companion rider can watch the skier or both can face the friends in conversation at anchor. My test boat had something many of us can appreciate, it had adjustable lumbar support. The line between luxury cars and boats continues to blur.

At the Controls

The helm has a three spoke wood wheel and the instrument panel has wood accents. This isn’t the faux wood most builders are using, it is the real deal. All the switches have circuit breakers and they are backed up by main breakers in the back. This is just one more example of Cobalt doing much more than is required. A stereo remote and digital air/water temperature and depth gauges round out the neatly appointed helm station.

Seating Abounds

The seating in the cockpit wraps all the way from the helm to the companion seat. Don’t get too worried about where the drinks are going to rest for the crowd, there are twelve of them arranged around the boat and they are all stainless steel. The ones in the back even have a light so they are easy to find in the dark. The seat bottoms are double hinged to keep them where they belong and ours had an inflator for the water toys in the back along with the battery switches and fire extinguisher.

Time to Relax

The sun pad doubles as the engine hatch which is electrically operated on two rams and two monster hinges, stainless steel, of course. Why, because it is a Cobalt! Cobalt uses a rubber gasket around the lip of the lid and rubber bumpers on the corners for good fit and to eliminate the fiberglass to fiberglass rubbing noise many boats have. The sun pad has an adjustable headrest that can be angled or dropped to lengthen it. The ski tow post is stowable and it is easy to pop up and lock into place. This gives you optimum height for the tow ropes. The bottom of the post even has a drain so it doesn’t drip on the engine, it goes into the bilge. The stern platform has a wrap-around stainless bumper to protect against dock strikes and on the starboard side you have a dandy swim ladder with wide step.

Specs

Cobalt’s all new 272 is 26’8” in length overall and has an 8’6” beam. With her drive up, she commands 22” draft and with the drive down she commands 39” draft. Bridge clearance with the beefy stainless steel ski tower is 82”. Her dry weight is only 4,700lbs, less than the 250 or 255! She carries 70 gallons of fuel and 10 gallons of fresh water. Got more than a few friends who want to come along? The 272 is Yacht certified. She delivers a smooth dry ride and has 34” freeboard forward and 21” aft.

Ride and Performance

When we took the 272 out on the lake, we had two people on board with ½ a tank of fuel and attacked the 1-2 foot chop from a building afternoon storm. It didn’t matter to this boat she took on the waves and didn’t let them slow her down. We found her best cruise speed at 2500rpms which is 25.9mph burning 8.1gph. At cruise you can expect to get about 237 miles on a full tank of fuel. When you push the throttles to wide open, you find you are running at 4650rpms and 52.2mph and a fuel burn of 29.9gph. Sound levels were within expected levels with 69dBa at idle, 79dBa at cruise and 90 at wide open throttle. She is on plane in just 4.2 seconds and at thirty miles per hour in 6.8 seconds. Our test model had a 375-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG sterndrive installed.

Cobalt offers multiple engine options for you to drive off to your favorite destination. If you’re ready for the thrill of your life and want to do it in style, the brand new 272 is ready and waiting for you.

• Top speed for the Cobalt 272 is 52.2 mph (84 kph), burning 29.9 gallons per hour (gph) or 113.17 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Cobalt 272 is 25.9 mph (41.7 kph), and the boat gets 3.19 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.36 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 201 miles (323.48 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 375-hp MerCruiser 496 MAG.