Toughs Cobra 33

[rodpage]

Hi, if you don't mind me asking, how do you know so much about its latest movements.

I'm in Iron Wharf a lot, pretty much every day. I watched it leave. I talked to the transporter driver. The boat caught my attention because it looks like a nicely shaped classic motor boat which has been converted into something a lot less pretty by having a house bolted on top. I'm hoping the new owner does something to restore the boat to her former glory.

 

[arms519]

Ah OK cool, thankyou for the info, yeah I hope they do restore it the degree it deserves. I've just come across the old ebay post and if it was sold for about £2000, that is the bargain of the century, despite its condition. Be nice to see it once it's finished.

 

[rodpage]

Ah OK cool, thankyou for the info, yeah I hope they do restore it the degree it deserves. I've just come across the old ebay post and if it was sold for about £2000, that is the bargain of the century, despite its condition. Be nice to see it once it's finished.

If you are on Facebook, the following link (provided I've got it right!) has some photos of the move from Brighton to Iron Wharf. Looks like it was the end of January this year.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1713517885379334&id=526028767461591

 

[arms519]

OK that's cool, thankyou for the link. That monstrous block on top ??. Spoke to the guy that sold it on ebay, and now can't get hold of the other guy that bought her, thought it would be good to see what his plans were, looks like I really missed the boat on that one (no pun intended ? ) ?... Thankyou to all that shared info on its whereabouts, I'll be keeping an eye out for it in future.

 

[Chappers425]

Hi guys. I've spotted a Toughs Cobra 330 for sale but I know nothing about the make at all. Is the 330 the same as the 33 and would it be a good first boat (Is it "user friendly", I suppose I mean)?

 

[Wavey]

Toughs never made a 330. It’s either a Cobra 33 or a Python 27.

I‘ve found a boat listed as a 330 with twin Bedfords which is a Cobra 33. Looks nice and well cared for generally. Given the age a structural survey is essential, as is a detailed engineers report on those elderly Bedfords. Check spares availability too. Be aware many of these were sold as bare shells for home completion as I think that one was as to my knowledge Toughs themselves only ever fitted Perkins 6354 engines.

Home completion in itself isn’t necessarily an issue if it’s done well, but many people underestimated what was involved and the quality of fit out varies from really good to pretty awful. That one looks quite good from the pictures.

My first boat was a Cobra 33 and we had 8 fabulous years with it. Easy to handle with twins and a really good hull design with excellent sea keeping qualities. Mainly wide side decks make it nice and safe to move around. If an engineer and surveyor report highlight nothing of significance and engine spares are not a problem I’d have one again as a first boat.

 

[Chappers425]

Toughs never made a 330. It’s either a Cobra 33 or a Python 27.

I‘ve found a boat listed as a 330 with twin Bedfords which is a Cobra 33. Looks nice and well cared for generally. Given the age a structural survey is essential, as is a detailed engineers report on those elderly Bedfords. Check spares availability too. Be aware many of these were sold as bare shells for home completion as I think that one was as to my knowledge Toughs themselves only ever fitted Perkins 6354 engines.

Home completion in itself isn’t necessarily an issue if it’s done well, but many people underestimated what was involved and the quality of fit out varies from really good to pretty awful. That one looks quite good from the pictures.

My first boat was a Cobra 33 and we had 8 fabulous years with it. Easy to handle with twins and a really good hull design with excellent sea keeping qualities. Mainly wide side decks make it nice and safe to move around. If an engineer and surveyor report highlight nothing of significance and engine spares are not a problem I’d have one again as a first boat.

Thanks Wavey. It looks lovely but my spidey senses are tingling after I got this answer to my questions:
Hi she has been on the water for 10
Years
My father bought her from Glasgow and had her transported to Burnham-on-Sea on Sea
She had been serviced and anti fouled then and
Sacrificials
In the time Dad owned her he used her twice in 10 years and was not out for more than an hour.

As to the hours on the engine I really can’t answer
But in the last 10
Years no more than 3 hours in total.

Certainly full survey needed, I think!

 

[Wavey]

I can hear the distant ringing of alarm bells

Full survey and an engineers report on the engines by someone who knows those GM Bedfords inside out, and a full sea trial with that engineer on board essential.

