Cobalt M27

April 2015 Boat Test Monday

This article originally appeared in our 2015 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing this in print along with 25 other boat reviews, click HERE to purchase the back issue.

What You Need To Know

Marker One from Cobalt is a brand-new line that the company refers to as its Platform Series, but it’s not a pontoon line. With the fiberglass top, combined with the aluminum hull, Cobalt feels it has created a new product category for the industry although to us it just looks like a high-quality and very inviting boat.

The Highlights

Starting at the helm that is protected by a tall tempered safety glass windshield, the two digital multi-function gauges—complete with the Marker One logos—help give the console a very clean and upscale look. The stainless steel switches light up and the Rockford Fosgate stereo that is Bluetooth-capable completes the look. There is also a USB/MP3 port for the driver, plus two of the six total 12-volt outlets. Two more 12-volt plugs are located in the bow seating area, along with recessed cupholders and in the stern are the other two so there will never be a waiting line on your boat to charge your phone. With the standard Rockford Fosgate system there is an amplifier and a total of eight speakers throughout the boat.

With the extra wide beam width of over nine feet, the space inside the boat is well-used, including a double-wide helm seat with a flip-up bolster for the captain. The bench seats are also extra wide, including the first-mate bench that adds a little versatility to the layout with the adjustable backrest that allows you to convert the seat into a rear lounger.

Directly across from the helm is an entertainment galley that includes a sink and electric faucet, trash receptacle, plenty of counter space and even an optional blender. Included with the galley component is a portable Yeti cooler, giving this galley area everything you need.

Outside the stern gate just past the extra wide rear loungers is a great swim deck that includes a three-step telescopic ladder, but also an electric platform on the opposite side that folds up and down with a press of the button that is located below one of the stern seats. There is also a massive ski/tow bar that wraps around the engine and includes a high tie-off spot for your rope.

Key features worth noting include the stainless rubrail and accent side rails, exclusive fender clips (three on each side) that are extremely easy to use and a seven-foot long in-floor ski locker for all your water toys.

Inspection Notes

Even with the large Mercury 300hp Verado outboard on the back, the boat still remains level and parallel to the water at rest. This is because of the unique stringer system that is tall at the stern and gradually tapers to the bow. The three 27-inch diameter hulls have a unique strake design that sweep upwards for improved handling. There is also a full keel and each nose cone is made of .125 gauge aluminum. The composite deck is two inches thick, which not only creates a solid floor, but helps with sound dampening as well.

Performance Evaluation

With the fiberglass top and extra wide beam, the Marker One weighs more when compared to a similar pontoon, yet we were pleasantly surprised how well it moves with the 300hp outboard on the back. She turns nice and flat in the corners, is extremely responsive and overall is a very fun boat to drive.

Our Take

Cobalt makes its living by building quality boats so it’s no surprise that the Marker One Platform Series boat is built to last and loaded with high-end features. While the price won’t be for everyone, all consumers can appreciate the attention to detail.

2015 Boat Specifications

Number of Occupants Yacht Certified

Maximum Speed 40.1 mph

Wild Ponies 300 hp

No. of Gates 2

0-20 MPH 6.17 seconds

Ladder Measurement 2’ 6” deep

Why we love this boat…If you’re going to be successful in this segment of the boating industry, you have to offer something different and the Marker One clearly does.

Just being picky…It is available as an option, but really a boat this size with a full galley should come standard with some type of a changing room.

PDB Days Reader Choice Feedback

Front to back loungers are great and it’s a nice combination of deck and pontoon boats.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Composite deck w/ molded-in non-skid, integrated lifting strakes, accessory 12-volt power plug, black leather/SS steering wheel, illuminated switch panel/switches, RF stereo w/ Bluetooth/MP3 and 6 speakers, docking lights, Sharkhide hull protectant, molded-in gel coat graphics, molded-in swim platform, aft sunpad w/ adjustable backrests, in-floor ski and equipment locker and LED cockpit lighting. Helm features include an upholstered eyebrow, stainless and tempered safety glass windshield, digital medallion gauges, aluminum dash panels and SS switches.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

Battery switch w/ acr-dual, blender (12-volt, requires galley), fender clips w/ line (6), galley w/ water, sink and Yeti cooler, double-wide helm seat w/ flip-up, blue LED interior accent lighting, premium ebony bimini top w/ stainless bows, premium sound w/ transom remote and speakers, engine surround ski/tow, transom shower and three-color ebony sport wave and inset.