Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

[rsviper94]

Hi - new to the site.

I just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900 that needs alot of work. The first question among many is with starting the boat. I see by pictures that on the right hand side of the OMC contol lever that there should be a red lever; mine is taped up with black tape so I am assuming that it is broke It takes for ever to start because if I move the throttle forward to give it a little gas the prop engages. I assume that if I had the red lever that I would be able to compress it to move the throttle forward without engaging the prop - is this correct? I have driven other boats but not one with this kind of control, most of the boats had a button at the pivot point that let you move the throttle open without engaging the prop.

 

[Dzrtcj7]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Hey, welcome! There are several '89 Vindicator 1900's on the forum now. Is yours a Red Anniversary boat? I am just finishing restoring mine and there are a couple in progress, so we should be able to help with a lot of your questions!

The red "lever" on the bottom side of shifter grip is a lockout for putting the boat into and out of gear. To dis engage the gear shift and only control the throttle, you should be able to pull the shifter toward you, away from the side panel about 3/4", and only operate the throttle.

Fire away at the questions. I'm happy to help as much as I can. Check out my restoration thread in the link at the bottom of my post, it may help answer some questions too.

 

[Dzrtcj7]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Post some pictures too!!

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Dzrtcj7 - Thanks for the input. Mine is a red one with red, orange and yellow interior. Someone put a 1974 351W in it and I am having issues. They put a 750 Holley on it and it is getting way too much fuel, I am changing over to a 600 carb. Is your carb vacuum secondary or mechanical?

The control lever unit is shot; I am getting ready to buy a new one.

I have been following your restoration and the boat looks great. I will post some pictures soon.

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Picture from the lake today. I will try to get some better ones soon.

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Finally the new parts are in - electronic conversion for the dual points, new coil, new control lever, new shift cable and a new 600 cfm carb. Now I hope the thing will finally run right.

 

[Dzrtcj7]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Good looking boat! I actually just got off the river. Been using the crap out of my boat lately and loving it.

My carb is the marine Holley 600 with the vacuum secondaries. I fight with it. It's latest game it the float for the secondaries sticking after the butterfly is closed. I'm considering going to an Eledbrock.

I hope the new parts get it running good for you! When you do your electronic ignition, so some research on here about the Electronic Shift Interrupt (ESA) and electronic ignition conversions. The ESA interrupts the ignition when you are shifting to allow the gears in the outdrive to engage and more importantly disengage. I have read a few posts on issues with the ESA not working after converting the ignition system. I'm not sure what the details are on what you bought, just wanted to give you a heads up.

Good luck, hopefully you are having fun on the water soon!

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Thanks for the info. I put the carb on last night and it seems to be running good out of the water. Hopefully I will be able to get it on the water within the next few days to see how it really runs.

I started wet sanding last night - it is going to be a long process.

How much does it usually cost to have the interior recovered? Not sure if I want to put alot of money into it right now.

Also if I get it running right and if I ever decide to sell it what do you think it would be worth? I would hope that I could get $4,500 out of it but that might be pushing it.

 

[Dzrtcj7]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Ya, the wet sanding is a loong process! Be sure you are using a flexible sanding pad. Meguires has one that works real well.

For the interior, for a complete recover of everything, I would expect to pay between $1500 and $2500. Toward the higher end if it is as bad as mine was.

Price is a tough one. A Four Winns that was nearly a twin to my boat started at $14,500 and just sold for $8500. My boat, as it sits now, with a decent looking hull, new engine and outdrive and new interior, I'd probably advertise for $8500 obo. Look at craigslist and see what other boats in the 19-21ft range are going for.

Good luck with the sanding! Hope you didn't like your finger prints much

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

Another new suprise. The previous owner put on a new prop and forgot to put the thrust washer back in behind the prop. I was lucky to find this before it caused any damage. Just ordered a new one that should be here within the week. I still have not been able to get it on the water to see if all of the new parts have made it run any better.

 

[rsviper94]

Re: Just bought a 1989 VIP Vindicator 1900

I finally got it out on the water and it ran ok but it still needs some fine tuning. I found out that I will probably be moving out of state so I just put the boat up for sale; I just do not have the time to mess with it right now. I am going to take a big hit but I am hoping that I can at least get $3000 for it.