 

[Nauti Fox]

I worked there in the early 70's, mainly on the police launches, pilot boats and a bit on Brave Gooose. Working in the sheds in winter wasn't fun, especially when you got fibreglass in your overalls...
My enduring memories were the trips out to the measured mile off Southend.... Once shoe-horned into a pilot boats engine room to do things when they were concerned about the speed clause....

 

[SP2]

My father's Cobra 33 was a hull and superstructure built by Tough's in 1972 and they fitted twin Bedford engines (rated at 146hp as I recall) as this was one of their options and cheaper than the 6354s. It never went very fast and we had to change the gearboxes and props to try to get her to plane. Lovely boat otherwise which we fitted out in oak and ash but frankly an engineering disaster. We did get it to Holland but it was soon replaced by an Ocean 37.

 

[Cazwoz]

Hi guys. I've spotted a Toughs Cobra 330 for sale but I know nothing about the make at all. Is the 330 the same as the 33 and would it be a good first boat (Is it "user friendly", I suppose I mean)?

We went to see her, she’s laid up in Burnham on Sea. She’s a mess and needs a lot of work doing to her and not been out of the water in years. We just bought a toughs Cobra 33 which had spent its life either dry or in the river. She’s on her way from shepperton to Portland as we speak.

 

[Cazwoz]

Thanks Wavey. It looks lovely but my spidey senses are tingling after I got this answer to my questions:
Hi she has been on the water for 10
Years
My father bought her from Glasgow and had her transported to Burnham-on-Sea on Sea
She had been serviced and anti fouled then and
Sacrificials
In the time Dad owned her he used her twice in 10 years and was not out for more than an hour.

As to the hours on the engine I really can’t answer
But in the last 10
Years no more than 3 hours in total.

Certainly full survey needed, I think!

Went to see her a couple of weeks ago. She’s a bit of a mess and smelly. Over priced as well as bought another for £3k less with better engines.

 

[SP2]

We went to see her, she’s laid up in Burnham on Sea. She’s a mess and needs a lot of work doing to her and not been out of the water in years. We just bought a toughs Cobra 33 which had spent its life either dry or in the river. She’s on her way from shepperton to Portland as we speak.

I saw that one for sale and it looked a very tidy example. I hope you have many happy hours on her.

Mike

 

[Flynnbarr]

OK that's cool, thankyou for the link. That monstrous block on top ??. Spoke to the guy that sold it on ebay, and now can't get hold of the other guy that bought her, thought it would be good to see what his plans were, looks like I really missed the boat on that one (no pun intended ? ) ?... Thankyou to all that shared info on its whereabouts, I'll be keeping an eye out for it in future.

If you’re still about/looking for a project then Blue Angel is up for sale currently on the website findafishingboat.

 

[Sea Sick Steve]

View attachment 72104

What a Cobra could look like when well loved. I was the proud owner of Linton Lass from the early 1980s until 1992. I have really fond memories of her. Last heard of a couple of years ago on the Norfolk Broads.

Hey there Wavey, while looking for some info on my recently purchased Cobra 33 ( currently moored in Brundall ) I found your post and photo.
You may be interested to know Linton Lass is alive and well. She is my first boat and I love everything about her. She needs a little TLC but nothing major as far as I can tell.
I brough her up from Lowestoft and both engines ran fine.
The previous owner was going to change her name to Scarlet Lady but I much prefer Linton Lass so I have some new decals to put on when I get chance.
You would be welcome to see her if you're ever up this way. I have to say I like her deck colour in your photo. I'd be very interested in any history or other photos if you get chance.
My intention is to take her to the west coast of Scotland via the Caledonia at some point in the future. She's a lovely boat and I'm very happy with her.
All the best Steve

 

[Wavey]

Hey there Wavey, while looking for some info on my recently purchased Cobra 33 ( currently moored in Brundall ) I found your post and photo.
You may be interested to know Linton Lass is alive and well. She is my first boat and I love everything about her. She needs a little TLC but nothing major as far as I can tell.
I brough her up from Lowestoft and both engines ran fine.
The previous owner was going to change her name to Scarlet Lady but I much prefer Linton Lass so I have some new decals to put on when I get chance.
You would be welcome to see her if you're ever up this way. I have to say I like her deck colour in your photo. I'd be very interested in any history or other photos if you get chance.
My intention is to take her to the west coast of Scotland via the Caledonia at some point in the future. She's a lovely boat and I'm very happy with her.
All the best Steve

Hi Steve,

Certainly sounds like Linton Lass has found a good home. As far as I'm aware she's had that name from new and I'm glad it hasn't changed.

