COBRA 850
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.5 ft |
| LWL | 22 ft |
| Beam | 9.5 ft |
| Draft | 3.5 ft |
| Displacement | 7,750 lb |
| Ballast | 3,499.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.3 kn |
Engine
| Beta Marine | Beta 2525 hpSee all 358 parts → |
About the COBRA 850
A (single) fin keel version was also available.
Designed by David Feltham and built by Cobra Yachts (UK), the Cobra 850 is a 28.5 ft masthead sloop with 700 hulls built in 1976. It features a 22.0 ft LWL, 9.5 ft beam, and 7750.0 lb displacement, offering a balanced blend of performance and comfort with a comfort ratio of 24.93.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors who prioritize ease of handling and a spacious interior for its size, particularly those comfortable with routine maintenance of older fiberglass construction.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 1.92 and a displacement of 7750.0 lb, the Cobra 850 is generally considered suitable for coastal and nearshore cruising rather than extended bluewater passages due to its moderate stability metrics and age.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to the O'Day 28 and Catalina 27 from the same era, these boats share similar dimensions and roles as popular family cruisers, though the Cobra's twin/triple keel option offers distinct shallow-water advantages.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(1 certificate)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 3.7 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.3 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| 60° | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 75° | 4.1 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.3 |
| 90° | 4.0 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.8 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 6.6 |
| 110° | 3.7 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.7 |
| 120° | 3.5 | 4.3 | 5.0 | 5.6 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 6.6 |
| 135° | 3.1 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.4 |
| 150° | 2.7 | 3.5 | 4.2 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 6.2 |
| Beat VMG | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| Run VMG | 2.4 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.1 |
Estimated Value
Low ConfidenceAsking price by model year
9 listings · boat years 1979–2005 · median $6,985
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 28.5ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
17 reported issues across 7 systems for the COBRA 850, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a COBRA 850? 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 17 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
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the COBRA 850
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