2003 23ft Cobia Walkaround Purchase

[wvuwins]

I'm ready to trade my 1994 21 Proline Walkaround and I'm looking at a 23 Cobia Walkaround (2003) with a 200 Yami 2 stroke and I'd like any feedback on the boat, as far as is the 200 going to be enough power, the ride, do the cobias rattle...etc any feedback is welcomed good or bad. I'd like to get something a little bigger but I'm in the middle of the state (Orlando) and I need something easy to trailer. Tight Lines and Thanks in advance for any thoughts! ~john

[HEDJUG]

Cobia builds a decent mid priced boat. We have a 01' 25 WA in the family that I fish offshore from 30+ times a year. She handles/rides as well as most boats in her class. The factory installed hardtop did rattle a bit, but that problem was solved when we installed outrggers. The extra gusset plate for the riggers eliminated the rattles. Other than that, the boat has a solid ride.

The 200 hp is a good match for the 23'er.

[wvuwins]

Thanks for the feedback....I'm contemplating putting an hard top on her. I'd really love to go 25 but it's just a little harder to trailer...what do you pull yours with? Cheers, ~john

[susqking]

My brother just bought a 2001-23'WA Cobia. It has a 200 HPDI on it and it runs on the high 30's and jumped on plane quick with 4 guys and 1/2 tank of gas. The boat looks good and has very few gelcoat cracks. I like it and can't wait to go fishing on it.

Anthony
2002-2510 Parker-Yamaha F225

[melindasrevenge]

Last December, I bought a 2005 Cobia 254 w/ twin 150 Yamaha's. I am no expert, but I have owned a few boats and checked out many, many more. I found that for the price, the Cobia is an excellent boat. It's no Grady White, but its not a Key Largo either (no offense Key largo owners, that was my first boat so I have something to compare it to). I am very impressed with fit/finish/quality of construction. There are many places on my boat where cheaper hardware could have been used, but wasn't. Wiring looks good, all connections crimped with heat shrink adhesive terminals, 316 SS throughout, etc. I think it's a great boat. Something in my t-top rattles when I hit a big wave, haven't tracked that noise down yet, but no big deal. It might even be something I installed. I have called/e-mailed Cobia a few times with stupid questions and always gotten a prompt/couteous response. Bottom line, you could spend more and get less, I am very happy with my Cobia. The only problem I have found is that a DVD owners guide supplied with the boat doesn't work!

[timing]

Had a 2000 240wac w/ yam 250 ox66 for 5 years.
Boat was an excellent value.
Agree with melindasrevenge's comments.

Is the 200 an ox66 or hpdi?

[SAENole]

I sea-trialed a 2001 Cobia walkaround with a 200 HP Yamaha back in late 2000. It had plenty of power with 4 people on the boat and little fuel. I realized then that I would need more power.

Ended up purchasing a 2001 Cobia 230 walkaround with a 225 HP Yamaha OX66. I was glad I got that motor b/c it even struggled a little bit with 4 people, full fuel, and loaded down with all the crap we'd take offshore fishing.

The 200 will do the job......just make sure you have trim tabs and a prop that's pitched correctly. (And don't take a bunch of useless crap on the boat that weighs it down like I always did.)

[wvuwins]

thanks for the note...the engine is an ox66. ~john

[wvuwins]

Thanks for the note, Based on everyones's comments, I'm going to head to W. Palm this weekend to do a sea trial!

[HEDJUG]

Good luck. The OX66 makes it even better. That is my fav. line of OB's.