What is Cabo Yachts?
Cabo Yachts is an American sportfishing brand best known for premium diesel-powered express fishermen and flybridge yachts. The company developed boats from approximately 31 to 52 feet that combined offshore fishing equipment, substantial fiberglass construction, carefully organized machinery spaces and comfortable cabins for overnight trips. Cabo became particularly influential in the express-sportfish category, offering anglers more protection and accommodations than a center console without requiring a large convertible yacht.
Who founded Cabo Yachts, and where were Cabo boats built?
Henry Mohrschladt and Michael Howarth founded Cabo Yachts in California after previously working together at Pacific Seacraft. The first Cabo was introduced in 1991, and the company established its original production operation in Adelanto, California. Cabo became known for producing highly finished sportfishing boats in a desert community located far from the traditional East Coast centers of offshore-boat construction.
Production moved from California to the Hatteras facility in New Bern, North Carolina, in 2010. Cabo’s original production run ended in 2013, although the brand briefly returned with the New Bern-built Cabo 41 in 2019.
Is Cabo Yachts still building new boats?
Cabo does not appear to have an active, publicly marketed new-boat range as of July 30, 2026. The brand was relaunched in 2019 with the Cabo 41 Express after a six-year production hiatus, but Cabo is not included in the model lineup currently displayed by Hatteras Yachts. YachtWorld’s current Cabo inventory contains 97 pre-owned boats and no newly built vessels, indicating that Cabo is primarily a used-yacht opportunity today. This conclusion is based on the current public product and brokerage information rather than a formal announcement that the brand has permanently ended.
Existing owners can still obtain support for many model-specific components. Sam’s Marine expanded its parts inventory to include Cabo Yachts and currently identifies itself as a source for genuine Cabo replacement parts, owner resources and technical discussions.
What types of boats did Cabo Yachts build?
Cabo primarily built express sportfishing yachts and flybridge sportfishers with twin inboard diesel propulsion. Express models placed the helm deck close to the fishing cockpit and provided protection beneath a windshield and hardtop. Flybridge models moved the primary helm above the cabin, creating elevated visibility and greater separation between the operating station and interior accommodations.
Cabo’s range generally extended from 31 to 52 feet and included boats intended for offshore tournaments, canyon fishing, coastal cruising and weekend travel. The company concentrated on fishing yachts rather than building center consoles, traditional motor yachts or long-range trawlers.
What are the most popular Cabo Yacht models?
The Cabo 35 Express, Cabo 35 Flybridge, Cabo 40 Express and Cabo 45 Express are among the brand’s most recognizable models. The original 35 helped establish Cabo as a major sportfishing builder, and both express and flybridge versions developed strong followings among private anglers. Other frequently encountered models include the 31 Express, 32 Express, 36 Express, 38 Express, 40 Flybridge, 44 HTX, 47 Flybridge, 48 Flybridge and 52 Express or Flybridge.
The Cabo 45 Express was especially successful and influential. More than 130 examples were sold before the 44 HTX was introduced as its successor. The 52 Flybridge represented the largest Cabo model when it debuted and gave the brand a direct presence in the larger convertible-sportfish category.
What is the difference between a Cabo Express and a Cabo Flybridge?
A Cabo Express places the primary helm on a protected deck immediately forward of the fishing cockpit, while a Cabo Flybridge places the helm above the cabin. Express owners benefit from easier communication between the captain and fishing crew, quick access to the cockpit and a lower overall profile. The helm deck can also provide sheltered passenger seating where guests remain connected to the fishing action.
A flybridge provides elevated visibility for locating birds, weed lines, bait and fish while opening more usable space within or above the main cabin. The tradeoff is that the captain is farther from the cockpit and must climb to the bridge. The right configuration depends on whether the buyer prioritizes cockpit communication and weather protection or elevated visibility and a more traditional convertible layout.
How does Cabo compare with Viking, Hatteras, Albemarle and other sportfishing brands?
Cabo occupied the premium production-sportfish category, bridging the space between smaller express fishing boats and larger convertible yachts. Depending on size and model, buyers may compare Cabo with Albemarle, Tiara, Riviera, Hatteras, Viking and selected custom Carolina builders. Cabo’s smaller models were particularly strong alternatives for anglers who wanted diesel power, cabins and a protected helm but did not need a full-size convertible.
Cabo differentiated itself through carefully planned fishing cockpits, clean machinery installations, refined interiors and a strong emphasis on fit and finish. Its express models became especially prominent because they combined serious offshore equipment with accommodations suitable for couples, families and tournament crews. This is a market-positioning assessment based on Cabo’s historical lineup and contemporary model reviews.
Are Cabo Yachts considered good-quality boats, and are they good in rough water?
Cabo Yachts are generally regarded as well-built offshore boats with strong reputations for engineering, reliability, fishability and finish quality. Contemporary reviews frequently praised Cabo’s attention to details such as electrical installations, engine-room access, safety systems, cockpit organization and hull performance. When Cabo was relaunched in 2019, company research cited continued owner interest in the brand’s quality and reliability.
Cabo hulls were designed for offshore fishing and changing sea conditions, but performance varies by model, engine package, loading and maintenance. A well-maintained Cabo can be a capable rough-water platform, although the reputation of the brand does not replace a sea trial or a professional survey of the individual boat.
How are Cabo Yachts constructed, and what engines do they use?
