Choices

[Mac Town Fuzz]

I've long been a fan of the cobra boats and finally find myself in the position to actually buy one. I've always heard you should buy the max HP for the boat. With that being said, here's my delima.

I've found two 1998 201D's for sale. Both have Johnson outboards, one a 200, the other a 225. The boat with the 200 has older lowrance electronics, both at the dash and front deck. The boat with the 225 has no electronics. Both boats are the same price, appear to be in very similar condition, both recently had new carpet, seats recovered, etc.

I'm currently fishing a 14 ft flatbottom jon with a merc 15 hp, so anything is going to be a unbelievable improvement for me.

My question I'm hoping you can help me with is how much of a different is there between the Johnson 200 and 225? Is it worth getting the larger outboard knowing I'll have to buy electronics, or is the better deal the boat that's ready to go right away?

[Backlash Ar]

What kind of eletronics on that one 201D? Does one of the units have GPS? What kind of engines on the two boats, carburated or EFI's? Do both boats have a jackplate? Age of batteries and tires? In 1998, 200hp was the minimum recommendation for a Cobra 201D with the upper end being unlimited. If your electronics need to be updated and with all else being equal, then it's a no brainer, get the bigger engine. However, and I can't emphasis this enough, before purchasing any used rig I strongly recommend you have a <u>certified</u> technition check out the engine.

[Tx 201]

My brother had a '96 with a Johnson 225 Limited Finger Port Injection motor on it. If I remember right, the only difference was some carb work from the 200 to the 225.

However, I have a 200 Merc EFI on the back of my 201. Aside from recent issues with trying to get some bugs worked out, my 200 Merc would walk away from his 225. In fact, we have several Cobras in this area and I could out run or at least run with any of them. There were a lot of 74 mph Cobras, but side by side and GPS seemed to be different. I ran a true 68-69 once I got GPS on the boat and had all my crap in it.
I think you drive each one and see which one feels stronger and forget about the number on the side of the cowling. Then spend the money to have a mechanic test the motor, compression and leak down tests are top priority.

[Mac Town Fuzz]

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I have been dreaming about upgrading my jon for years and have a list of questions and requirements before I buy, the most important being a full inspection by a certified mechanic. Hopefully in the near future I'll be posting pics of my new boat.

[Darth VMAX]

Must be a sick LE OMC. There is NO EFI MErc/MAriner going to walk away from the fingerported LE 200's...unless you are racing past a gas pump. The OMC will have to stop then....

[Psychologist]

I have a nice 1999 201D with 2006 ProXS. Engine has 225 hours on it. Look at it under the for sale section. Hydraulic jackplate, Minn Kota 82 with lift assist, and Humminbird 931C. I do run 74 GPS!