Cobra 850 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Cobra 850 was engineered as a masthead sloop with a focus on stability and predictable manners. It features a fine entry and carries its maximum beam well aft (at roughly 53% of the waterline length), a design characteristic intended to balance hull form and internal space. According to editorial reviews by Yachting Monthly, the boat is characterized by "good handling and sporty performance" when equipped with the fin keel, which draws approximately 1.45m.

However, a significant portion of the fleet was built with twin (bilge) keels to accommodate the tidal estuaries and drying moorings common in the United Kingdom. While the bilge keel version provides excellent "creek-crawling" capabilities, owners note that it can be prone to "slamming" when driven into a steep chop. With a ballast ratio of approximately 45%, the 850 is remarkably stiff and capable of carrying its canvas well into a breeze. Despite this stability, some owners find the boat slightly "tender" in gusty conditions, often requiring an early reef to mitigate weather helm and keep the hull at its most efficient heeling angle—typically around 20 to 25 degrees.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The most striking feature of the Cobra 850 is its interior volume, which offers approximately 6'1" (1.87m) of headroom—a rarity for a 28-foot yacht of this era. The standard layout accommodates five to six berths across two cabins: a V-berth forward, a convertible double in the saloon, a single settee berth, and a generous quarter berth to starboard.

Prospective buyers should be aware that Cobra Yachts offered the 850 in various stages of completion, including "kit-built" versions. This has led to a wide disparity in the quality of the internal fit-out. Factory-finished boats typically feature teak joinery and a cohesive layout with a dedicated navigation station and a functional galley. Kit-built models may vary significantly in materials and craftsmanship. Sibling models built on Feltham's similar design philosophy include the smaller Cobra 700 and 750, which share the pinched stern and high freeboard, and the larger Cobra 1050, which offers more substantial offshore capabilities.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Cobra 850 holds a distinct place in nautical history as one of the first British yachts to be introduced in large numbers to the Mediterranean charter industry. In the 1970s and 80s, its voluminous interior made it the "caravan of the sea" for early flotilla holidays in Greece and the Ionian Islands. Its endurance is frequently documented in long-term owner chronicles in publications like Practical Boat Owner, where it is often compared to the Westerly Centaur as a more performance-oriented alternative.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Synthesizing decades of owner feedback and technical surveys, the following areas require specific attention during an inspection:

• Keel Construction: The bilge keels are encapsulated in GRP and filled with iron punchings and resin. If the GRP "shoes" at the bottom of the keels are breached—common on boats kept on abrasive drying moorings—water can enter and cause the iron to rust and expand, potentially cracking the GRP.
• Mast Step Compression: There are documented instances of the deck or mast foot dropping slightly over time, often due to the compression of the supporting structure below. This is usually identified by sagging headlinings or shrouds that seem perpetually loose.
• Chainplates and Leaks: On early models, the chainplates were occasionally positioned directly over the saloon windows. Under high rig tension, this can cause the deck to flex or the windows to warp, leading to persistent leaks.
• Osmosis: Like many GRP boats from the late 1970s, the Cobra 850 is susceptible to osmotic blistering. Owners often report that the rudders and the lower hull sections are the most frequent sites of moisture ingress.
• Original Engines: Many units were originally fitted with "agricultural" single-cylinder Bukh or Yanmar diesel engines. While reliable, these are often underpowered by modern standards; a boat that has been repowered with a 20hp modern diesel offers significantly improved handling under power.

Community & Resources

The primary support network for this model is the Cobra and Seawolf Owners Association. Although the group has transitioned through various digital platforms over the decades, it remains the definitive source for technical drawings, historical brochures, and advice on resolving the model-specific "kit-built" variations.

The Verdict

The Cobra 850 is a quintessential British cruiser that offers an exceptional balance of living space and coastal capability for its size. While it may not win races in light air, its robust build and stiff sailing characteristics make it a dependable companion for families and coastal passage-makers.

Pros:

• Exceptional headroom (6'1") for a 28-foot hull.
• Stiff and stable with a high ballast ratio.
• Versatile keel options for shallow-water cruising.
• Strong, thick GRP hull construction.

Cons:

• Variable interior quality due to kit-built examples.
• Prone to weather helm if not reefed early.
• Common legacy issues with keel encapsulation and window leaks.
• Sluggish performance in very light winds due to its displacement.