In this marriage of straight ahead power and responsive handling, the 296 achieves a remarkable comfort from the deep gunwales of the bow aft. The seating's layout here is essentially unlike any other bowrider's, more limousine than marine, made for light conversation at any speed. Such civilized stuff arises from hidden strength, of course: from a Kevlar back keel and chines, from a floor cored with honeycomb composite, from a wind-block door made of Lexan, from all the kept promises of Cobalt's celebration of lasting value.

With either twin or single-engine setup, the 296 will deliver performance matched to the day's journey.