Purchasing a cobra rib

[Alexwalms]

Hi guys
I’m after some advice, I’m looking at buying a cobra rib which is circa late 90’s, the man wants £15k for the boat complete with a 130hp yam v4 from the same era.
Is it ok to buy a 20 year old rib which still had the original tubes on it? (They look in very good condition)
Does this seem a fair price for a 20 year old boat?

[Maximus]

Condition...Care...Hours... and Service History and I might add Electronics and Layout (if you have to spend funds to modify it on top of purchase price it may not be viable) to suit your needs are Paramount in valuing any RIB. By that definition ...Age alone may well not be
Same goes for the Trailer
If you're not confident to appraise it properly by all means get someone qualified who's judgement you trust to help...even if it costs it'll be money well spent!

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Alexwalms

Hi guys

I’m after some advice, I’m looking at buying a cobra rib which is circa late 90’s, the man wants £15k for the boat complete with a 130hp yam v4 from the same era.

Is it ok to buy a 20 year old rib which still had the original tubes on it? (They look in very good condition)

Does this seem a fair price for a 20 year old boat?

Sounds expensive to me.

[jakew009]

Originally Posted by Alexwalms

Hi guys
I’m after some advice, I’m looking at buying a cobra rib which is circa late 90’s, the man wants £15k for the boat complete with a 130hp yam v4 from the same era.
Is it ok to buy a 20 year old rib which still had the original tubes on it? (They look in very good condition)
Does this seem a fair price for a 20 year old boat?

Broadly speaking, assuming basic structural integrity of the hull, there are three things that can cost you a pile of money on a rib:

- replacing tubes
- replacing engine
- replacing electronics

If you are practical, the engine can be swapped at relatively low cost and the electronics replaced relatively cheaply. The tubes will cost you a grand per meter of boat.

If you are not practical, they are all going to cost a wad of cash to sort.

On a boat of this age / type, I’d wager the value is approx 30% engine, 30% tubes, 30% electronics and 10% hull. A bare hull is almost worthless.

It’s possible in your ownership this rib will need all three things replaced.

In your situation, I’d look for a boat where someone else has already spent a pile of money on it.

[beamishken]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Sounds expensive to me.

Me too! that engine although pretty robust will have a big thirst for fuel considering & its on an old boat I agree with pikey its a bit dear

[Alexwalms]

I’m not sure about the electronics but it’s had new throttle cables, recently reupholsted, trailer is like brand new.
The tubes are original but are apparently in very good condition.
I would want to change the engine at a later date so not too concerned about the engine, it was serviced over the winter.
I thought it seemed expensive but I can’t find a Cobra rib for under £15k, they seem to be very expensive ribs

[willk]

Originally Posted by jakew009

Broadly speaking, assuming basic structural integrity of the hull, there are three things that can cost you a pile of money on a rib:

- replacing tubes
- replacing engine
- replacing electronics

If you are practical, the engine can be swapped at relatively low cost and the electronics replaced relatively cheaply. The tubes will cost you a grand per meter of boat.

If you are not practical, they are all going to cost a wad of cash to sort.

On a boat of this age / type, I’d wager the value is approx 30% engine, 30% tubes, 30% electronics and 10% hull. A bare hull is almost worthless.

It’s possible in your ownership this rib will need all three things replaced.

In your situation, I’d look for a boat where someone else has already spent a pile of money on it.

^ Solid advice, IMO

[Maximus]

Having passed no comment on if this RIB was worth the money or otherwise...(and obviously the op quoted "asking price".... Not always what get!
I'd still like to know things like how many owners?...how many hours it's done?...what service history it has....equipment it has?...(and what's been replaced?)..how it's been stored..what condition the trailer is in? Ect.
It's really is ALL about condition...
I'd rather have a well cared for and cosseted low hours high spec regularly polished and stored inside ..looked after RIB than a newer thrashed abused low spec model owned by a Dick "flash in the Pan" boater with no knowledge..as a starting point.

I just bought a low mileage 20+ year old Mercedes Estate for what a lot of people would think was BIG money all things considered..but with FSH folder full of invoices 1owner 32k and immaculate throughout...with well over 30yrs making a decent living as a Motor trader ...
I'm pretty confident it'll turn a nice profi!