Cobra 700 Information, Review, Specs

The Cobra 700 began production in 1980. The original builder, Cobra Yachts, established in the United Kingdom by John Rockwood in 1975, focused on creating accessible and well-built sailing vessels until the company ceased operations in 1982. Many Cobra 700s were notably completed from kits, extending their availability beyond the official builder's lifespan. David Feltham, the designer, imbued his Cobra designs, including the 700, with a philosophy centered on delivering stable, spacious, and well-mannered family cruisers. These boats were intended to be practical and forgiving, ideally suited for coastal sailing and leisurely pursuits. The Cobra 700 was offered with a twin keel configuration, a popular choice in the UK for its ability to access shallow waters and dry out, though a fin keel version was also available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite her compact dimensions, the Cobra 700 exhibits characteristics of a larger yacht. Her design incorporates high freeboard and a generous beam, contributing significantly to her interior volume. She also features a sporty underwater shape, which allows her to perform well, particularly in moderate conditions. As a masthead sloop with a reported sail area of 245 square feet, she is designed for balanced performance. Anecdotal accounts of Cobra yachts, generally, describe them as steady, sedate, and spacious, yet possessing a slightly sporty feel, a testament to Feltham's design prowess in blending comfort with agreeable handling characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

The Cobra 700 is renowned for offering remarkable accommodation for its size, providing a surprisingly spacious interior that maximizes living comfort onboard. With a maximum headroom of 5.75 feet, the cabin offers comfortable movement for most individuals. Typically, the interior is arranged to make the most of the available space, often featuring a layout that includes two cabins. This usually comprises a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a compact galley area for meal preparation, and a marine toilet, indicating standing room in key areas of the cabin. Owners frequently praise the "spacious" nature of the Cobra 700, suggesting a well-thought-out arrangement that caters to weekend trips and extended coastal holidays.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cobra yachts, including the 700, consistently praise their solid construction and reliable performance. The design emphasis on comfortable and spacious interiors makes them highly valued for leisurely cruising. A strong community of owners actively supports these classic British yachts, exemplified by organizations like the Cobra and Seawolf Owners Association, which serves as a valuable resource for maintaining and appreciating these enduring fiberglass cruisers 1, 3, Builder Article. Owners appreciate the dependable nature and robust build quality that allows these boats to continue sailing decades after their initial launch.