New to boats! 1988 V-Master Bowrider merc i/o

[Reckedracing]

Hello all. This is my first time on any boating forum. Last year a buddy and I were given a 78-ish stardust hull w/ trailer. Blown powerhead. After hours and hours of searching we couldn't find a replacement powerhead in our price range.

We've been looking again this summer and were offered a great deal on a 1988 V-Master bowrider with a mercruiser I/O.

Right now I am just looking for basic information on the boat as I do not recognize the brand name.

The only thing I have found so far is it appears that V-Master may have been bought by Caravelle boats in 1987 or 1988.

The current plans for the boat are to do a quick interior fix up and service the motor and outdrive so we can enjoy it this summer.

If you know anything about V-Master boats, or have any advice for beginners, please let me know.
Thanks


From boathistoryreport.com
HIN: VCL010******
Model Year: 1988
Certification Year: 1987 (August)
Manufacturer: CARAVELLE BOATS INC
Manufacturer City/State: AMERICUS GA

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to boats! 1988 V-Master Bowrider merc i/o

Welcome to iBoats! I've never heard of V-master but have certainly heard of Caravelle. Which Merc motor is it? If it's the 470 (a large 3.7L 4 cyl) you may want to avoid it. Otherwise you pretty much can't go wrong. Good parts and service support for Mercruisers. Your main concern on that vintage boat should be wood rot. Soft spots on the floor or rotten transom are MAJOR jobs to repair. Check those areas carefully. Good luck!

 

[Reckedracing]

Re: New to boats! 1988 V-Master Bowrider merc i/o

Thanks for the welcome.

I believe it is a 3 liter merc.

Where should I look to find infomation on changing the fluid in the outdrive?
I have not purchased a repair manual yet, and we were hoping to do something with the outdrive tonight.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to boats! 1988 V-Master Bowrider merc i/o

The 3L Merc is a great motor. All the info you could possibly need for your drive will be in the I/O forum on here.