COBIA 280 DC User manual

1
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
280 DC Owner’s Manual
Revised September 2020

2
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Dear New Cobia Owner,
On behalf of Cobia Boats, I would like to
congratulate you on your purchase. We at Cobia
strive to build the best products possible and wish
you years of trouble-free enjoyment. There are
many things to know about the operation, care,
and maintenance of our products and the systems
we install in them. Please review all the applicable
information for your new boat. The more you
know, the more you will enjoy your new Cobia.
Again, a heartfelt thank you from myself and the
whole Cobia Family.
Scott Deal
President and CEO

3
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Table of Contents
Cobia 280 DC Specifications ...............................................................................................................4
Pre-Operation Checklist.........................................................................................................................5
Maintenance & Cleaning .....................................................................................................................6
Engine Break-In Period ...........................................................................................................................7
Helm & Command Link Gauges .........................................................................................................8
Fuel-Water Separator & Drain ..............................................................................................................9
Bilge ...........................................................................................................................................................10
Systems......................................................................................................................................................11
Cockpit Courtesy Lights .......................................................................................................................12
Battery Switch and Main Distribution Panel ...................................................................................13
Ladder & Props.......................................................................................................................................14
Fuel System ..............................................................................................................................................15
Self-Bailing Cockpit & Livewell ...........................................................................................................16
Anchor Locker ........................................................................................................................................17
Standard Features .................................................................................................................................18
Bench Seats & Ski Box...........................................................................................................................20
Waste System..........................................................................................................................................22
Optional Features ..................................................................................................................................25
Cobia 280 DC Deck Wire Harness.....................................................................................................30
Cobia 280 DC Hull Wire Harness ........................................................................................................31
Cobia 280 DC Hardtop Wire Harness...............................................................................................32
Cobia 280 DC Kitchen Wiring A (120 VAC MDP)..........................................................................33
Cobia 280 DC Kitchen Wiring B .........................................................................................................34
Cobia 280 DC Sanitation System.......................................................................................................35
Cobia 280 DC Water Supply System ................................................................................................36
Cobia 280 DC Deck Drain System ....................................................................................................37
Cobia 280 DC Fuel System ..................................................................................................................38
Upholstery Care & Cleaning Guide..................................................................................................39
Warranty...................................................................................................................................................40

4
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Cobia 280 DC Specifications
L.O.A......................................................................................................................27’ 07”
BEAM......................................................................………………….…....................9’ 08”
DRAFT...........................................................................................................................23”
WEIGHT W/O ENGINE......................................................................................5,680 LBS.
FUEL CAPACITY.................................................................................................172 GAL.
DEADRISE @ TRANSOM......................................................................................21 DEG.
MAXIMUM H.P............................................................................................................500
TRANSOM HEIGHT…………………………………..…...…….……………..……25” TWINS
MAXIMUM CAPACITIES..........................................................8 PERSONS OR 1,200 LBS
COCKPIT SQUARE FOOTAGE…………………………………………………..45.2 SQ. FT.
BRIDGE CLEARANCE ……………………99.2 IN AT LIGHTSHIP, 95.4 IN AT FULL LOAD
Livewell
Anchor Locker
Bow Seating
Ski Box
(under hard top)
Fuel Fill
Bilge Access
Console
(under hard top)

5
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Pre-Operation Checklist
We recommend you print this document and store it at the helm station.

6
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Maintenance & Cleaning
Maintenance
Cobia advises owners that maintenance and repairs should be performed at an
authorized Cobia Dealer. The following information is general in nature and should not
be considered a repair manual or guidelines set forth by Maverick Boat Group.
Cleaning
Each Cobia boat is constructed using the finest materials and components available.
However, no material is immune to the ravages of the saltwater environment. After each
use, your boat should be thoroughly washed using fresh water. To avoid water spots, dry
your vessel using a soft cloth. A fiberglass wax may be used to preserve the luster of the
hull.
Thorough and routine cleanings of your stainless fittings are required to maintain their
appearance. After each use of your boat, clean stainless fittings using fresh water and a
mild soap. Dry fittings completely. A wax or polish may be applied after cleaning. Any
rust must be removed as soon as possible to prevent irreversible damage to your vessel
and/or its components. A light coat of lubricant on metal railing, screws and electrical
connections will help prevent electrolysis. The same holds true for your trailer. Refer to
page 39 for upholstery care and cleaning instructions.

