Hello everyone, this is my first post here and I'm wondering about the Cobra 201D. I've found one that is in absolutely great shape, for a relatively low price. I do know these boats have a wooden transom though, is that something that should worry me? I dont really want to buy this boat just to replace the transom, thanks in advance. Any help is appreciated.

8 hours ago, OkJvJ said:

Hello everyone, this is my first post here and I'm wondering about the Cobra 201D. I've found one that is in absolutely great shape, for a relatively low price. I do know these boats have a wooden transom though, is that something that should worry me? I dont really want to buy this boat just to replace the transom, thanks in advance. Any help is appreciated.

A wooden transom could definitely be an issue if its been sat outside or exposed to the elements for any long period of time. I notice you said its in great shape which probably means it was either kept indoors or under a cover at the very least. I would take a look at the transom and look for any signs of wetness near the base or along the edges of the transom, any soft spots are an immediate indication that its started to rot and you should either steer clear or just accept that it will need replaced.

@Allaroundfishing would you happen to know if most boats this age have wooden transoms? I was also looking at a 2001 Triton tr21. I can't seem to find much info on transom materials, as to which boats have what.

19 minutes ago, OkJvJ said:

@Allaroundfishing would you happen to know if most boats this age have wooden transoms? I was also looking at a 2001 Triton tr21. I can't seem to find much info on transom materials, as to which boats have what.

Im not an expert, however I do know for a fact rangers don't have wooden transoms (atleast 1990 and newer) and I believe that triton doesn't have wooden transoms either, but im not 100% sure on that.

16 hours ago, OkJvJ said:

@Allaroundfishing would you happen to know if most boats this age have wooden transoms? I was also looking at a 2001 Triton tr21. I can't seem to find much info on transom materials, as to which boats have what.

If I'm thinking correctly, I don't think triton ever had wood transoms since the company was started in 1996.  Most boats 2000 and newer won't have a wood transom.  Some cobras (the non coosa models) and champions had wood transoms into the 2000's.  I had trouble finding good info on the champs back when I was boat shopping.  I believe ranger phased out wood transoms in 1989.  I think basscat went away from a wood transom in 2000 and upgraded the transom construction in '03 to what they use now.