“We’re looking for buyers who want more accommodations such as air conditioning, mezzanine seating, a nice galley, comfortable berths and more,” says Jeff Donahue, sport-fish segment director for Hatteras and Cabo.
Back in the early 1990s, this boatbuilder rolled out both flybridge and express models. Over the years, the Cabo name acquired a cache for high attention to detail, rock-solid construction and sport-fishing excellence—qualities that earned the brand high respect for nearly a quarter-century.
The Great Recession, which struck so many other boat brands, also eventually hit Cabo, which suspended production in 2014. But now Cabo, under the management of New Bern, North Carolina-based Hatteras Yachts, has resumed in earnest, as evidenced by the launch of its new 41.
While Donahue touts comfort, offshore fishing is first and foremost aboard this model. For example, a molded-in 48-gallon livewell resides in the transom. An optional rocket launcher midcockpit features a recessed tray and drawer, along with six rod holders. Our test boat came with a pair of Rupp aluminum outriggers, which are integral to the lofty full-tower upgrade with a second station.
To keep you comfortable while watching the trolling lines or kites, the 41 features upholstered mezzanine seating in the forward cockpit.
An optional bait freezer can be installed under the seat, or you can use the space as secure storage.
Want to haul in a big tuna or swordfish? A beefy tuna door built into the starboard transom side lets you slide one onto the cockpit sole. A pair of 44-gallon insole fish lockers accommodates plenty of ice to chill the catch.
The cabin accommodations aboard the Cabo 41 are resplendent, accessed by a step-down companionway on the starboard-side of the bridge deck. The salon includes a convertible settee with a dining table to starboard, galley to port, and European-walnut cabinetry throughout. Wood-cabinet rod stowage resides adjacent to the settee.
In the port corner is a well-appointed head featuring a flush toilet, shower, vanity, sink, and integrated rod stowage inside the shower. In the bow, the master stateroom incorporates wood accents and cabinetry, plus an island queen berth and hanging lockers.
Topside, on the bridge deck, L-shaped seating lies to port. The captain’s chair is set on the centerline, with a companion chair to starboard. A refrigerator on the starboard-side is a great place to chill drinks for the crew. There’s also tackle stowage in the module that contains the fridge.
A standard 11,000 Btu air-conditioning unit cools the cabin quarters, and an optional 24,000 Btu air-conditioning system keeps the crew cool on the bridge deck. Both systems are powered by an 11 kW diesel generator.
Three Garmin GPSMap 8622 multifunction displays span the helm panel, with the entire bridge deck protected by a wrap-around tempered-glass windshield with polycarbonate panels closing the gap between the top of the windshield and the hardtop to enclose the bridge deck on three sides.
The Cabo 41 features a bow rail, which runs contrary to the rail-free Carolina styling of most East Coast sport-fishers.
However, the Cabo line originated on the West Coast (the first models were built in Adelanto, California), where offshore anglers often walk forward to cast to tailing marlin. And so the bow rail serves as reminder of the brand’s roots. The 41 also comes with an integrated bow pulpit with an anchor roller. A vertical windlass hauls up the ground tackle.
With a deep-V hull and 15 degrees of deadrise at the transom, the Cabo 41 rides smoothly through waves and chop, and handles confidently while cornering at speed. Powered by twin Volvo Penta 725 hp D11 turbo-diesel inboards, an upgrade from the standard 625 hp D11s, the Cabo 41 achieved a top speed of 40.71 mph at 2,400 rpm.
An optional joystick control at both the helm and tower station can be integrated with the inboards and a bow thruster, and that helps immensely whenever maneuvering in tight quarters.
If any boat can manage to lure offshore anglers away from center-consoles and back into an inboard-diesel-powered express, the Cabo 41 is it.
Length: 42'10"
Beam: 15'9"
Draft: 3'5"
Fuel: 550 gal.
Water: 95 gal.
Displacement: 31,000 lb.
Max HP: 1,450
Price: $1,095,000 (w/ twin 625 hp Volvo Penta D11s)
Cabo Yachts: hatterasyachts.com
Weather: Sunny
Location: Key Largo, Florida
Wind: West 10 mph
Sea State: 1- to 2-foot chop
Test Load: Four adults, 500 gallons of fuel
