I will soon be in the market for a used boat. I like the looks of the Cobras even though you don't see many in my area. Need honest opinion on Cobras. Are they made anymore? Do they last? Are they a fast hull? Stable hull? Resale? Don't know if I could even find one close enough when I get ready to buy, but if I do-I want to know if I need to pull the trigger on it or not. Thanks in advance-
Eddie Riley
Preacher, I had the same questions as you when I was looking at a Cobra. No they aren't made anymore, but I was not too concerned over that. I must say the boat is very stable and handles extremely well; I love mine. I have an 18.8 190D with a 200 Opti and it will go 67 full torney load with 2 people, and a comfortable ride. To me, I think the boat is heavy and can easily be under powered if the right motor is not on it. I find the deck to be rather large. My friend has a 519, and both the forward and rear decks are larger in the Cobra. I have no regrets purchasing this boat. It rides well, and you don't pay the extra money because it says Ranger or Champ.
Well, just my opinion on them....
No they are not made anymore...
Yes they do last...well, at least my last two have....
Depends on what frame of reference you are using for fast...I think mine is a bit underpowered for a 22 foot hull, but it'll just touch 70 with me in it by myself with gear and a full tank...
stable....well, I can run that 70 I mentioned, take my hands off the wheel, fix a sandich, eat it, and never touch the wheel the whole time....definitely the most stable running boat I have ever owned...its one of the reasons I went back with a Cobra when I bought this one...my wife can get in it and drive it like she stole it, and have no problems.....and she does every Friday I have to work...her and her sister fish out of it....it is also a very stable fishing platform.....HUGE front deck, and does not rock side to side....
resale...probably crap....not being built anymore...no warranty on the hulls cause they are out....you are pretty much out there on your own if you buy one....not even a factory to call if you have a brand specific question.......but that just means to me that you are going to be able to get a great boat for a steal....
I found mine in TX....there are plenty of them around LA....
I bought the last Coral ever made... and I was well aware that the company had failed (twice in fact). I talked to enough people and read enough articles to make an informed decision on my purchase. I bought with no concerns... the boat was in excellent condition and will stay that way for many years given routine maintenance and proper care. The fact is, all of the accessories (electronics, motor, controls, etc.) are made by OEM's that will be in business for a long time. Those are the items that will fail if anything does. The boat itself was designed and built to last as long as any vehicle can be expected to.
The Good.......All around great boat. Ride and handling are tops, quality and attention to detail are top notch. Speed is in the eye of the beholder. You will need a 225 to hit the low, low 70's. I used to get 68-69 in my 201 with a 200 EFI.
The Bad........Company went under, not due to the boat but because of internal problems with management, long story, too long to rehash. Resale? Depends on the owner, I wouldn't sell mine at a discount, because if you want a Cobra there are limited ones available, but another owner might be willing to take a hit on the sale since they are no longer in production.
The Ugly.........Pretty much just the battery compartment. Otherwise it is all good.
If that is too much risk for you, take a look at the Legends, currently in production, extremely similar and the battery compartment is awesome! But you will pay for those facts. Good luck in your decision.
By the way, when I bought mine, I knew the company was in big trouble and I found a great used boat in Colorado. I live in Texas and made the trip to get the boat, so I guess you know where I stand on the very same concerns. This Sept. I have had the boat for 5 yrs. No regrets!!
Pretty much everything said here is right on. One thing to add though. Our boat is 12 years old..... and it still turns heads!
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JoeBro44 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">hire a midget (I charge $76 an hour) Get in there once and you'll know why
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tx 201 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
You know, when he asked for the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly......
I thought for sure 3 people on here would be named......
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AlanW »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You know, when he asked for the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly......
I thought for sure 3 people on here would be named......
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AlanW »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You know, when he asked for the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly......
I thought for sure 3 people on here would be named......
Well if 3 people WERE going to be named then I would be named as the GOOD one without a doubt
Thanks everyone. You have pretty much told me what I expected to hear. They are beautiful boats. There are not many of them here in Central LA where I live. I have probably only seen a couple of them over the years on the water. I have seen one for sale (at least a day's travel away) that I like. Price is decent-not too high but certainly not discounted much. One of my main concerns is resale. I hope to be able to get a newer boat in a couple of years and don't know how easily I will be able to get rid of it.
Whatever I decide-I can say that I do love the looks of the Cobras. You have some awesome rides. Thank all of you again and God bless-Eddie
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cleveland »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Well if 3 people WERE going to be named then I would be named as the GOOD one without a doubt
Butch Brotherton
Monticello, Iowa
2011 Nitro Z8 250 Mercury Pro XS
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cleveland »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Well if 3 people WERE going to be named then I would be named as the GOOD one without a doubt
Oh brother,
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
Cleveland, I personally wouldn't have named you because the list didn't include BEAUTIFUL
I don't know what's wrong with those other guys
( Larry, I hope you had time to get those hip waders on )
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AlanW »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Cleveland, I personally wouldn't have named you because the list didn't include BEAUTIFUL
I don't know what's wrong with those other guys
(Larry, I hope you had time to get those hip waders on )</TD></TR></TABLE>
Alan...hip boots????? Forget those, I'm going for my chest waders!
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
HEY thats my wife you are talking about
Backlash you could wear flip flops and be just fine here. no need for your waders
its ok honey I got your back on this one.
Clint...Oh brother, now you got her back! You know, if you shovel sh** into the tide, it's just going to wash back up all over your feet....and flip-flops won't protect ya!
I thought I would be on Easy Street by now but somehow I missed the off ramp!
yes BUT if you shovel sugar into the tide.................
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