From Dream to Dockside:
How Derek Abbott Found His Perfect Match in the Cobia 240 DC

For Derek Abbott, boating isn’t just a hobby – it’s a lifelong passion. Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Derek has spent more than two decades making memories with his family on the water. And today, thanks to his beautiful Cobia 240 DC, those memories are richer, more social, and more fulfilling than ever.

Derek and his wife have long enjoyed the coastal lifestyle in their home on the quiet lagoons of South Bethany, Delaware – a hidden gem just south of Ocean City, Maryland. Their backyard opens onto the water, complete with a boat lift that has housed a succession of family vessels over the past twenty years. But when it came time to upgrade, Derek knew exactly what he was after: a Cobia.

“I saw the Cobia 240 DC in a YouTube walkthrough a few years ago,” Derek recalled. “It instantly became an obsession. I knew that was the boat I wanted.”

But as a seasoned boat owner, and a bankruptcy lawyer with 29 years of experience, Derek wasn’t about to rush into a purchase at the height of the post-COVID boat-buying frenzy. Instead, he waited patiently for the right moment, knowing that eventually he’d find his dream boat. And when a local dealer, with whom he had a long-standing relationship, finally had a Cobia 240 DC in stock, Derek made his move.

Derek’s previous boats had been center consoles. Practical for fishing, but not always ideal for family time. “I got tired of being the guy standing behind the console while everyone else sat up front,” he laughed. “And trying to talk to people through the windshield? Forget it.”

At his wife’s suggestion, Derek began to warm up to the idea of a dual console. When he finally got to step aboard the Cobia 240 DC, it sealed the deal. “It’s much more social,” he said. “More seating space, better flow, and a more user-friendly format overall.”

The boat was already comprehensively equipped by his dealer, needing only a few personal touches. Everything else – from the spacious seating to the handy bait station (which Derek and his family use more as a prep sink for appetizers!) – was ready to go.

“One of the first things we did after taking delivery was head out to the Ocean City Airshow,” Derek revealed. “We anchored offshore in the perfect spot, set up snacks on the bow table, and watched the Thunderbirds perform overhead. It was amazing.”

Every boat deserves a name, and Derek’s Cobia 240 DC has a particularly clever and witty one. Christened Bankruptsea – a cheeky nod to Derek’s legal career – the boat even features a custom decal where the ‘T’ in the name is formed by the scales of justice.

Bankruptsea quickly became the heart of many family gatherings and weekend adventures. When their daughters, who are now in their twenties, are home, they often join Derek and his wife for cruises down to Assateague Island, where wild ponies roam the beaches and chairs are set up in the sand for long, lazy afternoons.

The boat also shines for sunset cruises with friends. “Our street at the beach is full of people who love boating,” Derek said. “It’s not unusual for us to grab a handful of couples, load up some wine and hors d’oeuvres, and go anchor out in the bay to watch the sun go down. Those are some of our favorite memories.”

One of Derek’s favorite things about the Cobia 240 DC is its versatility and family friendly functionality all in a single package. “I call it a sport utility boat. We fish a little, but it’s mainly day cruising, island hopping, lunch runs, sunset cruises. It fits our lifestyle perfectly.”

Even the boat’s size worked out just right. Although Derek has occasionally dreamed about moving up to a Cobia 280 DC, the realities of lagoon living, where dock and lift sizes are constrained, make the 240 DC a perfect match. “With the 280’s extra beam and twin motors, I just couldn’t fit it on our lift,” he explained. “And in salt water, I really want the boat out of the water. So for now, the 240 DC is exactly what we need.”

For Derek, boating is more than just personal enjoyment: It’s a legacy he’s passed along to his daughters. Over the years, he’s taught them to run outboard motors, helped them earn their boating licenses, and shared countless days on the water together.

Even Derek’s friends and colleagues have caught the bug. After introducing a partner from his law firm to the Cobia 240 DC during an airshow cruise, she and her family were so impressed that they went out and bought their own Cobia 240 DC soon after.

“They saw how much better it was for the social side of boating,” Derek noted. “The table, the layout and the seating make it a great setup for creating memories with friends and family.”

Derek’s decision to choose Cobia wasn’t made on a whim. When he began the search for a dual console, he diligently looked at several brands, but found that he kept coming back to Cobia Boats.

“It was ultimately the combination of the boat’s features and its lines,” he said. “My wife preferred the Cobia’s layout and interior. And I have to agree. It’s a beautiful boat that’s incredibly well thought out.”

The Cobia 240 DC offers exactly what Derek and his family were looking for: an elegant, capable, and social boat that handles beautifully and turns every outing into a special occasion. We invite you to experience the 240 DC for yourself and to make your own memories onboard, just like Derek and his family. Contact your local Cobia dealer to schedule a walk through and a test sea trial or simply for more information, or build your own Cobia 240 DC today on our website.