COBRA 8.0

Monday, 11 January 2010 11:40

(1 vote, average 5.00 out of 5)

With the emergence of the new Cobra 8.0, the epic Yamaha F350 adds another willing transom to the club. Mike Pullen gets predictably excited . . .

From the moment it was introduced, the Yamaha V8 350hp outboard has caused a surge throughout the industry. In America the tournament fishing boats were strengthened to accept a quadruple rig of these behemoths and back here, in Europe, there have been boats designed and built specifically around this landmark engine. Back in August 2009, for instance, we saw the epic Yamarin 74C built by the very capable Norwegian boatyard for that very purpose and now, with the development of the new Cobra eight-metre RIB, we in the UK have a 350-platform to call our very own.

Cobra growth

Since their takeover, the new owners of Cobra have set their sights high. The old, established models have received facelifts to freshen them and to attend to the various inherited niggles. But on top of these modifications the Cobra team has been busy designing a completely new range of top sports RIBs and the first of those is this 8.0.

Given that this version has been built specifically to handle the Yamaha V8 350, it is no surprise to see that the newly designed hull is finer in the beam, with a very acute (and extremely sporting) deadrise of 26 degrees for high-speed comfort in rough water. As well as the narrower beam, the bow has been modified and given a Buzzi-like sweeping rake with just two strakes low down, presenting straight, aggressive lines to the water.

Cobra 8.0 Rib The result of all this is a startling difference to the mild-mannered Cobras that we all know and love. The new 8.0 is a thoroughbred sports RIB through and through. You can see it the moment you lay eyes on her, sitting on the water with the enormous Yamaha gracing the stern and only the last metre or so of the tapered tubes kissing the water’s surface for some extra stability at rest.

The lines are graceful and smooth and the black (or rather, dark charcoal) tubes mark another major departure for the Cobra brand, setting the craft off perfectly with the double accent of twin rubbing strakes, that also act as spray deflectors. The styling is understated and elegant. It could hold its own in any company in the world and that is a very big deal indeed for the Cobra stable.

Underway

Driving the new Cobra is a delight. The arrangement of the controls has been standardised across the range and the electronic, fly-by-wire Yamaha throttle lever is so light that it requires mere fingertip control. The hydraulic steering complements the electronic throttle with its light and quick reaction to the wheel and a degree of responsiveness pleasantly increased with just two and a half turns lock to lock.

Cobra 8.0 Rib This ease of driving, however, does bring with it some extra responsibility. This new Cobra achieves its 55 knots very quickly indeed so with such potent and accurate helm controls you need to make sure you operate them with finesse. This is not a tractor, whatever some may think of the RIB genre. This is a very enjoyable coming together of dynamic potency and light-fingered finesse. Imagine placating a raging bull with the articulate lifting of an eyebrow and you begin to get the point.

Having said that, it really is a far from difficult boat to drive. Take it easy, get to know her and be sensitive with your helming and you will be rewarded with an astonishingly silken run across the swells. All you have to do is let the hull do its work and point her in the right direction. Match the throttle speed to the wavelength and all will be fine. Over-helm her and you will most likely find yourself chasing the compass all over the place as the hull complies with the excessive demands of your input.

One of the greatest pleasures to be had here though is simply in finding a sufficiently manageable patch of water and opening the throttle. To the accompaniment of an engine note that makes you feel grateful to have ears, the most distant point on the horizon will begin rushing toward you with far greater urgency than you had expected. And all the while, that newly shaped bow cuts the water like a rapier, the fine strakes funneling the water flow downwards, giving the necessary lift with minimal drag. It’s fast, it’s soft and it’s very good fun indeed.

The wetted area has obviously been reduced here but that is not at the expense of stability. The new Cobra provides a pleasant surprise in her cornering ability, with full throttle turns cutting cleanly and with very worthy precision. There is no skip or slip as the water builds up and then releases. The simple design of the Cobra allows the water to flow where it is required and as the angle of heel increases so the tubes provide a shoulder to lean on but it is the hull that does the real work and that’s just as it should be.

Details

Cobra 8.0 Rib It isn’t just the hull that has been redesigned. The main console has also been addressed to produce a much more sheltered workstation for both the helmsman and forward passenger. This has been achieved by fully moulding all the rounded edges, so there are no sharp points at all. The entire console and screen have also been widened so they accommodate two people properly. A small forward lip in front of the screen creates a bubble of air, which in turn deflects the main airflow above head height, even when you’re standing at the wheel. This is a technique borrowed from the racing world, where it proves both effective and weight-free. What better than to harness the forces of nature to a worthwhile end?

To match the wider console, the seat has been widened by six inches to give more elbow room between the forward passengers. It might not sound much, but it is enough to make the whole console area roomier and more comfortable. The extra upholstery around the seating provides excellent support and comfort, as does the trademark Cobra bucket support with fold-up squab. In fact, the choice of angled leaning post or deep foam seat is pretty much perfect for a family leisure boat.

Stylistically, as BMW has done with the Mini, Fiat with the 500 and VW with the beetle, the overall look has remained reminiscent of the original. But under that skin is a new animal - sharper, faster and infinitely more refined. The Cobra 8.0 not only has the looks but also the venom to live up to them. With a package price of less than £67,000, it is going to cause some raised eyebrows in the UK sport RIB market - of that you can be sure.

Performance figures

RPM Speed (knots)

600 idle 2.8

1000 4.8

2000 8.1

3000 cruise 22.5

3500 fast cruise 29.9

4000 34.6

4500 40.7

5000 44.4

6100 top end 55.3

NOTE: The boat was on its first sea trial and only the 21-inch prop has been tried so far. A longer prop could certainly be used, as the motor was hitting the rev limiter with ease.

Specifications

LOA 8.0m

Beam 2.62m

Dry weight 1178 kg

Fuel tank 340 litres

Tube diameter 460mm tapered

Max people 11

Max power 350hp

Max payload 1800 kg

CE Category B for 11 persons

Price: £66,810

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