Cobalt A29 2024 review

There’s a ‘feel’ to American sports boats which is a cut above the competition. I guess it's little wonder when you consider the size of the population and the vast waterways the country offers to both fresh and saltwater enthusiasts.

Cobalt Boats has been manufacturing high quality sports boats since 1968, retaining a distinctive DNA that defines versatility, quality and performance.

The Cobalt A29 is a big bowrider with exceptional capabilities. It has immense internal volume and facilities, and the 22-degree V hull has high freeboard and extended planing surface.

The internal layout is user-friendly with an abundance of creature comforts, all done with strong Yankee styling. She’s a big bowrider at 8.84m, including the swim platform and a massive 2.74m beam.

Thanks to its Malibu ownership and close partnership with GM Marine, the A29 is powered by the gutsy Monsoon 6.2-litre V8 which, coupled with Bravo 3 stern drive, really packs a punch.

The hull is built on a solid laminate foundation with added Kevlar to the elongated keel, creating a sturdy and predictable ride at all speeds.

The long keel line not only delivers rail-tracking performance in chop and/or tight turning, but it also carries masses of weight forward to get some wind in the hair.

Design and layout

The internal layout of the Cobalt A29 is practical, space-effective and striking. The upholstery and trim enjoy a hint of Malibu design influence and a choice of colour palate options.

The port side access to the bow has a large day cabin under the centre of the dashboard that features a choice of head types and a small vanity, plus cushion infills to form a small but comfortable resting space. Being centre mounted, it takes in the depth of the hull and freeboard to maximise the space.

Our test unit was nautical eye candy with blue accents, and other features include a combination of grey lift-out carpets, custom Sof-Trac EVA flooring and stainless-steel trims.

There’s also Fresco Chill Vinyl upholstery that dramatically reduces the temperature of the trim compared to most marine vinyl – while also providing anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and stain resistance.

There are customised speaker covers for the sound system, and a very sporty two-tone leather steering wheel.

The bowrider has an optional hydraulic swim platform, which has a flip-down step that lowers well below the water’s surface for easy entry or exit.

You feel like Poseidon "King of the Sea" himself when you take the double-wide helm seat.

Twin 10-inch Garmin multi-function touch screens are standard equipment (12-inch optional) providing displays for everything in, on and under the water including GPS navigation, engine and accessory functions.

The waterproof switches are set in a woodgrain trim, and there’s a head unit for the Fusion entertainment system, trim tab controls and smooth-side mount engine controls.

The wrap-around, side-opening windscreen protects the helm, and overhead is the pièce de résistance: a beautiful yet optional fibreglass targa arch with hardtop, sunroof and an automatic rear awning and LED lighting. It is strong and very practical.

Behind the helm is an optional cockpit galley with sink and refrigerator, and I really like the large, tilt-out removable rubbish receptacle in the walk-thru. The internal layout offers myriad seating options, including the enclosure at the front. There are even plug-in tables available for both bowrider and cockpit, and refreshment holders wherever you look.

The co-pilot has a wide seat with flip-over backrest, which when flipped forward is ideal for observing action out the back. All the seats have storage capability.

The rear lounge has a massive engine box underneath fitted with automatic lift access to assist servicing. On top of the engine box is a sun pad with an adjustable backrest, plus further flip-up cushioning for sunbaking and rear-facing seat options.

Under the rear of the sun pad is a compartment for wet storage or the option of the ‘Splash & Stow’ inflatable roll-out flexible platform. Or test unit wasn’t fitted with this option, which is a terrific innovation for family fun.

The list of standard equipment and options also includes a Lewmar all-chain windless with a disclosed anchor and deep storage compartment in the bow, wireless charging ports, 18 cup holders, 12 USBs, tow points, pop-up bollards, a rear stereo remote, square set stainless grab handles, awning and canvass choices, a folding arch, optional heating and cooling and fold-down armrests.

She gets up and boogies quickly and progresses confidently and evenly through the rev range with a distinct surge of determination in the top end. The Cobalt A29 is very responsive and manoeuvrable even at high speeds, topping out in this test at a wide open throttle (WOT) of 41 knots (75.9km/h) at 5350rpm using 100L/h.

At more sensible travelling speeds, the engine is in its most fuel-efficient 3500rpm range running at 25.7 knots (47.6km/h) and using 45L/h providing a 235nm range with 10 per cent reserve. Just a little more throttle lifts the performance to 30.6 knots (56.7km/h) at 4050rpm using 55L/h.

Did I love it? You bet – and I guarantee so will you!

Model: Cobalt A29

Length overall: 8.48m

Beam: 2.74m

Hull weight: 3300kg (approx.)

Maximum power: 430hp

Engine as tested: Monsoon 6.2-litre V8 with Bravo 3 drive

Fuel: 458L

Passengers: Yacht certified

Priced from: $428,076

Price as tested: $603,815

Supplied by: JSW Powersports