COBRA 700
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 23 ft |
| LWL | 18.33 ft |
| Beam | 8.75 ft |
| Draft | 3 ft |
| Displacement | 4,250 lb |
| Ballast | 2,000.1 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 5.7 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Mainsail | 105 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 190 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 430 sq ft |
Engine
| Commonly | Universal, Mitsubishi, Ford, BMW, Volkswagen |
About the COBRA 700
Available with a fin keel. draft: 1.22m / 4 ft. Reported sail area = main + #2 Genoa. Sail area: Main: 105 ft² / 9.76 m² #1 Genoa: 190 ft² / 17.67 m² #2 Genoa: 140 ft² / 13.02 m² Working Jib; 100 ft² / 9.30 m² Storm Jib: 50 ft² / 4.65 m² Spinnaker: 430 ft² / 40 m² Many were completed from kits. Thanks to Cobra 700 owner Chaz Richards for sending additional information.
Designed by David Feltham and built by Cobra Yachts (UK), the Cobra 700 is a compact 23.0 ft masthead sloop with a production run of 50 hulls starting in 1980. Its lightweight displacement of 4250.0 lb and high sail area-to-displacement ratio of 14.98 suggest a performance-oriented design focused on speed rather than heavy cruising comfort.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and day sailors who prioritize agility and ease of handling over heavy offshore protection. Its relatively narrow beam of 8.75 ft and shallow max draft of 3.0 ft make it ideal for trailerable use and access to shallow anchorages.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 4250.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.16, the Cobra 700 is not well-suited for serious bluewater passagemaking. Its light build and short LWL of 18.33 ft indicate it is designed for protected coastal waters rather than open ocean conditions.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include other 1980s trailerable performance sloops like the O'Day 23 or Catalina 22, which share similar dimensions and roles. These vessels are comparable due to their similar LOA of approximately 23 ft and focus on club racing and weekend cruising.
Performance
Estimated Value
Limited DataAsking price by model year
6 listings · boat years 1980–2023 · median $5,073
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 23ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
2 reported issues across 2 systems for the COBRA 700, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COBRA 700? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 2 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your COBRA 700?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Universal, Mitsubishi, Ford, BMW — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the COBRA 700
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…