Most Cabo Yachts use fiberglass-composite construction and twin inboard diesel engines. Engine choices vary by model and year and can include Caterpillar, MAN, Cummins and Volvo Penta packages. For example, the revived Cabo 41 was offered with Volvo Penta D11 or Cummins QSM11 propulsion, while many earlier 35-, 38-, 40- and 45-foot boats were built with Caterpillar or MAN diesels.
Construction details also differ among models. Published information for the 45 Express describes a solid-fiberglass bottom using stitched fiberglass reinforcement and vinylester resin, with cored construction used in selected areas above the waterline. Buyers should confirm the exact laminate, fuel-tank construction, structural system and original engine package for the individual hull rather than assuming every Cabo was built identically.
Can a Cabo Yacht be owner-operated, and can you stay overnight aboard one?
Many Cabo models are practical for experienced private owner-operators and include genuine overnight accommodations. Smaller Express models provide protected helm stations, straightforward twin-diesel controls and manageable dimensions for an experienced captain. Larger flybridge and 45- to 52-foot models may benefit from additional crew during docking, fishing or extended trips but do not normally require the permanent professional crew associated with a large motor yacht.
Cabin arrangements vary, but many Cabos provide a forward berth or private stateroom, convertible salon seating, a galley, an enclosed head and climate control. A freshwater 1998 Cabo 35 Express represented by JBYS includes a forward berth, convertible dinette, galley, enclosed head and air conditioning, while a 2008 Cabo 38 Express listing provides a private cabin, sleeping capacity for three and an enclosed head. The Cabo 41 added a queen master berth and a dining settee that converted into another berth.
How do Cabo owners typically use their yachts?
Cabo owners use their boats for offshore trolling, billfish and tuna tournaments, canyon runs, bottom fishing and multi-day angling trips. Large cockpits, fish boxes, bait-preparation stations, tackle storage, outriggers and diesel range make the boats suitable for serious fishing. Towers and additional control stations are also common on brokerage-market Cabos.
Owners also use Cabos for coastal cruising, waterfront dining and family weekends. Their cabins and protected helm decks provide comfort that is difficult to duplicate on an open center console, making a Cabo useful when the weather changes or a fishing trip extends overnight. Several documented Cabo refits have been undertaken by owners who wanted to retain the brand’s hull and layout while updating engines, electronics, stabilization and interior amenities.
Are Cabo Yachts suitable for the Great Lakes?
Yes, Cabo Yachts can be excellent Great Lakes fishing and cruising boats. Their protected helm decks, diesel propulsion, substantial cockpits and overnight cabins translate well to salmon and trout fishing, tournament competition and travel between Great Lakes ports. Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales currently represents a freshwater-only Cabo 35 Express in Sandusky, Ohio, demonstrating that well-preserved freshwater examples remain available in the region.
Great Lakes buyers should evaluate cockpit enclosure, cabin heat, generator condition, winterization history and indoor-storage availability. Freshwater history can reduce certain saltwater-related corrosion concerns, but buyers must still inspect engines, cooling systems, fuel tanks, electrical components, hull moisture and all seasonal maintenance records.
Has Cabo Yachts won any awards?
The Cabo 45 Express received Boating magazine’s 1997 Boat of the Year Award. The award recognized a 45-foot fishing yacht with a well-equipped cockpit, thoughtfully designed engine room, substantial cruising range and performance approaching 37 mph in the tested configuration. The 45 Express remains the model most closely associated with Cabo’s formal industry recognition.
Because Cabo does not currently have a regularly introduced new-model range, recent award activity has been limited. The 2019 Cabo 41 nevertheless received extensive editorial coverage and positive boat-test attention when it briefly returned the brand to production.
How much does a used Cabo Yacht cost, and what should buyers inspect?
Used Cabo pricing varies considerably according to model, age, engines, hours, equipment, location and refit history. As current market examples, JBYS lists a freshwater 1998 Cabo 35 Express at $159,000 and displays a centrally listed 2008 Cabo 38 Express at $385,000. Larger 45-, 48- and 52-foot models, extensively refitted boats and late-production examples can occupy substantially higher price categories. Advertised prices should be compared with completed sales and adjusted for upcoming mechanical or cosmetic work.
Every used Cabo should receive a complete marine survey, separate diesel-engine inspections, oil analysis, haul-out evaluation and sea trial. Buyers should examine the hull and deck, stringers and bulkheads, fuel tanks, shafts, propellers, rudders, exhaust systems, generators, electrical equipment, engine-room ventilation, electronics and fishing systems. Service history, engine hours, previous charter use, grounding damage, tower installation and the quality of any repower or refit are particularly important.
Why should I use Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales to purchase a Cabo Yacht?
A Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales yacht broker can help a buyer locate and evaluate Cabo Yachts throughout the national brokerage market. The broker can compare express and flybridge models, investigate engine and service histories, analyze asking prices, obtain documentation and coordinate surveys, engine inspections, haul-outs and sea trials. That guidance is especially important because Cabo inventory spans multiple production eras, factories, hull designs and propulsion packages.
JBYS has more than 50 years of company heritage, over 1,050 years of combined team experience and nine locations in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Florida. The company currently represents a freshwater Cabo 35 Express and also assists clients with Cabo yachts centrally listed by other brokerage firms, including a 38 Express. Its combination of Great Lakes and coastal-market experience can help buyers assess freshwater history, offshore use, transportation, financing, insurance, documentation and delivery before completing the purchase.
