Cabo 38 Express Review

Express pulls into town   

Climb aboard this feature-packed sportfishing machine.

Cabo Yachts launched its 38 Express at the Miami Boat Show in February ’07. The first of these models landed in Australia early January ’08 and from early feedback, we can expect to see more cruising to our shores.

Since 1991, California-based Cabo Yachts has been designing and manufacturing advanced sportfishing boats and in this relatively short space of time has earned a worldwide reputation solid design, quality and performance.

Many considered the 40 Express to be the best in the Cabo fleet, but the new 38 Express has a few boating experts re-evaluating their opinion. According to Graham McCloy, Director of Cabo’s Australian dealer, Game & Leisure Boats,”The Cabo 38 Express is a perfectly balanced package that provides incredible performance thanks to twin 700hp turbo-charged diesels and a 15ft beam, which also means outstanding maneuverability. The 38 Express is an affordable and easy to handle package and we expect them to be very popular.”

The 38 Express is an entirely new hull from the ground up. Designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, the 38 Express has precise weight distribution, which translates to a soft, dry ride.

Along with Cabo’s clever engineering, including colour-coded and numbered wiring and plumbing, the 37-knot performance of the 38 Express with it’s standard CAT C12 power plants will suit someone looking for a sportfisher withbig boat performance in an affordable and easy to handle package.

The cockpit will please tournament anglers with its non-skid floor, large live-well, outward-opening transom door, under-floor fish boxes, icebox and bait-prep/tackle centre just to name a few features.

The helm deck is also well configured with ample seating ensuring a social layout and the entire deck can be raised hydraulically to provide good engine room access. The starboard side helm position provides good vision both fore and aft and you’re only a few steps from the cockpit if you find yourself short on crew.

The spacious cabin is feature-packed for a 38-footer and can sleep four. There is also a fully equipped galley complete with microwave, cook top, under-bench refrigeration and of course the cabin is air-conditioned. A fully enclosed head with all the amenities is also standard.

The Cabo 38 Express is designed to provide excellent manoeuvrability without sacrificing ride. Well worth checking out.