Any boat that bears the Cobalt nameplate also carries certain expectations. Among these are: superior construction quality, class-leading fit and finish, and onboard amenities second to none.

With an open transom and a swooping sheer line that incorporates sculpted engine vents and culminates in the hard lines of an integrated platform, this is a boat that could fit right into the scene at St. Tropez or Portofino. The bow has an arrangement we’ve seen only on Cobalt boats, where the space is so generous that sitting forward or sideways is more comfortable than the norm. It also makes dockside access, while carrying gear, much easier. Slide into the double-wide helm seat and glance at the contoured wood-grain dash and digital gauges. There are no rough edges. Ditto for the engine compartment (accessible via the standard electric lift) and the in-console head.

A big part of the Cobalt experience is performance. And the 276’s definition of performance doesn’t involve the eye-watering, earsplitting ride of a go-fast. Our boat tamed choppy waters and carved effortless turns, delivering speeds of up to 50 mph, but Cobalt uses fiberglass stringers and a composite transom for the type of strength that translates into a confident ride with no rattles or creaks.

Trailer is not included. This boat has 558 engine hours.