Reviews
& Articles 35 Express
On the Water
The Fisherman February 22, 2001
By Captian John N. Raguso
 Every
Fisherman reader has their version of the ultimate dreamboat, you know,
the one that you would pick up in the
event that someone in your immediate family hit the Lottery or had some
dot com stock magically multiply itself by 100 fold overnight. Cabo's
recently updated 35 Express Sportfisher has been the subject of my dreams
and hallucinations on more than one occasion and someday, if the planets
are in proper alignment, “I'll get me one." Let me tell you
why.
CLIMBING THE EVOLUTIONARY LADDER
Fortune Magazine recently selected Cabo's owner/management team of Henry
Mohrschladt and Michael Howarth to join a very special list, specifically
the builder's of one of the planet's top 100 products, regardless of
cost or category. Not surprisingly, when you look at competitive sportfishers
in the 35 to 40 foot range, the Cabo 35 Express is a benchmark for construction,
design and bluewater performance. In their pursuit of excellence, the
Cabo team has spared no expense, designing a state of the art
fishing machine that employs the highest quality components. This top
shelf approach is demonstrated not only in the long waiting lists to
acquire just about any new Cabo product, but also the way that experienced
Cabos seem to hold on to most of their value in the aftermarket, years
after the initial sale.
Although I have spent some sea time on the original Lou Codega designed
Cabo 35 bull, the newly minted version has taken this proven performer
one more step up the evolutionary ladder, improving some of the minor
quirks in the hull and layout to enhance cruising and trolling performance.
They have also added more functional utility, thus putting even further
distance between them and the fleet of competitors following meekly in
their wake. I recently spent some time helping out a Fisherman reader
purchase a Cabo (a 31 Express) at this past NY Boat Show and let me tell
you, it's an intoxicating experience. You had to see the lines of wishful
mariners waiting to step aboard the demo showboat and the look of pride
and accomplishment on the face of the lucky gent who acquired his very
own customized Cabo. Hey, I hope he lets me drive it for him once or
twice sometime this season.
A COCKPIT TO DIE FOR
Whereas the 35 Cabo Flybridge sister ship is more apt to please your
better half, due to the larger living area down below, the revised 35
Express is definitely a bluewater aficionado's serious sport fishing
tool. The raised bridgedeck offers an excellent view of the Ocean around
you, plus you're only two short steps removed from the cockpit, which
offers over 100 square feet of unobstructed fishing arena. A pair of
insulated five cubic foot fishboxes are neatly tucked under the sole
port and starboard, tied into a macerator system that makes cleanup easy
at day's end. A flip over transom gate to starboard allows you to bring
the big ones aboard with minimum effort. Moving up towards the bridgedeck,
a fiberglass module to port offers the convenience of a bait rigging
station with freshwater sink and cutting board, with a matching module
on the opposite side that houses an insulated ice chest, with optional
12v/11Ov freezer plate system. Lure and rig stowage is accomplished via
a superbly crafted six drawer fiberglass tackle center, which can also
double as an extra seat, positioned just aft of the captain's extra wide
bench seat, which also offers a deep stowage area down below. The rest
of the crew can relax in between runs to the fishing grounds on a plush
L shaped lounge, which offers horizontal rod stowage directly underneath,
with secondary access through a locking hatch positioned under the bait
rigging station.
The helm offers an intelligent, ergonomic layout, with all engine support
gauges positioned at the top edge of the dash panel for maximum visibility.
You can mount an arsenal of fishing and navigation electronics at the
helm, with enough vertical bulkhead space to accommodate a large radar,
sounder, chart plotter, VHF, autopilot and more. Engine access is unparalleled,
with the entire helm deck lifting up on heavy duty dual hydraulic rams
at the touch of a switch, providing efficient access to both sides of
the twin diesel powerplants.
FIRST CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS
Stepping down into the roomy cabin, the Cabo 35 Express offers an incredible
amount of standing headroom that's only an inch short of seven feet,
so be sure to invite your buddies from the college basketball team for
an offshore trip. The interior is accented with golden teak, along with
a teak and holly sole, and offers all of the conveniences of home, whether
you plan an overnighter at the distant canyons or a weekend with the
family at your favorite beachside getaway. Standard features include
a marine head with shower, recessed electric stove, microwave/convection
oven, refrigerator/freezer, Corian counters and rails to keep seagoing
spins to a minimum, plus plenty of stowage. The L shaped dinette settee
to starboard converts to upper and lower berths, while the plush vee
berth forward will sleep two in comfort in between feeding frenzies.
Eight horizontal rod racks will keep your offshore outfits conveniently
stowed in between trips.
The fiberglass fabrication on the 35 Cabo Express is absolutely flawless,
using state of the art materials and construction techniques that rival
the aerospace industry. Performance with twin 3208/435HP Cat diesels
delivers a top end of 40 mph with 1 mpg cruising at 27 mph, which offers
excellent cruising range with the standard 400 gallon tank. I continue
to live for the day that my dreamboat may actually come into port. The
base price starts at $329,970 and works up from there.
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