Cobra & Valiant RIBS

[tue]

Whats the general opinion on these 2 types of RIB. Are they any good? Is there anything I should particulary watch out for if purchasing either?

Thanks

[Daniel TD5]

can only comment on valiant

i would say avoid the vanguards they are not build for the british weather

the pt and dr range are very good just watch out of the bits the dealers fit as i have not found any that can fit things without trouble in the long term

dan

[PeterR]

You should also consider how far away your dealer is when you buy as if you have warenty work done it will be up to you to return boat valiant i know are good with warenty work cobra iknow nothing about

[PeterR]

is there any reason you are only considering these two

[simmons0]

Originally Posted by Daniel TD5

can only comment on valiant

i would say avoid the vanguards they are not build for the british weather

the pt and dr range are very good just watch out of the bits the dealers fit as i have not found any that can fit things without trouble in the long term

dan

What do you think the difference between the vanguard and the DR is?

[Alan]

Originally Posted by tue

Whats the general opinion on these 2 types of RIB. Are they any good? Is there anything I should particulary watch out for if purchasing either?

Thanks

Can't speak about Valiant but the Cobra I've been on was a nicely finished and kitted out RIB. However it is a medium V hull and not the best boat in any kind of sea - e.g. I was able to travel more comfortably in a 7.5m Scorp vs a 7.5m Cobra. This model also had a moulded in rear bench seat with insufficient drainage to enable water to be cleared from the deck in the event of a stuffing. This could be a real problem in an emergency and after stuffing it in the Thames Estuary the owner had additional drains put in.

HTH,
Alan

[Seb]

I was recently told, although i hasten to add im not sure if it is true or just a blaitant mistake, that the build quality of Cobras on the 'inside' is pretty appauling........somebody that i know vistited them a short while back and said that outside the factory are hundreds of used packing crates which were apparently destined to be the stringers and keel etc for the hulls!!!

As i said, not sure whether to believe this but its worth being wary of!

Cheers

[ADS]

I am going to have to diasgree Seb.
I ve driven a 7.5m Picton Cobra with a Honda 225HP on it. The boat was very well finished inside and out, the quality of the console, seating and materials used were all good, having said that the upholstery design i'snt to everyones taste. I agree about the drainage though!
The boat is a medium v but had a very smooth ride, ideal for long distance cruising. Performance wise they are not as quick as a scorpian, but probably similar, to the valiant. The 7.5m cobra I mentioned did about 50-55MPH 2 up with a laser II prop. The cobra is also very well priced compared to a scorpian, I would also look at Solent Ribs.


Nice choice to make!


Alex

[Seb]

Fair enough - like i said, its just what ive been told and as i have no personal experience with Cobras, i cant really agree or disagree!

I would however, after being told this, certainly go to the factory and check it out before buying one, just to put my mind at rest.

Driving one and looking at the exterior finish wont always be a reliable evaluation for internals and structural build quality.

Anyway, good luck with the hunt for a new boat tue.....you should be able to haggle a bit at this time of year!!!

Cheers

[Roy Smith]

Well i have just sold mine a 7.5 Cobra and i collected it from the factory and watched it in differant state of build it look good to me. i have been out in some realy bad weather and i have always founds it to be a very good sea keeping boat i have to say that that if you want a go any where boat then there are many commercial type ribs out there but, I found that what ever you chouse its allways a compremise beteen comfort etc.. You cant knock the scorpions but boat for boat the differance in price was about 25% and they still have the rear bench seat like the cobra.
You only have to post a thread on one boat or another and there is always some one who has had a bad exspeance even scorpions.
Roy.