7
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Engine Break-In Period
Engine Break-In Period
New engines require a period of break-in to allow the surfaces of the moving parts to
mate evenly. Different engines require different break-in periods and methods. For
instructions on break-in methods, refer to your Yamaha Engine Owner’s Manual for the
correct break-in procedures and times for your model engines.
Engine Stop Switch
If activated, the spring-loaded engine stop switch
will automatically shut down the engine during
emergency situations to prevent uncontrolled or
unattended operation. Certain emergency
conditions (e.g., turbulent water, wakes,
unanticipated movement) may impair a person’s
ability to operate the craft safely. The switch, located
on the helm, must have the safety lanyard attached
at its base. This activates the protective shutdown
circuitry.
Securely attach the other end of the lanyard to the operator of the boat. If the operator
moves, falls or is at an unsafe distance from the steering wheel, tension on the lanyard
will pull it from the switch. When the lanyard is removed, the engine stop switch is
released and automatic engine shutdown occurs.
Engine Stop Switch
DANGER:
An engine stop switch system that is not used or does not function
properly can cause death or serious injury. DO NOT operate the boat if
the engine stop switch system does not function properly. Go to a
Cobia Dealer to have this resolved immediately.
The lanyard should be securely attached to the boat operator at all times that
the engine is on.

8
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Helm & Command Link Gauges
Switch Panel & Helm
At the helm of your Cobia, you have a main
switch panel, which is located to the right of the
steering wheel. This panel controls your lights,
horn, accessories, livewell, and your bilge.
When a switch is in the “on” position, its tip is
illuminated. This alerts you that the associated
accessory should be functioning and also
reminds you to turn it off during boat
shutdown. When the “NAV” light switch is in the “on” position, the labels for the
switches will be illuminated. To the right of the steering wheel you may have your two
trim tab switches, which are standard on the 280 Dual Console. The boat also comes
standard with a compass mounted on top of the console.
Command Link Gauges
Yamaha’s new 6YC Command Link gauge comes
standard on your new Cobia. This gauge allows
access to more information and is user-selectable so
you can choose the functions displayed. Speed data
can be displayed from a pitot tube, Triducer, or
NMEA protocol GPS unit. To learn the gauge’s full
functionality, refer to your Yamaha engine owner’s
manual located in the Cobia Duffel Bag.
Cobia Duffel Bag
Along with your boat, you received a Duffel Bag with your new Cobia. Inside the Duffel
Bag are the following items:
oLarge Livewell Standpipe
oShort Livewell Standpipe
o1.5” Livewell Pacifier Plug
o2 ignition Keys and Emergency Kill Cord /Engine Stop Lanyard
oEngine Start Cord
oVarious Accessories Manuals
Helm & Switch Panel
Yamaha Command Link Gauge

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Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Fuel-Water Separator & Drain
Fuel-Water Separator
Two Yamaha Fuel - Water Separators are installed
between the fuel tank and engine on your 280 DC
model. The new, improved 10-micron filter
provides superior filtration ahead of the engine's
on-board filters and injectors. Large filtering and
water capture areas maximize filtration while
maintaining adequate flow rate for larger engines.
The fuel separator can be checked by removing it
from the mounting bracket and dumping it into an
approved waste collection device. If there appears to be an excessive amount of water,
the filter component should be replaced. See your authorized Cobia Dealer for
replacement parts. Refer to Fuel System diagram, page 38.
Garboard Drain Plug
The garboard drain plug is the small metal plug located at
the lowest point on the hull, at the bottom of the transom
right above the keel. The drain has been designed so that it
can be loosened by hand while the hull is out of the water
for draining. This allows the plug to stay in contact with
the surrounding frame so you’ll never misplace or lose it. You can completely remove
the insert by pulling back and continue turning in a counter-clockwise motion. It is
manufactured with a rubber seal in place to ensure your bilge is watertight. Always
make sure before putting the boat in the water that this plug is hand tightened firmly.
Excess water in the bilge may be an indication of a problem with this plug or the
automatic bilge pump. Refer to the Water Drain System diagram on page 37.
Maintenance Note: Yamaha recommends replacing the 10-
micron fuel filter on new boats after the first 10 hours or 1 month of
operation and every 50 hours or every 6 months thereafter. In
areas of high humidity where water in fuel supplies is a problem or
extensive engine operation occurs, more frequent replacement
may be necessary.
Fuel-Water Separator
Drain Plug

