maxdvr

Recently bought a 97' 30 Predator to restore, hoping someone here can give me any tips what to look for as far as weak spots,known issues.
Hull seems solid everywhere I can access, concerned about possible saturated core etc.
I can't see any areas where balsa core was used...anyone here know of construction on these hulls? Kevlar, e-glass and balsa coring per Internet searches....I'm finding high density foam but no balsa core. I'm wondering if balsa was used in sponsons where I can't access without cutting out floor.
Any help would be appreciated.
Also looking for parts, center console etc...thx

skaterboy

If you are referencing the Cobra Boats made in NJ, you may want to contact Scott Franzoni / Marine Specialties......He used to work at the factory when they were in business then worked for Viking for a awhile and now is in his own business. He is very good at any work done on boats especially fiberglassing. His tel #609-618-8620.

Ray

Johnny Venomous

I'm redoing my 94 Cobra Terminator 30. I removed the rear seat and sun pad and added a bulkhead and race hatch in it's place. Also filled all useless holes in the dash. Going with 2 high back bucket seat in front and 3 removable low back buckets in the rear. I used 1" Baltech Composite panels made from end grain balsa. Also filled cavities under the floor with expandable foam to get rid of that hollow sound. Boat is supposedly all Kevlar. Been a long road but it is almost ready for paint.
Is yours I/O or OB??

skaterboy

John,

Mine is a 2001 Cobra Center Console with twin 250HP Yamaha outboards. Boat is a lot of fun as well as good for fishing and taking the dogs to the beach. It was my introduction to cats and influenced me to then purchase a 36' Skater and eventually a 38' Skater Raceboat. I still have all 3 boats, it seems they each ahve their purpose. The non center console boats seemed to have a better COG and ran faster and turned better than the center consoles. It was a great idea for building boats it's just a shame the owner of the company was a terrible business man and enjoyed shoving different things up his nose.

Good Luck with your project.

maxdvr

Skaterboy,
Thanks for the response I may call Scott.

John,
Mine is an OB edition, has Stainlessmarine jackplates.
I'm thinking of a pair of 250 Optimax's or Verados.
It appears that where the jackplates are mounted, I will need 30" shafts to put the anti-ventilation plates level with the bottom of the sponson.

Do you guys have the same setup height wise?

skaterboy

I have adjustable jack plates also. However, the centerline of my torpedo isjust about equal with the bottom of the sponson. Then the COG changes depending on how much fuel is in the boat and sometimes I have to make adjustments for weight. Make sure your engines have "low water pickups".

SkaterMike82

can you guys post pics of your Cobras

skaterboy

One Cobra and One Skater

Hot Boat

Johnny V can't do attachments so here are some pics of his Cobra Project.

Johnny Venomous

Thanks for posting those Hot Boat
It now has Offshore mids, Alien Head cowls, 5 custom made Racetech bucket seats, 19 Auto Meter Ultra Lite Gauges custom blue powdercoated Hydro Dynamics jack plates . Just need to get it in some paint so I can assemble it.