1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

[paradiddle]

17' Cobia Odyssey 170 VBR Bow Rider in Very Good Condition, very well maintained: Boat, Motor and Trailer are 84' model year.
Was purchased in 2000 in Central Florida and is a fresh water boat, it has only been in saltwater about 10 times in it's life.
Boat has been restored

http://images.craigslist.org/01010901160201030420071214d02cf93fe0ed52ce6800f824.jpg

What do you think?

We live on Fla. gulf coast near sarasota. Plan on just pleasure cruising from boat ramp down the street thru intercoastal and salt water bays...

 

[jdshort98]

Re: 1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

You didn't mention an engine size, but even assuming it has a 115, the package value is only in the 2000 to 2500 range.
More importantly, don't put budget ahead of needs when shopping for a boat. This boat is only 16' long, and 7' wide. The waterways you plan to spend your free time boating on will offer you a bumpy rough ride. I would suggest looking for something at least 20 feet in length, and 8 feet wide.

If you are interested in this Cobia, ask the seller if you can take the boat to a third party, a technician for an inspection. Be sure to offer to pay for this service, as it would be your responsibility, consider it money well spent. Better to find out about a problem now, then after you own it!

Good luck!

 

[paradiddle]

Re: 1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

Actually it was only a 90 Hp Merc....

I was really looking for a 18-21 foot bow-rider with 150hp O/B $5000-$7500.

My buddy just got a new 21' Southwind deck boat with 150hp 4 stroke - yamaha.... Out of my price range but real nice...

I had been looking in my neighborhood as it is a big boating area. There are a lot of I/O for sale. Some nice ones like a 2004 18' WellCraft V-6 I/O for $8000 and a lot of questionable boats. I was told to stay away from used I/O as the maintenance is usually suspect especially in salt water. Also lots of shallow water and I guess the I/O's get stuck a lot.

I was also looking at Jet boats (Sea-doo's) but told that they were very rough in rough water and sucked up a lot of fuel.

This particular Cobia had a lot of work done but it is old and small...

So Value wise it's probably not worth 50% of asking price and I may want a larger boat anyway....

 

[jdshort98]

Re: 1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

What you were looking for, 18-21 ft with 150 o/b would be much better for where you plan to boat. I would not suggest the same boat as your buddy, you would be happier with a deeper Vee in that rougher water. You are on the right track!

Good luck!

 

[paradiddle]

Re: 1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

I have found it hard to find an OB in that price range..... even 115-125 hp....

 

[jdshort98]

Re: 1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

They do become available, but you have to move very fast. With the America dollar value dropping so low, most clean used boats get snapped up quickly, because of the over seas markets. Search the internet daily, and let some local dealers know what you are looking for. But be ready to move when one becomes available!

Good luck!

 

[Samvq1]

Re: 1st boat - Looking at 84 Cobia Bowrider $4500

I bought a 91 Cobia Monte Carlo 188 last weekend. The NADA value was listed as $2600. I ended up paying $3200 because it had some extras that were not listed in the advertisement. The boat was in excellent condition. I found it on craigs list. I had to drive about an hour to pick it up but it was worth it.