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1988 261 liberator
I am looking at what appears to be a hidden barn find boat
been searching for 1988 omc cobra repair manuals online etc..not joy excpet a few clymers books but they show up as no longer available any ideas on a pdf or some hidden download thanks well never mind, google found some right after..freaking love it..must have used the wrong word for a friday https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...78004adb88.jpg |
I remember when I got my 1st boat in 1993 and the Liberators were very popular on the River where I was. There was a 261 w/twin big blocks that used to rip around. Sounded bad ass and was pretty fast for the time.
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Originally Posted by MonkeySea2
(Post 4932310)
I remember when I got my 1st boat in 1993 and the Liberators were very popular on the River where I was. There was a 261 w/twin big blocks that used to rip around. Sounded bad ass and was pretty fast for the time.
was not going really fast , but it was up and smooth and rumbling the the water. i was smitten i stumbled upon this one, looking for good boat not far and some how NY was deemed not far from TEXAS :D been chatting with the guy for a few days.. wife is hooked she grew up in jersey and she says it looks like a boat should look then a few years later in jville a formula blew past me like i was sitting still he was headed for same marina, i caught up with him a while later it was beauty then off shore power boat came to town for an event and the dragon lady offshore boat pulled up along side us in the st johns trying to decipher the route to the ocean... i was hooked .. that puppy roared to life and was gone https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...d8a3ef9e52.jpg |
I’d stay away from those drives, just my opinion. There still out there but parts are scarce and not many mechanics will work on the.
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That may be THE cleanest '88 boat you will ever find! Obviously has had a lot of TLC. Assuming those are King Cobra engine/outdrive assemblies? When I first got into boating about that time, those were the cat's meow. Now, the World has passed them by. Kind of like the old Yamaha big-block Hydra Drive units...which were simply phenomenal (I had one in my first Baja), they were/are great until you need parts.
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Those look like the normal cobras, not the king cobras. Possibly what is referred to as the "baby king"?
Regardless parts are still available and they can be worked on, but finding someone to do the work definitely could be an issue. I have rebuilt both cobra, and king cobra and was able to get all parts i needed in reasonable time. The king cobra i did had a big hump on top the drive that yours do not have. |
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...135af3eada.jpg
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...46b3e34c31.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2525087090.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...2b6cdaf38d.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...edc136b209.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...8bfb3a0e5a.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...cd1f553510.jpg
Originally Posted by Ryanw10
(Post 4932404)
Those look like the normal cobras, not the king cobras. Possibly what is referred to as the "baby king"?
Regardless parts are still available and they can be worked on, but finding someone to do the work definitely could be an issue. I have rebuilt both cobra, and king cobra and was able to get all parts i needed in reasonable time. The king cobra i did had a big hump on top the drive that yours do not have. i am passing on it for one reason the propulsion is 37 years old. still has original engine re circulation pumps (water pump) the video he sent of the engine bay and engines ..they are very very clean with just a few spots of rust stain or drops i just cant justify 15 to 17 k on a hull ..i know those puppies need rebuilding or a whole new modern outdrive and engines, its a beauty, nice guy and very knowledgeable about his boat and its in garage if not on the water https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...37cf363938.jpg |
That boat is a freakin' TIME CAPSULE! Very, very cool...definitely "takes me back in time"...
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Beautiful Boat!!!
Padraig |
My buddy had one with twin small blocks and both drives were right hand. Did the King Cobras come in left and right drives? That looks like a very nice boat.
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Originally Posted by Padraig
(Post 4932419)
Beautiful Boat!!!
Padraig yes he has counter rotating outdrives iiirc they were repainted the belows and gimbal bearings are new i just could not in good mind buy it and then maybe get a few hrs and engines need rebuilt, i am not that limber anymore its on craiglist in new york near thousand islands |
1988 is the first year for a balsa-cored hull in a 261 Liberator. This Bristol condition example might not have any water intrusion or rot, but if I was a
speculator I would be extremely careful and still have a pro spend lots of time with a moisture meter. These Cobra drives could one day be switched to Volvo drives, just like King Cobra drives could, but that's a major investment. I definitely think You're doing the right thing to walk away. Pre-owned boats are dropping big time in value right now and there are much better values available. I would turn this thread into what's available out there in your neck of the woods. Which part of New York are You at, and is your budget sub $20k? |
https://rochester.craigslist.org/boa...872543755.html
i had a survey all set up for next week but friday night after going through all the videos, pictures etc then pricing new modern drives we decided to pass the guy has taken great care of it and was very straight forward about anything i asked. he really does not want to sale it, but its not used as much as they would like i think budget is 99k :D found 3 bajas in the 2005 to 2009 vintage, i have to call about monday we looked at 5 so far (boats) that were advertised as gems and they sucked one was 8 out of 10 and close by. i climbed all over thursday and was almost sold then sitting in the rear i noticed some odd deck caulking around a fuel cell access hatch. it has a hatch...and the caulking looked like a 2 year old did it, smeared and goobed over so i laid on ground staring at hull and noticed a qtr sized divit to the inner glass and it was oozing ... we left pretty quick after that people dont take care of stuff but i am finding used formulas and bajas to be well taken care of for most part... for some reason the few fountains i have seen near here are beat to hell and dirty down deep.. not normal weekend dirt, we are talking years of crud in the bilge and nooks that liberator drew me in as to the cleanliness it is and cared for who knows...the ones i call about next week may suck as well and i will be to the liberator and selling a kidney for 2 new or gently loved 496 and bravo ones :D |
This 1997 SportCruiser 30' is $89,000 U.S. It's in Bracebridge, ON, Canada. Twin 454 MPI, Bravo drives. Price was lowered $35k last summer. Probably still some room.
