2004 Cobalt 343      Mark Rotharmel: Is she not lovely? Cobalt's new 343, a yacht certified performance model, simply classified by its builder as an adrenaline rush.      It is also Cobalt's very first stepped hull design, a product of over 5 years in development, and a sophisticated blend of marine performance architecture, and elegant design.      Powered by twin Mercruiser 496 mat h.os, the 343 is engineered for speed and luxury. Visually striking, this all-composite constructed performance boat is manufactured to Cobalt's exacting specifications.Shaded by its optional tower and top, the cockpit is large and ideal for entertaining passengers.

     Those who love the water will appreciate the 343's extended activity deck, complete with a handy wet locker and a convenient telescoping boarding ladder. Integrated steps lead to a wide, non-skid surface catwalk, perfect for sure footed deck access. Forward we find this anchor locker, complete with windless hardware and chain, and a scuff plate to protect the hull.
     The mid-ships helm station wraps around the unique electric double width captain's lounge, that by the flip of a switch converts to a fully supported stand up performance bolster seat. It is the best of both worlds.
 High performance gauges, controls, steering and hardware have been used throughout, Gaffric being the instrument supplier to the world's finest performance boat builders. This tri-fold engine hatch works superbly, opening to reveal twin 425 hp, 496 mag h.os from Mercruiser. Compact but comfortable, the 343's cabin is contemporary and tastefully designed.
     Well today we are running out of Patty's Marina Del Ray, in Del Ray Beach Florida. We have got a great day for a test of the 343 Cobalt. Now this is a big boat at 35-feet, 4-inches long, and has a 9-foot 8-inch beam, weighing 10,200 pounds with a dead rise hull of 24 1/2 degrees.
It should be really good in rough water. Now Cobalt certainly considered all variables when coming up with the step design on this boat, and they seem to have gotten it right.
     Now running along at midrange speeds the boat feels very comfortable, especially when crossing wakes and going over rough water. The 343 has great acceleration times as well, going from 0 to 20 in 7 seconds, 0 to 30 in a little over 10, and 0 to 40 in 13.19 seconds. This boat really moves out quickly.
     This boat carves incredibly well. The bow just plants itself, tracks precisely, and comes out of it absolutely perfect. Running along right now at 4,000 rpm, 50 mph, let's see what it will do at top end. Here we go 57 mph, 60,64,66,66.9, 67 mph, wonderful.
     On the water and sporting 850 hp the 343 cruised effortlessly at 44 mph or 3,500 rpm. 26-inch Mercury offshore props push the hull to a top speed of 67 mph at 4,800 rpm.
     From the beginning, Cobalt's goal was clear. Satisfy one's itch for pure speed, while being surrounded by a full complement of cockpit and cabin amenities. Well, the 343 does this and more. The boat handles brilliantly, its stepped hull tracking precisely at safe and comfortable high performance speeds.
But given the boat's obvious sophistication, it is difficult to classify. That is why we will go along with Cobalt's own definition, that being brute elegance. Perhaps that says it all.

* taken from a transcript of our Power Profile on PowerBoat TV 2004 Episode 12 - Order a Copy of the Show