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
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).
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.
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
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?
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!!
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.
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.