Going to look at another boat '89 VIP

[djtrixx]

'89 VIP 19' I believe is a Valiant. 4.3l OMC. I haven't seen it up close yet, but the guy tells me the floor was re-done, no soft spots. He said the only mechanical issue is that while running and in gear, it will not shift back into neutral without shutting down the engine. Would that be something as simple as a linkage adjustment? He is asking $3500. Wants to sell to buy a bigger boat for his family. Were these good boats?

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Going to look at another boat '89 VIP

Run. Too many good boats out there. Stay away from OMC, BTW, as parts & service can be somewhat hard to come by.

VIP is (was) just another fiberglass manufacturer in the 80's... nothing special about them as far as I know. The problem on this boat is they say the floor has been redone... which isn't a bad thing in itself... but do you know (and can you prove) that 1) it was done right and 2) the transom and stringers are in good shape?

And, in any event -- at least in my area -- $3,500 is 2x too much for that boat even if it's in good condition.

That said, it is nearly July 4th so do whatever you want (but I'm sure someone will buy it, someone that is who doesn't know better). If you wait until later in the season, you'll find much better deals out there.

-D

 

[lcmains1]

Re: Going to look at another boat '89 VIP

VIP is a brand that is no longer made. In addition, they were considered a "starter" boat, meaning they are built cheaper than a Four winns, crownline etc, they typically were a lighter boat so they did not handle the best.

I agree, why was the deck redone? More importanly, was it done correctly and what is under it??????