Why are Cobras so expensive?

[hyndlandguy]

Anyone know why Cobra Ribs are so expensive, especially when they appear to drop like a stone in value from new? Is it worth it? Any thoughts as i am in the market for a new or nearly new RIB?

[charliee]

All ribs lose VAT from the get go but otherwise IMHO looked after Cobra's hold value incredibly well, mine is close to 10 years old and is worth £28 to 30. They are well made and well designed, cope with UK waters very well, are generally well spec'd and have great UK based after service. They have some of the best layouts for "family use" makings them a safe and popular choice.
But others are available!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by hyndlandguy

Anyone know why Cobra Ribs are so expensive, especially when they appear to drop like a stone in value from new? Is it worth it? Any thoughts as i am in the market for a new or nearly new RIB?

Its a strange first question. Welcome to the forum. Are Cobra's particularly expensive compared to other similar sized and finished boats? Do they drop faster in value than other marques? If you do perceive them to be expensive and rapidly depreciating why would you even consider them against the brand you think is better value?

[jakew009]

Originally Posted by hyndlandguy

Anyone know why Cobra Ribs are so expensive, especially when they appear to drop like a stone in value from new? Is it worth it? Any thoughts as i am in the market for a new or nearly new RIB?

On the face of it for a secondhand buyer they are a bargain. Buy a nice 10 year old one for 30k, run it for a season or two and as long as you've not f*&£ed it, it'll still be worth 30k.

[Dry Run]

All rib prices have rocketed over the past few years. Whether it's Scorpion, Stingher, Ribeye, Ballistic, Cobra, etc. I don't think Cobras are overpriced, but judging by the number in our Dry Stack, they are very popular!!!

[hyndlandguy]

Thanks for your thoughts guys, and sorry if it was a weird first question. Yes, I am new to the forum. I've been thinking of getting a RIB for sometime, and looking at the market Cobra's do appear to be more expensive than others Ive looked at, but they do seem to drop a lot after 4 or 5 years, but I guess you can say that for every RIB?

They look beautiful though, and I was just wondering what everyone thought, and why they appeared to be at a significant premium when compared to say a same sized Brig? Ive been looking at both Brig Eagle 8 and a Cobra 7.7 or 8.2. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated on my shortlist or strange question :-)

[Fender]

Originally Posted by hyndlandguy

They look beautiful though, and I was just wondering what everyone thought, and why they appeared to be at a significant premium when compared to say a same sized Brig? Ive been looking at both Brig Eagle 8 and a Cobra 7.7 or 8.2. Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated on my shortlist or strange question :-)

You'll also find a price difference between car manufacturers, take for example Lada VS Audi

[Ribtecer]

Brig, not bad boats but masproduced in the Ukraine, under strict control of glue measuring accountants.

Crobra, hand built by people who love what they do and aren't afraid to go the extra mile.

Best possible comparison is in 5 years, 10 years time etc etc.

Pay your money take your choice.

[hyndlandguy]

Originally Posted by Ribtecer

Brig, not bad boats but masproduced in the Ukraine, under strict control of glue measuring accountants.

Crobra, hand built by people who love what they do and aren't afraid to go the extra mile.

Best possible comparison is in 5 years, 10 years time etc etc.

Pay your money take your choice.

Ah ok. That makes sense. Did not realise that. Thank you.

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by hyndlandguy

Ah ok. That makes sense. Did not realise that. Thank you.

If you thought Cobras blew their brains in, just wait while you see the depreciation on a Brig.

[Ribtecer]

I'm not saying Ribtec were the best, but in my view back in the day, they were up there.

This is my boat which is now over twenty years old. Original Henshaw tubes. You can't beat a quality hand build rib.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Ribtecer

I'm not saying Ribtec were the best, but in my view back in the day, they were up there.

This is my boat which is now over twenty years old. Original Henshaw tubes. You can't beat a quality hand build rib.

......Nothing to argue about there!

[hyndlandguy]

Originally Posted by Ribtecer

I'm not saying Ribtec were the best, but in my view back in the day, they were up there.

This is my boat which is now over twenty years old. Original Henshaw tubes. You can't beat a quality hand build rib.

Your boat looks great. So would you say I am on the right lines with a hand made Cobra?

[Ribtecer]

My search would include the following;

Cobra
Humber
Ribtec
Solent
Ribcraft
Xs
Redbay
SR4/5.4 etc

There's probably a few more, but not many in my view.

[gtflash]

Depends what type of rib you are looking for and what you think you want to do with it? That changes the lists of potentials considerably

I think rib prices are holding as new ones are so bloody expensive. Also some certain brands have specific brokers who inflate the market price of that manufacture

[hyndlandguy]

Originally Posted by gtflash

Depends what type of rib you are looking for and what you think you want to do with it? That changes the lists of potentials considerably

I think rib prices are holding as new ones are so bloody expensive. Also some certain brands have specific brokers who inflate the market price of that manufacture

It'll be used off the north Cornish coast, so I dont want anything too small. Looking for 7 to 8.5m So something that'll handle the chop ok. Not under particular budget constraints and want something good quality.