TBOATINGCertified Test ResultsSCAN
ME!Cobalt A40 Coupe
PHOTO: FOREST JOHNSONVolvo Penta D-300 diesel inboards). The C37 has a helm
and salon that can be fully enclosed with sliding glass doors
that separate them from the aft cockpit. The two boats are
philosophically different in that the beamier Carver sports a
plumb bow that maximizes space belowdecks, which is more
attuned to coastal cruising.
Builders with similar approaches to Cobalt include the
Cruisers Yachts 390 Express Coupe ($597,160 with twin
Volvo D4-300 diesel sterndrives). When we tested it with
twin 430 hp gasoline Mercs, it hit a top speed of 40.65 mph.
When we tested it with twin 320 hp MerCruiser sterndrives,
it topped out at just less than 39 mph. The Cruisers also has
the option for Volvo IPS. Regal Boats also offers a 42 Sport
Coupe with comparable D-400 Volvo diesel sterndrives
($681,745 with twin 600 hp D-400s ).
While the A40 Coupe has a more enclosed helm area
than its A40 sister, that doesn’t mean you can’t feel the
warm summer sun and cool ocean breeze. Check out the
retractable sunroof in the hardtop that ensures you can do
both. When it’s time for shade, close it up and push a button
to extend the optional SureShade out over the aft cockpit.
Another of our favorite options aboard the A40 Coupe we
tested is the hydraulic swim step. With the push of a button,
it lowers into the water, making it easy for swimmers to take
a dip and reboard while at anchor. Those just interested
in lounging can chill on the transom sun pad that sports
adjustable backrests to face aft on the pad or forward in the
cockpit. A cockpit entertainment center just aft of the helm
can be equipped with a fridge, ice maker and grill-top cooker
to go along with the stainless-steel sink. The helm itself
features a doublewide seat with a flip-up bolster for standing
and a flip-down teak toe rest to sit while manning the helm.
A hand-stitched brow protects the dash — where there’s
space to flush-mount two multifunction displays — from
glare. Steps to port of the bow lead through the windshield
to the bow where two Euro-style sun pads with adjustable
backrests flank the pathway to the anchor locker.Belowdecks, the stylish ports built into the hull sides
let in enough natural light to illuminate the galley and
dinette in the bow. Filler cushions can convert the bow
setup to a V-berth. More sleeping accommodations await
amidships with a separate cabin that can be configured as
twins or turned into a full with the filler insert. The head
features a separate shower stall with a sit-down bench. If the
kids need a rest belowdecks, pop in a DVD on one of the flat-
screen TVs.
Cobalt, as always, exhibits first-class fit and finish with
beautiful teak accents, stainless-steel hardware, plush
upholstery with double-needle stitching, and premium gelcoat
work. Open the engine hatch to reveal clean and orderly
wiring and easy access to all service points. Things you can’t
see include Kevlar reinforcement added during the hull
layup, popped from molds that are constantly cleaned and
waxed to ensure integrity. All these things add up to the A40
Coupe, a boat that exceeds expectations. — Pete McDonaldX LOA: 39'6'' X Beam: 9'0'' X Draft: 3'4'' X Displacement: 19,926 lb. X Transom Deadrise:
20 degrees X Bridge Clearance: 9'3'' X Max Cabin Headroom: 6'5'' X Fuel Capacity: 248
gal. X Water Capacity: 50 gal. X Max Horsepower: 860 X Available Power: Mercury or
Volvo Penta gasoline or diesel sterndrivesPrice: $734,165 (with test power)HOW WE TESTED
ENGINES: Twin Volvo Penta D6-400 diesel sterndrives PROPS: G6 Nibral GEAR RATIO:
1.59:1 FUEL LOAD: 172 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 380 lb.High Points
XSunroof allows for natural light in the salon; SureShade provides sun
protection for the cockpit.
XHead has a separate shower stall with a sit-down bench.
XFixed wing mount on the hardtop provides a spot to mount antennas.Low Points
XLow bow rails conflict with ABYC section H41 and provide more style
points than safety.
XWe wish the galley counter were fiddled too.Cobalt Boats Neodesha, Kansas; 800-468-5764; cobaltboats.comSPEED EFFICIENCY OPERATION
naut. stat. n. mi. s. mi. sound
rpm knots mph gph mpg mpg range range angle level
600 5.30 6.10 0.90 5.89 6.78 1315 1513 0 64
900 6.95 8.00 2.00 3.48 4.00 776 893 1 61
1200 7.82 9.00 3.50 2.23 2.57 499 574 2 62
1500 9.65 11.10 6.90 1.40 1.61 312 359 2 68
1800 10.43 12.00 13.00 0.80 0.92 179 206 4 74
2100 17.47 20.10 15.00 1.16 1.34 260 299 2 75
2400 22.59 26.00 17.00 1.33 1.53 297 341 2 80
2700 28.68 33.00 22.00 1.30 1.50 291 335 2 82
3000 33.19 38.20 26.00 1.28 1.47 285 328 2 86
3300 37.37 43.00 37.00 1.01 1.16 225 259 2 87
3600 41.28 47.50 41.00 1.01 1.16 225 259 2 88
MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEEDTo view more photos and additional
information for the Cobalt A40 Coupe,
go to boatingmag.com/2941. To view
an accommodation plan for this boat,
scan this tag!AVAILABLE POWER:
STERNDRIVE54 BOATINGMAG.COM APRIL 2016