CABO 36 EXPRESS

[mjberrocal]

Well, I just got back from the show at FORT LAUDERDALE. I sea trialed the CABO 36. The boat had C-7's with ZF pod drives (new system from ZF). The boat had a marlin tower, the only way to go in a boat of this size in my opinion. The tower was gorgeous. The poles ran inside the cabin instead of in the outside, it was a new design. Easy to get up and down and the boat did not rock up there. Much to my surprise the boat ran as flat as you can expect, short of a bullet center console. Much of that in my opinion was due to the pods. I do not believe that the shafts would make the bow go that much more higher. I was very satisfied with the boat. I tested the boat on Monday and the seas were 4 to 5. Ideal nasty sea to try the boat. I felt the boat very light, perhaps due to the fact that it had 1/2 tank of diesel and of course no fishing gear. We were 6 people in it. I also felt that the C-7's were very powerful. The acceleration was very quick. The boat was very responsive due to the pods. It was like riding a big center console. I wonder how much the boat would loose in terms of efficiency with regular shafts. Could not get an answer from the ZF or Cabo people there. Here are some pictures, not good ones, but at least some pictures. Quality was outstanding. The boat did NOT pound and we DID NOT get wet. I tried the sucker in all directions at different speeds. Only down side was the price, for a boat this size.

Edited November 6, 2011 by mjberrocal

[mjberrocal]

More pictures.

[revathi]

really good........

[Boatapedia]

Digging up an old thread here...  The inclusion of C-7 engines with ZF pod drives seems to have added a lot of positives to the overall performance of the CABO 36. The design of the marlin tower, especially with the internal placement of the poles, is a nice touch for stability and ease of use.

Your observations on the boat's responsiveness, acceleration, and handling in various sea conditions are valuable insights. The fact that it ran flat even in 4 to 5-foot seas is quite impressive, and it's great to hear that you didn't experience pounding or excessive spray. The light feel you noted, especially with a partial fuel load and a group of six onboard, provides a good sense of the boat's maneuverability and efficiency.

Regarding the propulsion system, it's always interesting to consider how different setups might affect a boat's performance. The responsiveness you mentioned with the pod drives is a definite plus, and it makes sense that the boat felt similar to a big center console in terms of handling.

As for the price, that's often a significant consideration with boats of this size and quality. It's good that you're weighing the overall value against the features and performance you experienced.