Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

[jake069]

I'm looking for my first boat (well, I always took care of my parents) but <br />now I'm on my own and want to get my own boat. I took a power squadrons <br />class 11 years ago at the age of 15, So I have some experiance.<br /><br />I'm looking at 2 boats, What should I look for?<br /><br />Here's the cobia<br /> http://chicago.craigslist.org/boa/172665826.html <br />(I havent really heard anything GREAT about force)<br /><br />Here's the SEaray<br /> http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/7/84142867.htm <br />The motor doesnt look like a merc (arnt they black)<br /><br />TIA<br /><br /> Jake

 

[jevery]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

Personally I would lean toward the SeaRay/Merc combination. Sea Ray is a quality maunf, but Cobia may be as well, I'm not familiar with the brand. I'm personally not a fan of Force outboards. More importantly with older boats though is the overall condition of the boat - especially any wood. Check the floor, transom, and wood trim parts carefully for signs of softness. Try for a test drive if possible. There's no substitute for actually driving the boat for revealing any deficiencies. Good luck with your decision.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

boat wise and lay out i'd take the Cobia, but the force is a drawback. the searay looks like it has a honda or suzuki on it. better verify. the boats are both quality boats. there are a lot of each in Florida.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

the searay might have a mariner as mariners were silver. Looking at the shape of the cowl im almost sure it is a merc/mariner. Im with tash, i like the cobia boat itself better, but it doesn't appeal to me at all just because it has a force on it. I'd either keep looking or try to take the guy with the cobia down a little even though he is firm and rig with a newer merc, johnson, evinrude ect if you can afford it.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

looking again, could be a mariner.

 

[jake069]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

What do you guys not like aboout the searay? I just ask because I thought they were good boats, and I've never heard of cobia. The cobia owner sent me some pics a fewv of the seats are ripped, I have yet to hear back from the searay owner<br /><br />neither mariner or farce are in business still right?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

cobia's are very popular and relable boats in florida,(been around longer than Searay, since the '60s) well laid out and user friendly. it is a year newer, 1 1/2 feet longer, and $2500 less. 99% of the boats you find that age are going to have flaws in the upolstery. searays are just as nice but the name carries $$$. you can't drive the $$$. for $2500 you can have the seats repaired, sell force and hang a newer engine on it.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

Been in both boats. Both nice, but Searay is tough where you can't see it and it would be my preference.<br /><br />Sea Ray apparently contracted with Brunswick to build engines under their logo. I have seen them before at boat shows; Merc with different paint and cowling.....got them duded up kind of ritsy looking.<br /><br />Agree on the Force; personally wouldn't have one after having 2 Chryslers which is where Force came from.<br /><br />HTH,<br /><br />Mark

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

On second thought, Sea Ray, is now a division of Brunswick.....think I read that somewhere. So it's no wonder their top of the line boat gets a snazy looking engine. Also I believe the 45 mph, course don't expect to do that with 8 people in that boat; more like with 1.<br /><br />2 adults and 2 children or possibly 4 adults would make for a nice day on the lake....8????? bit much for me.<br /><br />Sorry,<br /><br />Mark

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

I think for the price the Cobia is a good deal..<br />Bigger and less money.You could always hang another motor on it later if it became a problem.<br />I could sell that boat in my area for 4500 or more easy..<br /><br />Let me know if you don't buy it.I'm going to Chicago in July,I may want to look at it.

 

[jake069]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

The guy with the cobia just emailed me a new price of 2700. I'm set up to see both boats tomarow.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

Sounds like a deal! Check the floor and stringers but it looked well cared for..<br />Thats what i paid for my 87 model...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

take 2500 cash. i bet he takes it.

 

[jake069]

Re: Looking at boats, need help, 97 cobia or 96 searay

thanks to everyone who responded