My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

[Olin83]

Has anyone else ever see one of these? I bought this last year from a dealer who had taken it as a trade. It's one of the nicest F/S packages I've ever seen but no one seems to have ever seen on before. It has a Yamaha 150 on the back.

 

[javsam]

Re: My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

A very sharp boat. Not alot of info. on VIP boats, but in my opinion, they are a well built boat.

 

[Sambo1010]

Re: My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

My wife and I are thinking of purchasing a 2005 VIP vincente and were looking for reviews. I am happy to find this site but have not seen anyone mention the fact that the plant is Vivian, LA is closed down. Was anyone aware of that or had any problems because of that?

 

[rocky100]

Re: My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

Sambo,
i hadnt heard that the plant closed down-where did u hear that?

 

[fixb52s]

Re: My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

The company declared bankruptcy on March 2nd.​

 

[Dirtpounder452]

Re: My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

I've had an 1988 model 18' VIP F/S since 1993. It's been a solid boat and looking at your pics, it appears as if they only improved on it. Classic use of storage in the rear. Where you have the three buckets accross the back, I originally had a single bench seat that folded down to a casting platform. Never really worked that great, so I converted it to a setup much like what you have. If I had to guess, I'd say you have additional storage under those three buckets, right?
Anyway, you did well. I fish in a Bass Club and have fished out of many, many boats. I'd put the VIPs in the same class as Stratos and Skeeters, maybe not quite Champions, Rangers or Tritons. Funny you have a Yamaha 150 on the back, I'm about to repower my old Force 125 up to a Yamaha 150.
Enjoy the VIP, take care of it and it will last you a long, long time.

 

[JQBrum]

Re: My 1996 VIP 190 F/S

I just heard this a couple of days ago. Here's an article on it.
http://www.boating-industry.com/output.cfm?id=1507375
Sounds like a little bit of local politics and probably a bad year for selling new boats.
I have a 2001 VIP 206 Sea Stealth CCF and love it.