i think an outside force stepped in
the baja got convoluted with fours states of bureaucracy
the other 3 boats we looked at were beat to crap. the 30 foot oulaw is still fall back
but the 261 came back on market at a few dollars less
called up the owner and we had a very good chat
so now i waiting on the survey guy to get us on the schedule and we will go from there

my wife was happy as she really likes the liberator
i did some math last night if i need to changes engines
we can close off the transom and put one 425hp plus 8.1 mercrusier and drive in
which is less dollars or go back with twins of 5.3s
a 425 would zip it along pretty well and many of these boats came with a single 460 ford

so if survey is good, then hopefully by mid sept it is in our driveway registered as an antique...which gets me a sticker in the windshield.... but taxes and reg fees are same
WTH
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...1628c3f058.jpg

Powerboatr,

Don’t remember if you said where you’re at, but….

https://lexington.craigslist.org/boa...875062455.html

Thanks. Brad.

yup i saw it and few more

right now i feel good about it
been talking to the guy all day off and on
he has not abused it and has taken very good care
survey will tell the tale
hopefully this gets done by weds and next tues we could be off to meet half way

Congrats that the boat is still in play. Personally I think it should have a little more room on the price, but if no rot in stringers and transom,

and motors and drives checks out, well then I find the design of the 261 attractive. There's something special about older boats that that

look ol' school '70s and '80s. This old OSO thread is a good read, and best of luck to You and Your Wife.

https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...g-cobra-3.html

she is more excited than i am and already planning the drive route
she really like dour 1988 four winns we bought new waaaaay back
the style is 80s but its also a stealthy one. people dont have any idea what they are capable of
or how well they handle the rough water.
survey is scheduled for the 2nd... we are crossed fingers

Found these online
49k in 1988....cracked me up
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...73a5c25acb.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b27dc1966b.jpg

Maybe getting close, but don't pick the wrong boat. Lots of stuff on the market that is Bristol in this size.

Remember, the 261 only got a 20 degrees at the transom. Maybe the 1987 Sutphen 26 Rum Runner that

was in the OSO Classified, but now is on Facebook is a good choice, not Bristol, but very nice,

especially mechanically. It's in Algonac, Michigan


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...da8baa39b7.jpg

The survey is on for the 5th
won't know anymore good bad or ugly until then
Of course results will be a factor to negotiate money or walk away if its not promising

I don't expect stringers rot or transom rot
Boat is not stored outside or in water
Close ups of both sides ate smooth
But a tap test and moisture will tell more
so now we just wait
Still have now 3 others to go afyer if this goes south
I looked at one close by a few weeks back
Clean pics.
Supposed to be garaged or covered
I guess garage had a tree in it.
All rhe supscupper drsins had pine straw or leaves in them
Mold under some cushions and
A welll hidden rusty oil pan

OMC Cobra drives have a service manual with a black cover. I got a new one about 15yrs ago. I think it was off Ebay.

The biggest issue I had with the regular Cobra, was making sure the shift linkage was setup correctly, and the shift ignition interrupt system. Probanly best to change them to the Alpha style switch system. The OMC epoxy filled magic electronic ignition shift boxes are a PITA.

If the Cobra drives sucked...Volvo would not have adopted them. Then again, Volvo has made some serious blunders with their composite drive as well.

Beautiful 261.

yes i found a new OLD book from 88, and the seller is giving me his,
funny part is i just got rind of my original about 5 years ago during a USE it or toss it purge of my JUNK
i remember well the shift throttle adjustment issues with my 88
once you calm down and set it right, it works quite well, but the old cables stretched and i believe he has changed them all out to the red ones.
i liked the ease of water pump access on the cobra drives
i really had GREAT service life from my 88, only 1 set of exhaust manifolds and few drain petcocks that got rusted threads
i hated the points and condenser , i still have all my old timing lights and dwelll meters
seller changed the ignition to an electronic type so that will be better.
i know its not new and there are things still to do to keep it running like new
oh texas gives me a nice antique boat sticker for registration vice the ones on the hull. but still tax the crap out of me for it