1996 19ft. Cobra Bass Boat
1995 175hp Johnson 4 blade prop
jack plate, power steering, Minnkota trolling motor thrust 65lbs, live wells, new carpet, cobra trailer with brakes, onboard charger, hot foot, two butt seats, rod box. Would this boat be worth 6500? its looks like what im looking for just wondering about the price?
I'm sure the guru's will be able to help ya out more but to me that sounds like a pretty good deal!
Justin...As far as the 1996 Cobra 188 is concerned, IMO, that is more than a fair price provided everything checks out. As with any used boat you need to check it out "with a fine tooth comb" from stem to stern, playing particular attention to the transom,stringers and rails for any cracks (not spider cracking, and don't be in a big hurry). It's imperative to have YOUR mechanic thoroughly check out the engine, especially one as old as you're looking at. There is no way to hook up a computer to determine how many hours are on it. This may cost you a hundred bucks or so, but it is well worth it. If you don't have the engine checked out and take the sellers word for it that it runs fine you could be in big trouble down the road...engine repairs aren't cheap; so it's better to spend a little now than a whole lot later. Also make sure you get an "on the water" demo ride, then switch and you drive it. Cobra's are very easy to drive and have virtually no chine walk. When getting that demo ride pay attention to any strange noises that you may hear coming from the engine at hole shot, mid-range and top end. Also, make sure YOUR mechanic checks out the electrical system, gauges, livewell pumps, locators, interior lights, batteries, etc. The Cobra is a solidly constructed boat with excellent attention to detail, so if you just rub your hand over the hull and bottom and don't feel anything amiss, you should be good to go. Another thing I would do is remove the little access door in the bilge area to further expose the transom and stringers. Make sure there are no soft or discolored areas, cracking, or loose stringers. Those boats, back then, were constructed of marine plywood, encapsulated with fibergalss and there's nothing wrong with that! They're built rock solid! The engine is the bigger issue! GET A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK-UP which should also include the following because your biggest concern MUST be the engine:
-Check the compression on each cylinder, making sure that each cylinder is at least 100 (higher the better)and all cylinders are within 10% of each other..
-Check the rod end play on each cyl.
-Make sure the VRO is functioning properly (Variable Ratio Oil) if it has one. Many people have disconnected that VRO system because they weren't overly reliable and mix the oil by hand...but that's up to you.
-Vacuum and pressure test the gearcase.
-Check the waterpump and thermostat operation.
-Check the over-heat buzzer for proper operation.
-Check the ignition for spark on all cylinders.
-Lube-change for the gearcase.
-Replace the impellor
-A good trained visual inspection
The trailer is made by EZ Loader in Midway, Arkansas and any part that you need or want to replace should not be a problem.
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
Backlash, thanks for the great and thorough response. the motor doesnt really bother me. i really only want the hull and trailer. i'll put one of my mercs on it. the owner tells me there is some spiderwebbing in the gel near the transom. i havent gone to look at the boat yet but that makes me question the hull. othere than that he says the hull is clean. im gooing to try go take a peak at it this week. thanks again for your help.
Justin
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