New 1990 Bayliner Cobra 1904 Owner

[KBHicks88]

I am now a new and first time proud owner of a 1990 Cobra 1904 with the original 150hp Force Outboard. this boat was a perfect buy for our family of six, seats all of us comfortable and still allows the wife and I to get some fishing in with out the children. I did purchase it at a lower price I feel considering it being lake ready and has already been on the water with the family aboard ($2500), but of couse there are still A few items that have to be repaired before hitting the water again (horn, bilge pump, livewell pump, etc...) All in all I have really fallen in love with the boat and look forward to all our time on the water, but I just can't find any information on this boat.

I was curious to see just how many other Cobra owners we might have here on the forums, and if you might have found any information in regards this model, or possibly any replacement parts, or vinyl replacement covers ect. Or just how exactly this vinyl top that came with it is suppose to go together. Thank you everyone, and in look forward to being a member here and learning more and more from everyone

 

[RGrew176]

I would recommend that you check out the Bayliner Owners Club.

You will get a lot of great information there from people who are Bayliner owners.

 

[fishin98]

I agree with RGrew176, although you will find a lot of great information here, use both forums to your advantage. Have a Happy and Safe Boating Season!

 

[Bob_VT]

Congratulations on being a first time boat owner! That is a sharp looking boat.

For you - any of the repair items and assistance can be found here on iboats. Check out the store for your replacement needs.

For your family - make sure you have the correct PFD's for everyone. You are in charge so lay out the rules.

I see the boat is sitting on a tandem trailer - be certain to check your wheel bearings and the winch strap. Since the boat is 1990 I would guess the winch strap might be the same. (Yes, from experience I have had them break when re-loading a boat)

Ask any questions you like. If you already have a boating certificate that is great (Review the rules) and if not take a class before the season really sets in. LOL here in VT our season starts in LATE May early June........ I am jealous of the warmer climates.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

That is one sleek looking boat. I have never owned a Cobra but you have some great information above. My number 1 rule in boating is safety, #2 rule, safety.

What I can suggest is I wouldn't worry about getting a live well repaired. Unless you are into catch and release in tournaments a live well isn't necessary. We fish hard here and if we keep a few fish for the table just fill a few large pop bottles with water and freeze them. Lay the frozen bottles on top of the fish and they will come out much better than sitting in warm water in a dead well for hours. Getting to the live well pumps under the floor can be a chore. If a check valve fails or a line leaks we just get the proper plugs for the drains and plug them. I would think your #1 job will be getting the bilge working.

Since this is your first boat decide what is the proper way for you to launch and load the boat. Make a check list and follow it, if someone is helping you go back and check everything yourself until you trust them with your life, you are the Capt. An Airline pilot has his or her co-pilot to do flight checks but they always verify for themselves. I asked my co-pilot if the drain plug was in and she said yes, the problem was the plug was in the plug holder and not in the drain hole!!! Now I want to see and feel it for myself. Don't use the tab plugs get yourself a screw type plug and a spare.

 

[plenty of fish]

I agree with RGrew176. That is a great sit for Bayliner owners.

 

[Frank Acampora]

HINT: The 150 is a very large 5 cylinder engine that uses the same starter as the other Force 3 and 4 cylinder engines. Because of this, the starter is maximum capacity when starting the engine. It is imperative that you maintain a battery in extremely good condition or the engine will turn over too slowly to start. If left sitting for a while and the engine simply will not crank fast enough, remove the spark plugs and add a bit of premix to each cylinder. This loosens up the oil a bit and with the plugs back in the engine may start and run.

 

[KBHicks88]

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome, and I will be sure to check out the Bayliner club as well. I will try and upload a few more photos of the Cobra now that we have it at the house and cleaned out.

BobVT - Safety is always the number one rule in our family, PFD have been purchased and the children are learning to like the snug feel, lol. As far as the winch goes, it has already made it onto the "replace me" list. The second loading we had, the catch failed when pulling out of the water. Lucky I had already set the safety chain, and noticed it quickly, but it will for sure be replaced ASAP! As far as the boating season, I would go nuts having to wait that long, I really enjoy our Texas weather when it comes to our outdoor seasons.

OLDIRONMAKER - The bilge pump is definitely on the must happen before hitting the water again list. The only reason I would like to replace the livewell pump is due to the redneck engineering plug the previous owner put in when the pump broke. Since it is a through the transom pump and easy to reach I figure I will go ahead and get it replaced. As far at the plug goes, this model has the 1/2" threaded plug, and I have placed an extra two along with Teflon tape in the glove box for whenever they may be needed.

Frank - Thank you sir, I am slowly learning about this motor, slowly slowly since it has been fun trying to find any information on it online.