1988 VIP Vision outboard - should I buy?

[RobfromME]

Hi All,

I am considering purchasing a 1988 VIP Vision 17' with a Force/Mercury 150HP outboard. What should I be looking for when inspecting it? Anything I should be aware of with this boat? I know the Force engine is not a good thing, but it is a 1989 that has been maintained regularly according to the owner.

What problems should I expect? Is there any transom/floor/stringer or hull problems that are common to this boat?

Thanks for your time.

Best,
RCK

 

[javsam]

Re: 1988 VIP Vision outboard - should I buy?

The VIP was a well made boat.
Look for any signs of rot in the floor and transom.
A rotten floor will have a springy motion to it
A rotten transom can be checked by standing on the motors cavitation plate and bouncing on it, if the transom is weak you will see it move.
But overall VIP was a qaulity built boat.
Check out my VIP pics.