16' Cobolt Tri-Haul 350 boat what do you think?

(leykis1o1) · (leykis1o1) **Join Date: May 2005** 06-10-2005, 9:50 AM

i am looking into getting a 16" 1973 Cobolt 350 V8 Tri-Haul outdrive boat..brand new crate engine, brand new interior for $3500...the price seams right ,,...what do you guys think of the wake for boarding..is it ok?...we could add a WEDGE or Fat sacks right?..anyone ever own this boat or see it run? opinions

(salmon_tacos) · (salmon_tacos) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 06-10-2005, 10:58 PM

I have no idea what kind of wake a tri-hull throws but my guess is that it won't be good (just a guess). Try to take a test drive and see. If the wake is no good, there are tons of v-hulled boats (Bayliner, etc.) on boattrader.com for under $4K that would probably be better for wakeoarding. Hell, I know of a guy who bought a Ski Nautique 2001 that needed a new engine for $2K (new rebuilt motor costs $2300). With a deal like that, you could have a world class wake for $4300.

I agree that $3500 seems pretty good for a boat with a brand new interior and crate 350 but if the hull doesn't make a nice wake, it could have a $20,000 engine and it would still suck for wakeboarding (not saying it does; it's just a guess).

(tvreeland) · (tvreeland) **Join Date: Apr 2005** 06-11-2005, 3:19 PM

My boat loves Boston Whalers and one of them is a tri-hull and no doubt it is the best wakeskating wake I have ever ridden. It has a great shape and is very clean. So take it out on the water and ride it to see for yourself. If its good, I would go for it.

00prostar205v 06-11-2005, 4:12 PM

A crate 350 in a 16 foot tri hull will do around 60 mph for a while, then disintegrate that '73 outdrive.

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 06-13-2005, 5:57 AM

Do yourself a favor and buy a slightly newer, longer boat. A 73' model will require more maintenance if its the trailer, steering, outdrive, wiring, etc. Just think that boat is older then most of the people that post on here

(bmh2208) · (bmh2208) **Join Date: Apr 2004** 06-13-2005, 8:02 AM

You would be better off finding a old ski nautique (Pre 80's). The 2001's are closer to 5K (got mine for 4750). I recently sold my '77 CC for $3700. Just look around and you can find a real ski boat for your price range. Have you tried correctcraftfan.com?

(leykis1o1) · (leykis1o1) **Join Date: May 2005** 06-13-2005, 9:02 PM

we picked it up actually it is a 18 foot 1973 cobalt with a brand new chevy 350 crate engine ..what decent tower do you recomend? we dont want to spend more than $900 with quad wake board racks!!

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 06-14-2005, 5:35 AM

Ryan sorry but you arent getting a tower for 900 let alone with board racks. Hell some companies want almost as much as you have to spend, for the whole package, for 2 board racks. Now you might be able to get a pylon and a 4 board rack for around that much. Dont expect to get what others have paid as a minimum $1500-2000 for a mere 900, it doesnt work like that unless you know a welder real good or you can build one yourself.

(leykis1o1) · (leykis1o1) **Join Date: May 2005** 06-14-2005, 2:31 PM

well i was looking at this tower http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=15272&item=7162898 826&rd=1

wakepirate 06-14-2005, 3:10 PM

that's exactly what I got on my I/O. It's not the best looking tower, but it looks good. It's strong and it doesn't rattle.

(gmarkham1) · (gmarkham1) **Join Date: Sep 2003** 06-14-2005, 3:24 PM

I just helped a buddy put one of these on an old inboard the other day, not fancy, but the price cant be beat and it serves the purpose well!

(bob) · (bob) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 06-15-2005, 5:18 AM

Not exactly a full tower but it should do just fine for what you want. Ive heard some good reviews of the rollbar. Now to find some racks and youll be set.