By Paul Lebowitz

The Tandem + 1 has room for a pair of paddlers and then some. Cobra’s newest boat takes the company’s popular Tandem and stretches it out to 14.5 feet long. The extra couple of feet make a tremendous difference, turning a claustrophobic ride for a pair of full-sized fishers into a floating limo with the room to kick back and cast in comfort.

Lacking showy refinements such as molded-in rod holders and storage trays, this boat exudes an old school aesthetic. The massive flat deck – the entire length of the boat is one long well – is the pinnacle of utilitarian versatility. Above-decks storage is everywhere and anywhere; even the rails that nearly circle the cockpit are flattened to accept aftermarket mounts and accessories.

This is a good family boat, beamy and stable at 36 inches wide. For cruising, a child or small adult can sit pretty in the center seating position. Enjoy the occasional solo voyage? The Tandem + 1 can be paddled single-handed from either the rear or center positions. Of course, at a sturdy 80 pounds going it alone is a good workout. If you want to go solo all the time, buy a single.  

The Tandem + 1 comes outfitted with a large rectangular hatch in the center position, and 8 inch round hatches front and rear. There’s storage enough to pack the kitchen sink, and with an oversized 750 pound capacity, plenty of lift to carry it and your full load of fishing gear.   

THE COBRA TANDEM + 1 has room for a pair of paddlers and then some. There’s storage enough to pack the kitchen sink, and with an oversized 750 pound capacity, plenty of lift to carry it and your full load of fishing gear.