1995 Viper 201D W/225 EFI. It will be replacing my 1995 Javelin 379DC. Pros/Cons anything I should be aware of. Thank you in advance for any replies. This will be my second bass boat, so I am new to this. I dont want to go to the dealer Saturday un- informed.
Ray, I believe that's the first year that Viper Boats, Inc. made the Cobra and the hull was splashed by John Storie from a Ranger hull. He's had his hand in other bassboats as well like the Fischer Fiberglass, Hawk, Cobra, Legend, and a few others. It's a good solid boat and depending on its condition and price it would certainly be a boat to consider. Check to see if it has hydraulic steering. The Viper stripe on that boat I believe was a solid one, later it became "cut" into sections and today it's gone back to more of a solid stripe again. The 201 Cobra was the "Flagship" model of the Viper line. Today it's the Cobra 216 but they didn't produce that boat back in 1995. Cobra's are built rock solid but be sure to check it out good as with any used boat. Drive it and be sure to have a mechanic of your choice check out the engine and all the electronics. If it doesn't have hydraulic steering, you want IT and use that as a bargaining position when negotiating the price.
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
SOME of the 95s had some hull problems. My brother cratered out a hull on his 95 188, but Viper was good to replace it for him. I would bet if you get under it and can't find any weak/repaired areas, then it should be fine. I would bet if it has made it this long, you are probably looking at one that wasn't a problem.
You will like the boat and motor if both check out. Welcome to the club!
I have a 1995 Viper 188,bought it new and it still looks great. You'll like it
the early 95 201 had stringer and transom knee brace problems. several boats came apart at these points. cobra warrantied most of them, but a dealer here had several that charles lunas refused to fix. check in bilge area,for loose glass. easy to get to,open battery compartment, center floor panel lifts out, and then you can see stringers and braces. mine broke when i hit something and cobra swapped my 95 for a 99 plus my insurance check, i guess lucky is better than smart. chuck
MoChuck
Well....????? Did it check out? Can we welcome a new owner to the Cobra Family? Everyone here is a pretty good group, you just have to ignore Cleveland from time to time!
(She'll probably get on here pretty soon and then you'll understand why.
unfortunatly I cannot tell you. I have personally made three phone calls, but they are to busy to call back, so I am just going to wait for a month or so, really tired of making one after another phone calls to dealers that do not have time to talk. The one that gives me the time of day, WILL get my business I guarentee you that. Ill let you know if I ever get an appointment to look at it though.
I've been there. It's how I got my boat. I origionally was going to buy a brand new Nitro but I called and talked to the dealler three times and they would never call back. The last time I told the guy I already had a check for 25K. I guess buisness is so good he can be selective of who he wants to take 25K from. Anyway, I bought a used Viper for less than half of the new Nitro plus I got an extra 2ft of boat and 50 more HP. So it all worked out for the better!!!
Beater boats catch fish too... It's what I have to tell myself right now...
Reply With Quote