Fast Striker

The 20-foot, 1-inch long, 93-inch beam Cobra we tested was finished in a blazing, bright "Porsche red" gelcoat with a slate-gray interior, accented by black pinstriping and decals. A simple, but attention-getting combination, with performance to match its looks.

Fitted with a new Mercury 3.0L 225 EFI, this fishing machine gave up performance numbers that belied its size and weight (1440 pounds dry). With the Merc's business end spinning a stock, 13.75-inch x 26-inch small-hub Trophy propeller (with all vent holes plugged), the Cobra reached a very respectable 74.5-mph top speed at 5800 rpm. From a dead idle, we reached 30 mph in an average of 6.5 seconds with two aboard and a moderate load.

For a large bass boat, these are very good numbers, considering the slight low-end bog the big Merc couldn't seem to shake. Fuel economy was consistently in the three miles per gallon range, despite a wide range of throttle settings; even at full tilt, the Cobra managed to achieve just under three mpg. That means running back to weigh-in need not be at 35 mph if you're low on fuel! The standard 45-gallon fuel tank should give a range of at least 120 miles at most speeds.

Most impressive about the Cobra's performance was the nonchalant way it went about its business. At nearly 75 mph, there was absolutely no hint of chine walk, bow oscillation or loss of control, regardless of the water conditions. Blasting through large cruiser wakes at full throttle was no problem. Tight turns were executed crisply and quickly, even with the trim out midway on the gauge.

The Cobra achieved its speed with a rather large wetted-surface area. Watching the boat from the side, it was clear that despite the excellent numbers, more speed probably could have been achieved with a cleaner ride attitude. That helps to explain the sedate ride at full speed, but I could only wonder what a few more inches of setback, a little more engine height, and a slightly higher-rake prop might have done.

As it was, the Viper factory set our test boat up with a Detwiler manual jackplate with 6 and one-eighth inches of setback. This translated to a total setback measurement of 41.5 inches from the hull pad's rearmost edge to the very tip of the propshaft. Propshaft height was measured as 4 inches below the pad's running surface. The transom is set back from the pad; in short, this hull is another excellent variation on the now industry-standard wide-pad, V-bottom. This setup was as conservative as it gets, making the 75 mph top-end even more impressive.

Boat of Many Colors

Viper has standard hull and deck color combinations for those who cannot make up their minds, but you can custom-order a boat in any color you desire, with an option to match the boat's color to that of the tow vehicle.

The high-gloss gelcoat on the test boat was applied extremely well in a mirror-smooth mold, as the exterior lines were clean and free of ripples or any other imperfections. AME 5000 resin is used in combination with a traditional wood and fiberglass layup for standard Vipers, with a lighter all-composite layup available on custom orders.

The stringer system is a grid type, with supports placed strategically to ensure strength. The deck cap fit very well, it was sealed in place with a fiberglass "strap" wetted out with AME 5000 resin, the rubrail is bolted in place. The storage compartments are sealed in place with fiberglass tape and resin, much like the deck. Flotation foam is injected throughout all open cavities so the boat will float well even if swamped. The foam also provides more strength and a sound-deadening effect at speed. Viper offers lifetime warranties for either wood- or composite-cored boats, and judging from the Viper owners I've talked with, the company stands behind its boats and their dealers.

Amenities Abound

While the Viper Cobra is not overloaded with trinkets, it does have the amenities and features necessary to make it easy to drive, ride in and fish from. The forward casting deck is wide, long and spacious, and features a bow panel with the now-standard trim switch, navigation light switch and accessory plug-in receptacles. The standard MotorGuide 756 trolling motor is securely mounted and would not budge when I tried to abuse it. The deck carpeting is 20-ounce and plush, with no loose edges to unravel.

The deck is balsa core for stiffness, and the livewell and storage lids are reinforced with aluminum. They don't flex when stepped on, and they close tightly. Up front, the center compartment is a large dry storage box surrounded by deep, long rod storage lockers. Items stored inside the compartments during the test remained dry, even after a night-time deluge from a thunderstorm. Each rod locker features an optional QuickDraw rod-retrieval system, which should come standard. The spacious lockers ensure that each angler will have room for his sticks, and then some.

Behind the consoles, both driver and passenger are given great wind protection by the upright, somewhat staid-looking windshields. The helm features hydraulic tilt-steering as standard, and the gauge package includes water pressure and trim as well as the industry standard speedometer, tach, voltmeter and fuel gauges. All wiring underneath was neat and run cleanly. I appreciated the inclusion of the trim and water pressure instruments since too many manufacturers leave these out. Tilting the wheel for comfort allowed for full gauge visibility; even when slouched in the seat and readjusting the wheel, I could see the tach, speedometer and trim gauges well with the water pressure gauge still reasonably visible. The console is well laid-out and has a nice, clean look.

The driver and passenger seats are extremely comfortable, and the vinyl used to upholster them appears tough and durable. A nifty, adjustable backrest raises high enough to support tired necks on the way home after a tough fishing day. Between the seats is a large, insulated ice chest, covered by a seat that converts to a carpeted step for access to the rear casting deck.

Alongside the passenger seat, extending rearward to the aft deck, is a narrow little rod locker for storage of your fishing partner's frequently used rods. It's a nice feature that will surely be used often, since it pops open with ease allowing instant access.

Anglers will also like the standard fishing electronics that include a Zercom in-dash flasher and a bow-mounted Lowrance X-48 flasher. They will also find the dash switches and controls have a positive, solid feel and are lighted to indicate when they are "on." The livewells are huge with smooth, round corners. Lights inside are optional, but automatic timers and pro-style aeration systems are standard.

Besides the livewells, the rear deck features two more large dry storage compartments and access to the bilge via a wide lid at the transom. The bilge was rigged neatly; servicing components like batteries, oil tank and bilge pumps will be easy on this boat. A two-pole Dual Pro Charger is standard equipment.

Package Deal

Cobras are well-equipped boats, and that includes the custom single-axle trailer our test boat rode in on. Just about everything you can do to a trailer is done to these custom jobs, but options are still available. Ours had the lighted cutouts on the forward steps for that custom touch, along with aluminum wheels and step plates.

The package looked truly luxurious in the water and out, but the price ($28,500 as tested) is right in the range with other similarly-equipped rigs. What this boat offers is solid, long-lasting value coupled with excellent speed and handling. For this writer, used to dealing with high-strung, finicky race-inspired rigs, it was a refreshing departure from the norm.

Viper Cobra Specifications

Major Options: Manual jackplate, Hot Foot, Teleflex Pro Trim, in-floor ice chest, Trophy propeller, tandem trailer, spare tire, lighted cutouts in trailer steps, aluminum wheels, forward deck extension, QuickDraw rod retrieval system, custom cover

Manufacturer:
Viper Boats, Inc.
Dept. B&WB
P.O. Box 770
Mountain Home, AR 72654-0770
(870) 424-4244