1987 crestliner v190 closed bow w/johnson 120 vro questions/help please

[vtskier]

I am looking at a 1987 v190sabre closed bow with a johnson 120 vro outboard? I have owned a few boats in the past but they were all fiberglass hulls. I will be primarily using this boat in freshwater but occasionaly in brackish and or saltwater. I was wondering if anyone has one of these boats or is familiar with them I have only found a very limited amount of information searching the web. Since I have never owned an aluminum boat before I am a bit leery, I also have never had an engine with a vro kinda scary as well. this boat will be a family boat used for tubing and fishing primarily.
Here are my questions:
1. Aluminum vs fiberglass what maintenance do I need for aluminum boat?
2. The boat from the pictures appears to very well kept and stored under cover what should i specifically check for before purchasing?
3. Do these boats have any known problems?
4. Does the johnson 120 vro year 1987 have any known issues I should check before buying?
5 I will only be able to test motor on muffs anything i need to watch or look for?
6does anyone know where I can get info on the web for this year boat regarding specs. ( fuel capacity ,oil capacity seating , towing capability.
6 is the closed hull an advantage or disadvantage?

Thanks in advance for all your help any info is much appreciated I am going to look at boat on friday morning so I am hoping to hear from you soon good or bad appreciate the info.

 

[cr2k]

Re: 1987 crestliner v190 closed bow w/johnson 120 vro questions/help please

I can tell you that a VRO especially that old can fail at any time and leave you with a fried engine. There is a solution. If you like the boat just have someone add a fuel pump and remove the VRO pump (plastic oil and fuel pump enclosed with the heat from the engine in the cowling) and oil system. If you don't do this keep an eye on the oil tank and make sure the level goes down (actually using oil).
Run long enough on muffs to completely warm the engine 10-20 min. Look with cowling off for any smoke, leaks, etc. while it is running.
Check the tell tale (pisser) make sure water is flowing. When was the impeller replaced last? Should be every other year, if not bargaining point. Usual cost for this is $100-$150.

 

[vtskier]

Re: 1987 crestliner v190 closed bow w/johnson 120 vro questions/help please

thanks for the advice? my only problem with what you suggest is that the boat has a built in tank so that would require premix at the time of fill up whicj is fine on the intial fill up but I think may be difficult after topping off also wouldn't pre mixing in I believe sixty gallon tank have seperation issues ersp. after sitting for a week or so? my next question is is it plausable to replace the vro with a new vro pump as a prevenative measure?

 

[vtskier]

Re: 1987 crestliner v190 closed bow w/johnson 120 vro questions/help please

also is the 100 to 150 the cost for the part or the cost installed ?

 

[Ibl0wstuffup]

Re: 1987 crestliner v190 closed bow w/johnson 120 vro questions/help please

Impeller is around 30-50$ depending on what kit you get. You can get the impeller alone or in a kit with a new housing.