Centaur or Cobra 850

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

In my opinion, the Centaur is an over rated boat, in every way, I accept that it is a solid build boat, apart from the dodgy keels. The Cobra is a bigger boat, higher freeboard, performs better, perhaps safer, and of a more up todate design. Naturally, there are other parameters that will influence the decision such as engine condition, sails, etc.

 

[Daydream believer]

Just seen this thread today
I look after some moorings in our area east coast & one owner this morning asked me to lift his Cobra 850 bilge keel boat next week as he has decided to sell. If you want to sail in this area & joined the local club you would be able to get a cheep mooring as well as somewhere to store the boat
It was - as far as I know- re engined in the last 2 years. It has been left on the mooring for 2 years as he could not afford to lay it up & has not used it this year so it looks a bit drab but I believe it is sound
It could be bought fairly cheep if you pushed him a bit hard & paid quick so he could get it off his hands
PM me if you want details & location


Edit
Just seen the original date of the post so probably a waste of time posting- but boat is there anyway- so all you Cobra lovers PM me

 

[ghostlymoron]

How about a Mirage 28?

Nice boat and I prefer the layout to the Centaur. Sails well and is robust. Many ex-flotilla ones are still sailing round the Greek islands.

 

[GrahamM376]

Thanks for the replies thus far and in particular for things to look out for on the Centaur. My feeling is that having a newish engine on boats of this age and value (£10 - £13k) is a huge advantage. On these, one is a Nanni 21hp, the other a Yanmar 18hp. I guess they're both good engines, but opinions again might be helpful.

Quite good Centaurs can be had for far less that the £10 - £13k you quote, I know of one (my first boat) which has had new sails and engine during the last few years which I hear he would part with for about half your budget. It would certainly need some tidying up though, it's been neglected due to owners ill health.

 

[NickRobinson]

How about a Mirage 28?

Nice boats, as is my Mirage 2700, (not for sale!) http://britainbyrivendell.weebly.com/

 

[Tranona]

Quite good Centaurs can be had for far less that the £10 - £13k you quote, I know of one (my first boat) which has had new sails and engine during the last few years which I hear he would part with for about half your budget. It would certainly need some tidying up though, it's been neglected due to owners ill health.

Look at the date! it was over 5 years ago when that was the going rate for good Centaurs.

 

[James W]

Surely just in terms of supply and demand the ridiculous overpricing of Centaurs has to end soon?

There are 41 for sale on Apollo Duck alone at the moment, not to mention those languishing green and mouldy in boatyards across the land.

Centaur owners please get real with your pricing, oil paintings they are not!

 

[dylanwinter]

Surely just in terms of supply and demand the ridiculous overpricing of Centaurs has to end soon?

There are 41 for sale on Apollo Duck alone at the moment, not to mention those languishing green and mouldy in boatyards across the land.

Centaur owners please get real with your pricing, oil paintings they are not!

ha ha ha ha

the market is the market

they are worth whatever people pay for them

and having spent a year with one....

well worth the money

they sail astonishingly well

the accommodation is second to none

once the keels have been strengthened - as they have all been done done now - they are tough boats

what is not to like

how many other 26 footers can really accommodate five adults for two weeks

D

 

[James W]

The market will decide Dylan, you're right there, but they don't appear to be selling with that many on the market.

I don't completely dislike them, they do offer a lot, but there seems to be far too many owners that think they are worth 8-10K for a 40 year old yacht with the original raw water cooled VP engine, old standing rigging, droopy headlining etc.....just because they are a Centaur.

The price you get for yours will be interesting, but then again yours is clean, tidy and has a recent-ish engine.

 

[dylanwinter]

The market will decide Dylan, you're right there, but they don't appear to be selling with that many on the market.

I don't completely dislike them, they do offer a lot, but there seems to be far too many owners that think they are worth 8-10K for a 40 year old yacht with the original raw water cooled VP engine, old standing rigging, droopy headlining etc.....just because they are a Centaur.

The price you get for yours will be interesting, but then again yours is clean, tidy and has a recent-ish engine.

one of the reasons for going for the Centaur is that there are so many around

it is like selling a Ford Escort - get the price right and it will shift

on the other hand while heading for the Clyde I came across two blokes moving their boats to Kip marina for the boat show because the boats are so rare that no-one ever seeks them out.

It is weird posting to a four year old thread - but nothing wrong with that

it is funny the way some people get emotional about Centaurs

they seem to bring out the best and the worst in people

There is a very good chance that the pric4e of Harmony will drop in the spring

in the meantime the advert on Boats and Outbnoards is costing me £28 for three months

we shall see

D