Cobra

[jambo]

Looking for some info on this make as I have no knowledge and I have a mate that asked my opinion.

[Sutty]

Oooooooh, don’t even go there

[Jeff]

I am a happy Cobra owner :-) On my 2nd but to some degree it depends on the age and spec of the boat your pal is looking at.
Plenty of fans and critics as with lots of marques - may be marmite RIBs?
Up to 2006 they were made by Dave Picton in Bridgend and post that, in Dorset when he sold out. The originals are a heavy build up with later ones allegedly a lighter build with some claimed hull flexing in dry stacks - I have no first hand knowledge of these or the 'claims' or know if there is any truth in it. Seating and storage space is good
There have been some minor developments to the hull profile/spray rail arrangements over the years and a very nasty accident with a high powered version a few years ago
Both mine were 'HD' spec (no fancy bow cushions, rear bench seating or moulded deck)
The Welsh ones well built but with very poor electrical installations.
Wide beam, deep V and need plenty of power
Mine is a mere 6.0m, now with a Merc F150 4S, and is used most of the year-round for diving on the north east coast and west of Scotland and is very capable with 4 fat boys and dive kit. I have been caught out with some unexpected, pretty grim weather, and never felt unsafe.
She is now 12 years old and still in good fettle, in spite of extensive use incl dragging it 2500 miles to Greece annually for the last 12 summers.
PM me if your friend has any specific question I can help with.
Jeff

[boristhebold]

I agree with Jeff, mine is a dave picton boat going on 14 years, still on same tubes and all is well, I did re do the elctrics a few years back. Good solid boat more a sports leisure rib than an out right sports rib. Great seating and locker space.
Im not so keen on the newer ones but maybe thats just because many ive seen looked overpowered and with huge plotter screens...i just dont understand it...

Also read the MAIB report on the incident in Padstow which suggests a slight hull mod may have effected the stability of the rib being driven a certain way.

lots of examples of cobras out there so they must be ok.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by boristhebold

I agree with Jeff, mine is a dave picton boat going on 14 years, still on same tubes and all is well, I did re do the elctrics a few years back. Good solid boat more a sports leisure rib than an out right sports rib. Great seating and locker space.
Im not so keen on the newer ones but maybe thats just because many ive seen looked overpowered and with huge plotter screens...i just dont understand it...

Also read the MAIB report on the incident in Padstow which suggests a slight hull mod may have effected the stability of the rib being driven a certain way.

lots of examples of cobras out there so they must be ok.

Thanks Jeff and Boris for your in depth answer to my post much appreciated. J

[boristhebold]

your welcome, great ribs if you have family,kids or out on your own for a blast or a day exploring, one recomendation if you do buy one is to get rid of all the self tappers used in the locker area's/seat lids etc etc as they can catch you out snagging your hands/arms or boat cover, I changed as many as I could with ss nuts and bolts. LOL

[charliee]

I have used 3 cobras over time, all have been excellent boats, 2 have been Picton cobra and the other a more recent version. They are very comfortable and ride well and seem to stack up compared to other top brand ribs of similar sizes. I would have no problem recommending one.

[jambo]

Originally Posted by charliee

I have used 3 cobras over time, all have been excellent boats, 2 have been Picton cobra and the other a more recent version. They are very comfortable and ride well and seem to stack up compared to other top brand ribs of similar sizes. I would have no problem recommending one.

Cheers thanks. J

[Sutty]

I am on my 3rd Cobra all of which have been the new type with big engine and big plotter screen. Big engine to go fast and big screen to see where I am going when I go fast - why wouldn’t you, is there an advantage in a little engine and small plotter screen?

I have been very satisfied with them and have been to the Channel Islands in choppy conditions and never felt uncomfortable.

Obviously geared up for leisure but that is what life is about, sun bathing area and nice rear seat to have your picnic on. Why would you not want that?

With regards to the nasty accident at Padstow, Cobra got a lot of stick as they had made slight alterations to the hull but would anyone bet their RIB would be any different with 300hp flat out from a standing start on full lock?

Would definitely recommend them and the guys that run/own the business are a great bunch.

[jambo]

Thanks Sutty. J

[BigE]

I've got two friends who now on Cobra's bought from Cobrea in Christchurch - which I assume is where they are now based. They seems fine boats from a quick look around and I've not heard them complain about them at all.