Re: 1965 COBIA sSEA QUEEN
Wo-Hoo! Jackpot #2. I just picked up a '65 Cobia Sea Queen a couple of weeks ago. I've been digging for ANYTHING on this one and have come up empty but for here and one other time. My other jackpot; I e-mailed Cobia and got this reply:
I recently purchased a boat, a 1965 Cobia 16’ cuddy. The registration lists it as a Cobia, and there are several Cobia nameplates fastened to it. However, the capacity plate clearly indicates “Built by Southern Fiber Glass Products”. There is also a question as to whether it is a 1965 or a 1963. I have enclosed pictures of the tags. The boat will be requiring a total overhaul, likely down to the original hull. I am attempting to find anything I can about this boat before I begin the rehab. It has obviously undergone modifications over the years.
I did find a 2001 obituary for Harold Slama who was indicated to be the founder of three boat companies: Cobia Boats, Southern Fiberglass Products and Modern Fiberglass. I assume from this that while there may be a relationship, Cobia and Southern Fiberglass were either separate companies or one may be an offshoot of the other. Is there any archived information that may shed some light on this boat? Construction information that might assist in the reconstruction? Old sales brochures that may indicate the original layout or options? I am interested in anything to help with the restoration.
Thanks,
Chris Sendker
A great old model one that put Cobia on the map year's ago.
Southern Fiberglass was the original company then they changed the name to Cobia boat co.Modern Fiberglass was the co that made the shrimp boats, same owner.
The serial numbers were not coded in those years like they are to day, but that model G-17 Sea Queen cruiser does show up in 1965.We can send you a photo copy of the brochure if that would help.
Greg Weston
Cobia Boats
3207 Industrial 29th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Yours is showroom quality compared to mine. Look at some pics of mine:
My floor is totally shot. You can't make it out in the pic, but so are the stringers. I know this because I can see them through the big hole in the floor:
The transom is junk:
The cabin is a disaster:
The PO painted the OB black, yuck:
All electrical & controls are history:
Basically I bought a hull, crappy trailer & a possibly functioning OB.
Bill-
That's an inspiration you have there, a beautiful boat. I haven't recieved the brochure from Cobia yet, do you have any pics of the interior, cabin, etc? Any more on your floor replacement project? Mine is a mess and I have no idea what is was supposed to look like or how it was constructed. Your description sounds like is is a bit different than what I was imagining.
I'm currently in the middle of a full resto of a 1970 Luger 14' Runabout (floor, transom, stringers, etc; the usual...). I've always liked the older cuddy's and this one popped up close by. I wasn't ready for it, but I couldn't resist. It's winter here in Buffalo, so new glasswork is on hold until spring (I'm working on it outside). If I can wrap up the fabbing of the pieces-parts for my Luger, maybe I'll swap it out and start tearing apart my Cobia.
Anything that anyone has on these would be greatly appreciated...
Thanks!