10
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Bilge
Bilge
The bilge of your Cobia should always be
checked before and after a launch. While
checking the bilge, note that a small amount
of water in the bilge is normal. However, a
large amount of water or any signs of fuel or
oil requires immediate attention. If such a
situation exists, the boat should be
taken to a certified marine technician
immediately. Never pump fuel or oil
overboard while your boat is in the water.
Large quantities of water in the bilge may be an indication of a leak or that the bilge
pump and/or automatic float switch is not functioning properly due to a jam, clog or
electrical issue. The automatic float switch is wired to the hot side of the battery switch
through the “BILGE” fuse at the battery switch panel. When functioning properly, the
float switch activates the bilge pump to pump water overboard once water in the bilge
reaches a level that submerges the switch.
If the bilge pump does not come on when the float switch is submerged, attempt to
manually turn it on through your switch panel. If the bilge pump comes on and
evacuates the water, it is clear that the float switch is not functioning properly. If the
bilge pump does not come on via the switch panel, check the breaker panel inside the
console to see if a breaker has been tripped. If the breaker has been tripped, reset it and
turn the switch on again, listening for the bilge pump to turn on. Additionally, the
automatic float switch has an independent fuse located by the batteries.
If the bilge pump fails to turn on, turn the battery switch to the OFF position, then
unhook the bilge pump from its cradle by pressing down on the blue tabs on the cradle
and gently turning the top of the pump. You will feel the pump release from the cradle.
The entire bilge pump and wiring should release from the cradle. After removing the
pump, check the underside and impeller areas for miscellaneous items that might clog
the pump. If any obstructions are present remove the debris and set the pump back into
the cradle. Once set back in the cradle, press the blue tab down and rotate the pump
Bilge Pump and Float Switch

11
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
until you feel it snap back in place. Once this is completed you can try to turn the pump
on again.
If the bilge pump still does not turn on, it likely needs to be replaced. It is not
recommended to use your boat if the bilge pump and/or float switch are not functioning
properly.
Systems
280 Ball Valves
Ball valves can be used to serve several purposes. They
allow seawater to enter the boat, in the case of livewells,
and they also act as a safeguard to stop water from
entering. To tell which position a ball valve is in,
open or closed, look at the valve and determine the
direction of flow. When the ball valve handle is in the
same position as the direction of flow, the valve is in
the “OPEN” position. When the ball valve handle
appears to cross the direction of flow, the valve is in
the “CLOSED” position.
280 Deckdrain System
The deckdrain system is equipped with 1 1/2” thru hull fittings through the aft port and
starboard hull sides. These fittings have to be installed lower than the drains in the
cockpit floor so that gravity will allow the cockpit to drain free of water. This puts these
fittings very close to the water line of the hull. These drains are rigged with ball valves
that can be opened and closed to control the flow of water. The ball valves can be
accessed through the pie eyes on the port starboard side of the transom. In the open
position, these ball valves will allow water to flow freely from the cockpit, thus making
the boat “self-bailing”. When closed, no water will be allowed to travel to or from the
cockpit. Refer to page 37 for the Deck Drain System diagram.
Note: Your bilge pump is equipped with an anti-airlock nozzle that
exhausts any air that may cause the pump to air lock. It is normal to
see mist or spray escaping while the pump is running as it is still
functioning properly. (Refer to Hull Wire Harness diagram, page 31).

12
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
280 Livewell Pump Assembly
The livewell pump assembly is composed of a scoop
strainer mounted to the bottom of the hull, a thru
hull fitting, ball valve assembly, and the pump. As
you can see, the ball valve assembly is in the
“OPEN” position. This is the correct position for
the operation of the livewell. (Refer to Hull Wire
Harness diagram, page 31).
Cockpit Courtesy Lights
Cockpit Courtesy Lights
The cockpit comes equipped with three L.E.D. courtesy lights installed at the factory. On
the switch panel located to the right of the steering helm, the second switch to the right
operates the cockpit courtesy lights. The courtesy lights are mounted on the port and
starboard sides of the console, as well as at the front of the cockpit. These lights
illuminate the entire cockpit. (Refer to Deck Wire Harness diagram, page 30).
Livewell Pump Assembly in the “OPEN” Position
Diagram of LED Cockpit Courtesy Lights