WOT 60 mph, cruise 45 mph. 24 degree deadrise. Excellent offshore boat. Quality is state of the art. Maybe it fits your bill? https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...e6ca287efb.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a4998a5c56.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...ac49167ad8.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5033c8fb31.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...f65ee9d664.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...50d15f4fda.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...a33afc2313.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...6e6707f72f.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...57968e088d.jpg |
That Libby sure is clean. But I'm in agreement with everyone, the OMC drives would be a deal breaker for me
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OP, if you're unaware read up on the liner boats if you get serious about a Baja
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I had a smaller Liberator about that same year.
211 with 350 King Cobra. It was good for what it was. They are not fast at all compared to a lot of other hulls. Checkmates and PowerPlays (Powerquest) were popular "competitors" back in the day. Same power, most any of them were faster than the heavier wave bashing Liberator. Looked and sounded the part, but wasn't exciting to drive/run around in. That one does look incredible. And I am sure that you could enjoy owning and using it A LOT !!! But won't be setting any speed records. Enjoy if you do end up with. Sure is a time capsule from the pics :) |
Originally Posted by F-2 Speedy
(Post 4932494)
OP, if you're unaware read up on the liner boats if you get serious about a Baja
Care to explain, in pics, hopefully, the difference between a "liner" boat and a "stringer" boat? I tried looking it up, but the interwebs ain't much help. Thanks. Brad. |
Originally Posted by Brad Christy
(Post 4932573)
F2, others,
Care to explain, in pics, hopefully, the difference between a "liner" boat and a "stringer" boat? I tried looking it up, but the interwebs ain't much help. Thanks. Brad. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...b16f53abd2.jpg |
One of the best Cigarette deals below $100k is in New Jersey. A Cigarette 35 Cafe Racer with totally new 540s
, new Konrad outdrives, and an almost new Myco trailer. This should give many years of trouble free boating and a good re-sale value one day. Used to ask $75k, then $70k, now $68k. On Craigslist and a few places on the net. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...27acf0e1d9.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...eac5bf0eb2.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5582549225.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...349ca3df8e.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...5430f87cec.jpg |
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 |
Originally Posted by larslindroth
(Post 4933407)
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 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. |
Originally Posted by Tartilla
(Post 4933538)
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. 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 |
the 26 Liberator was in a powerboat mag were Bob Teague test drove the boat I forget what power the test boat had Bob gave high praise on the performance and handeling with a statement about fit and finish could be better are something like that I believe it was somewhere around the early to mid 80's
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Originally Posted by later
(Post 4933554)
the 26 Liberator was in a powerboat mag were Bob Teague test drove the boat I forget what power the test boat had Bob gave high praise on the performance and handeling with a statement about fit and finish could be better are something like that I believe it was somewhere around the early to mid 80's
It got ocean time often And in 88. Build quality was damm good One warranty item... One new seat skin, a tech poked a hole Doing warranty work🤣🤣🤣 |
You can do the SEI cobra to alpha conversion if you grenade a drive want it fixed quick & cheap. I did one on a 201 Liberator w/350. Believe it was less than $2,500 for the kit and a new drive with 3 year warranty. Quick shipping and decent instructions, didn't even lose a weekend of boating. Never had a problem after that, probably 200+ hard hours and still going.
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Was watching some poker re runs on u tube last night
this was from river run a few weeks back Did not snap the air shot But he was keeping up with the pack air shot looked like mercruiser drives maybe https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...bad9d6573c.jpg |
last night on the www of videos
i saw a glimpse of a 261 that had been modified with a very sharp transom bracket and 2 merc 450 outboards. looked like it was factory it got me thinking if these old 350s and drives get ugly..i can have a nice transom mount made and strap on the mercs. gain a bit of back seat room as well |
Survey passed
surveyor was very pleased And only found one small area to fix, but not critical I thought he may talk me out of buying it.. He was very very impressed He said it looked 5 years old vice nearly 40 Transom was solid and only one small place of moisture indicating on meter Right in center. But it was extremely low One dividing bulkhead at fuel tank and water tank interface has a spot of delaminatiin where some fasteners were located. a few crazing areas near a mount for a hand rail made me feel good So in 8 hrs..weather permitting it will be in my hands to resume caretaker duties |
Congrats. Look forward following you guys' caretaking and adventures with this pretty boat.
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I was always impressed with the sound of that boat
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Cheesy pic..but at least I got it parked at hotel
long long day Spent over an hour with Joe. He sure Took great care of her https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...c7791a59b8.jpg |
Damm...Even the trailer looks new!
Padraig |
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