When I sold her there was a history file that went with her which I assume you haven't got. Pity, as it documented all the work I had done when she went back to Toughs for a refit which included Osmosis treatment, new screens and radar arch and engine rebuilds. The file included all the technical drawings I did for the screens and arch, and drawings for a flybridge conversion which Bob Tough agreed was perfectly feasible. Somewhere at home I've still got the photos taken during that refit which I'll try and dig out.

I'm based down in Surrey so a bit of a trek to Brundall but I might be coming up that way to look at a boat I'm trying to persuade myself I shouldn't consider buying . Is Brundall Fairly local to you?

Jim (Wavey)

 

[Sea Sick Steve]

Hi Steve,

Certainly sounds like Linton Lass has found a good home. As far as I'm aware she's had that name from new and I'm glad it hasn't changed.

When I sold her there was a history file that went with her which I assume you haven't got. Pity, as it documented all the work I had done when she went back to Toughs for a refit which included Osmosis treatment, new screens and radar arch and engine rebuilds. The file included all the technical drawings I did for the screens and arch, and drawings for a flybridge conversion which Bob Tough agreed was perfectly feasible. Somewhere at home I've still got the photos taken during that refit which I'll try and dig out.

I'm based down in Surrey so a bit of a trek to Brundall but I might be coming up that way to look at a boat I'm trying to persuade myself I shouldn't consider buying . Is Brundall Fairly local to you?

Jim (Wavey)

Hi Jim,
Good to hear from you and thanks for your reply.
She is actually in Brundall Gardens Marina in a prime spot. There is a file on board which I haven't gone through yet so it may still be there. ( I'll let you know) I've been busy drying her out from condensation and lack of use.
The lovely Sharon from Howard Ford did mention someone had been in touch about her but I didn't know it was you, on here. She said she's been to Belgium, Holland and France. Was that the same trip or separate?
I'd love any copies of photos as I want to keep her and her history very much alive. I think she has many more years to give in the right hands.

If you give me a bit of notice I'd be more than happy to meet you there (or in Brundall) and you could even take her out for a bit of a cruise for old times sake. You will very likely educate me on a few things.
I'll even get you lunch/dinner/pint somewhere. It's an open offer.

All the best

Steve

 

[Wavey]

Hi Jim,
Good to hear from you and thanks for your reply.
She is actually in Brundall Gardens Marina in a prime spot. There is a file on board which I haven't gone through yet so it may still be there. ( I'll let you know) I've been busy drying her out from condensation and lack of use.
The lovely Sharon from Howard Ford did mention someone had been in touch about her but I didn't know it was you, on here. She said she's been to Belgium, Holland and France. Was that the same trip or separate?
I'd love any copies of photos as I want to keep her and her history very much alive. I think she has many more years to give in the right hands.

If you give me a bit of notice I'd be more than happy to meet you there (or in Brundall) and you could even take her out for a bit of a cruise for old times sake. You will very likely educate me on a few things.
I'll even get you lunch/dinner/pint somewhere. It's an open offer.

All the best

Steve

The trips to Europe were separate ones generally. I did Calais and a Calais/Ostend one. Holland was with her previous owner who I knew. I believe he did more but can’t remember exactly what.
I’ll have a look at dates I can come up and PM you to see what works for you. I’ve found the photos I mentioned and will bring them with me.
Cheers
Jim

 

[Wavey]

The trips to Europe were separate ones generally. I did Calais and a Calais/Ostend one. Holland was with her previous owner who I knew. I believe he did more but can’t remember exactly what.
I’ll have a look at dates I can come up and PM you to see what works for you. I’ve found the photos I mentioned and will bring them with me.
Cheers
Jim

Steve,
I forgot to ask whether mid week or weekends suit you best.
Jim

 

[Sea Sick Steve]

Weekends are usually better for me but I also go most Mondays.
Anyway have a think and let me know. You could probably view that boat your thinking about the same day.
Looking forward to seeing the photos.

Speak soon

Steve