1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

[cclements716]

I am also looking at this boat. The engine runs fine but the gimble needs to be replaced. I had this done about 2 years ago on the same engine and drive package with a mechanic and it was 650 with all parts and labor and he installed new shift cable and all of the boots. So i am not too worried about that. Interior will need to be redone though. Vinyl is somewhat faded and the graphics dont match the interior. I redid a 23ft open bow Caravelle Interceptor and I know i over paid but there was 28 pieces that had to be recovered and also replaced the carpet for $3200. Im sure i could do some pieces knowing what i know now but the guy did a top notch job on everything. The guy is asking 3000 OBO for the boat. If i got into it for around 2500 plus the 700 for gimble and another 3000 (on the high side) for a new interior, what do yall think it would be worth? Is 3000 a deal?

 

[John_S]

Re: 1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

Flipping boats is always risky. Even more so, if you have to pay someone else to do the work. Key is very detailed inspection such that you know what has to be fixed. Floor, stringer, and transom condition need to be inspected. Test drives are a must. Excuses, something that is broke, that prevents test drive?, offer them what the trailer is worth.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

Flipping boats is always risky. Even more so, if you have to pay someone else to do the work. Key is very detailed inspection such that you know what has to be fixed. Floor, stringer, and transom condition need to be inspected. Test drives are a must. Excuses, something that is broke, that prevents test drive?, offer them what the trailer is worth.

Ayuh,... True enough John,...

But, at $2500. it's got Donor boat potential...
Just to bone it out for it's Parts...

 

[John_S]

Re: 1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

Ayuh,... True enough John,...

But, at $2500. it's got Donor boat potential...
Just to bone it out for it's Parts...

I think that is the default plan, for any boat that takes too much $ to fix.

ie recover what you can.


Not up on what the VIP specific pieces would bring.

If the gimbal bearing didn't just wear out on its own, such as water getting into bellows, then value of the drive may be significantly reduced. If it has a good running 5.7L 2brl, might bring a little.

 

[cclements716]

Re: 1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

It has a 2 year old gm 350 crate dropped into it. Has maybe 120 hours on it. The lower unit on the outdrive needs to be replaced. Priced them lower on ebay and found on for 500 newly rebuilt. This is what i planned for.

Boat $2500
New Lower $500 (I can install)
Gimbal & Boots $700 (Mechanic)
New Interior $2000
Misc. (Boat Costs) $800

Total $6,500

I think a good running boat with brand new interior should be well worth that or more.
What do yall think? Would being into the boat 6500 be a good price? The guy just put a new stereo and speakers in the boat so i dont plan on spending any money on that. Other than that what is there. The 800 should cover a new batter and on board charger. What do you think about the interior price? I dont think that 2 captains chairs a rear bench and sundeck and a few small side pieces should be over 2000. Thoughts?

 

[cclements716]

Re: 1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

Here is a picture. I think its in pretty good condition.
View attachment 122832

 

[John_S]

Re: 1996 VIP Vindicator 21ft with 5.7L Mercruiser

I'm not the trusting type, so to me, there are too many unknowns. Boat projects are always double what you planned.

- A load test is out, but did you run the engine on muffs and check compression?
- Any oil burning, running excessively rich, or significant blowby?
- Any water or oil leaking into bilge?
- Any water in oil?
- Water in fuel tank? Old fuel that is breaking down?
- Exhaust manifold condition and last time changed, if salt water boat?
- Any wood in this boats construction? Needs to be checked for water/rot.
- Hull condition. Hooks, bulges, or evidence of repair?
- Given gimball/bellows, I'd assume new u-joints, input shaft and seal need replacing as well. Consider a complete sei replacement drive.
- If shift bellows is bad, cable replacement probable.
- All electrical items functioning?
- Trailer condition, brakes, lights, bearings, rollers/bunks, etc

I'm sure there are additional items I've missed.