13
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Battery Switch and Main Distribution
Panel
Battery Switch and Main Distribution Panel
The battery switches and main distribution panel are located on the inboard wall of the
helm station. The battery switches are labeled to correspond with each battery and the
component it powers. Each engine has its own battery and there is a house battery that
powers the boat’s other electrical systems. In the event that there is a second house
battery on board, this battery will be tied to the house battery switch. The “emergency
parallel” switch parallels the two cranking batteries and should only be used to crank the
engines if one of the engine cranking batteries does not have sufficient power to crank
its associated engine. When the boat is not being used for a prolonged period, it is
recommended to leave all battery switches in the “off” position to ensure that the
batteries are not drained due to minor current flows.
The forward and aft bilge pumps and stereo memory breakers, located at the top right of
the panel, are on 24-hour circuits and will receive power at all times even with the house
battery switch in the off position. This ensures that the bilge pumps and float switches
will remain operational at all times unless the house battery loses all power. There is an
additional 24-hour circuit with a 15-amp breaker labeled “ACC” left open for adding an
accessory appropriate to 24-hour operation. To reset any of these breakers simply push
in the button associated with the involved component.
Directly below the 24-hour “ACC” breaker is the windlass
breaker. This is a gate style breaker. When the circuit is open
or the breaker is “popped”, a yellow tab will show in the recess
just below the bar with the red button. Simply push the free
end of the yellow tab back up inside the bar until it catches.
The circuit is now closed and the windlass should be receiving
power from the house battery. To open the circuit, simply
press the red button.
At the bottom of the distribution panel and to the left of the
windlass breaker are the breakers for the forward table, power
steering, electronics, helm panel, stereo amp (if applicable)
and aft hatch. All these components run off the house battery
(s). If popped these breakers will show red in the window
Battery Switch (Shown in the Off Position)

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Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
below the “OFF” label on the left side of the switch. To reset push in the right side of the
switch, “ON”, so that it is flush with the panel. The bottom right breaker, “ACC”, is a 50-
amp breaker left open for adding an appropriate 50-amp accessory.
It is important that all breakers match the amperage requirements of their associated
components. The back of the breakers are labeled with their amperages and can be
viewed by looking at the back of the panel as accessed through the battery access door
on the front of the leaning post. Access to these breakers can be found through the
battery access door.
Ladder & Props
Stainless Boarding Ladder
This Cobia model comes standard with a telescoping stainless-steel boarding ladder
integrated into the port aft platform area. This provides a stepping area while the ladder
is in the up position. Once the ladder is down and in the extended position, close the lid
cover for safe and secure entry and exit via the ladder. When washing off your boat at
the end of the day make sure to extend the ladder and wash it off as well, making sure to
dry it completely before stowing. Leaving saltwater in the telescoping tubes may lead to
corrosion and affect the useful life of your ladder.
DANGER:
No passenger should attempt to enter or exit the boat by
the ladder or by any other means while the engine is on.

15
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Props
Prop selection on your Cobia is determined by your local
Cobia Dealer, but all props are based on recommendations
from Cobia Boat Company and Yamaha Marine in order to
give your boat maximum overall performance. The needs of
your prop will determine the prop design and size that best
fits your performance requirements. Always inspect the
engine and prop prior to launching your boat with the engine
off. Key prop issues include tangled fishing line or other types
of debris, cracked blades or fluid leaking out of the seal. Look
for fishing line tangled around the prop or lower unit seal.
Consult your Yamaha Owner’s Manual to address these issues.
Fuel System
Fuel System
This Cobia comes equipped with a 172-gallon fuel
cell stationed below the leaning post between the
stringer system. The fuel fill receptacle is on the port
gunnel. Every fuel tank is pressure tested at the
factory before and after installation. Should you
experience any fuel related problems or suspect
problems with the fuel system, immediately take
your boat to a Cobia Dealer. (Refer to Fuel System
Diagram, page 38).
DANGER:
Do not smoke while filling the tank. Be sure to turn off the engines
and all electrical equipment when fueling the boat to prevent
accidental discharges of static electricity. Use only the
recommended gasoline (see Yamaha Owner’s Manual). Do not
use fuels with alcohol or alcohol related derivatives that can
cause marine fuel system hoses to deteriorate.
Fuel Fill Receptacle
Engine Prop

16
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Self-Bailing Cockpit & Livewell
Self-Bailing Cockpit
The cockpit on the Cobia 280 DC is designed to be self-bailing,
meaning that all the water that comes into the cockpit will be directly
drained overboard. This keeps the boat from acquiring standing
water and allows the boat to drain at all times, including while the
boat is docked. (Refer to Water Drain diagram, page 37).
Water drains into the fish boxes on either side of the rear deck space
and then drains overboard through the side of the hull independently. None of this
water is drained into the bilge. Refer to page 11 for operation of the ball valve associated
with this system.
The bilge is designed to drain any water entering the inside of the hull. All hoses are
sealed and double clamped during construction. Continuous or periodic running of the
automatic bilge pump may be an indication of a hose leak or break in a seal and should
be investigated by a Cobia Dealer immediately. Refer to page 10 for further information
regarding bilge pump operation and maintenance.
Livewell System
The livewell system, standard on your Cobia
280, is designed to keep your baitfish alive and
strong for as long as possible. This livewell
provides a cool, clean, and oxygenated
environment that allows you to keep your
baitfish alive for long periods of time. To
efficiently operate your livewell, the following
steps should be taken:
1. Open livewell hatch.
2. Install stand-up pipe snugly.
3. Ensure livewell pump ball valve is in open position.
4. Turn on livewell switch.
Cockpit Drain
Livewell

17
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
The livewell operates by pumping fresh seawater from the pump through an aerator
head into the livewell. Drainage is achieved through the grate on the top of the
standpipe, which, when unobstructed, will limit the water level to the standpipe’s
highest point. A shorter standpipe can be used to keep less water in the well. This
constant drainage keeps up water flow and allows for the removal of ammonia from the
livewell, therefore extending the life of your baitfish. To drain the livewell, switch off the
pump, close pump ball valve, and remove standpipe.
Anchor Locker
Anchor Locker/Rode Storage
The anchor locker is located at the bow of the boat and is accessible through the anchor
locker door or hatch. There is an eye mounted to the bow eye to secure your anchor rode
or chain to. After setting your anchor, the excess rode can remain stored in the locker.
The notch supplied in the door allows you to securely close the locker by aligning your
rode through the notch.
Anchor Locker

18
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Standard Features
Trim Tabs
Bennett trim tabs are standard on your new Cobia. External
electric trim tabs can enhance the performance of your boat.
The tabs are electric and therefore do not require a trim tab
pump. By not having a pump there is no possibility of fluid
leaks from a pump.
Trim tabs allow for maximum boat performance and are
great for balancing weight in the boat. They also allow the
boat operator to lift or lower the hull to accommodate for
different running situations.
For the operation of trim tabs note that the port trim tab switch will affect the port side
of the boat, and the starboard switch will affect the starboard side. To lower a particular
side, press the top of the corresponding switch down. Pressing the top of both switches
down will lower the bow evenly. To raise the bow; press the bottom of the
corresponding switch.
Windshield
The windshield on the 280 DC can fold to either fit in either an open or closed position.
The open position allows for an easy walkway to and from the bow, while if it is closed it
can sit securely for long runs. Use the tabs on the walkthrough glass panel to secure it
closed to the other side in the event of rough water or while trailering.
Trim Tab
Windshield in the open position
Windshield in the closed position

19
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Standard Freshwater Shower
The 25-gallon fresh water tank on your new Cobia can be
filled at the cap labeled “WATER” on the starboard
transom next to the walk-thru door. The hose nozzle is
on the starboard aft bulkhead. To pressurize the system,
flip the switch labeled “FRESH WATER” on the switch
panel at the helm. You can leave this switch in the ON
position while the boat is in use. The pump has an
internal pressure switch that allows the pump to turn on
and off as needed.
In the colder months of the year, it’s advisable to drain the fresh water system and
winterize by adding a non-toxic antifreeze to the system. Run the antifreeze through the
system by opening up the spray in the shower nozzle until antifreeze is delivered
through the nozzle.
Salt Water Wash-Down
Raw-water wash-down is standard on the 280 dual console model. The pump is located
in the bilge aft of the livewell pump and is accessible through the splash well hatch. To
operate, hook a hose to the raw water receptacle on the port rear bulkhead above the
drains. Flip the switch labeled “Saltwater”. The pump will pressurize the system with
raw water. Once the system is pressurized, the pump will shut itself off with an internal
pressure switch and will switch itself back on as you demand water. Be careful to only
spray gel-coated fiberglass surfaces with saltwater and avoid all other areas. Always
rinse your boat with freshwater as soon as you return to the dock or home if the boat is
being trailered.
Fresh Water Shower
Raw Water Receptacle
Raw Water Pump

20
Maverick Boat Group
3207 Industrial 29th St. • Fort Pierce, Florida 34946
(772)-465-0631 •cobiaboats.com
Bench Seats & Ski Box
Aft Bench Seat
The Cobia 280 DC has an innovative aft bench which can be positioned two different
ways. In the compact position, the seat leaves more room on the deck by resting the
bottom cushion in a vertical position. While in this position, the transom is made more
easily accessible. While in the upright position, the bench provides enough space to seat
multiple passengers comfortably.
Ski Box
To allow for maximum
efficiency of space, the Cobia
280 DC features a compartment
built into the floor of the boat,
port of the helm. It can hold an
array of items due to the large
amount of space it offers while
still allowing for easy movement
around the deck over top of it.
This box drains into the bilge.
Aft bench seat in the upright position
Aft bench seat in the compact position
Closed ski box
Open ski box