Why Buy a VIP?

[2000VIP]

I'm new to boating and I'm doing some research on a few different boats.

I've looked at Bayliner, Sea Ray, and a VIP runabout/fish boat.

The VIP looked the best!!!
It realy caught my eye and it has the rear bench seat vs. the split seats like in a Bayliner or in a Sea Ray. I really like the bench seat style.

The issue I'm having is that I never heard of VIP till recently while I was looking up boats for sale.

What is the history on the VIP? I read on here they went out of Business???
Is it a reliable boat? They seem a bit pricey. Can anyone who knows VIP tell me if they are a good starter boat.

The Bayliners I'm looking at are all 18-20 FT. have 135HP and are 2003-2004 in years and asking about $9-$10K all the toys/bimini but the the VIP is a 2000 and the price is $9500. Is this a typical price for a VIP?

This particular VIP is a 2000 has a 135 HP 18FT. is Extremly Clean, has AM/FM/Casette in it, tube, skis, bimini, trailer all included. See pics attatched.

But the boat is 8 yrs. old.....Is this a good purchase for us?



Thank you, 2000VIP guy!

 

[Olin83]

Re: Why Buy a VIP?

I have a 1996 VIP 190 F/S, see the link below for pics. They are a great boat, much nicer in every way than a Bayliner (cheap, bad resale). The price seems very reasonable, I paid $8500 for my 190 in 2007, F/S boats bring a little more used. Sea Rays are also great boats and they hold their value very well.

As far as VIP going under that's true but it really doesn't matter. Anything that ever needs worked on is universal fit and you have no warranty buying used. The biggest advantage I see with VIP to many other boats is their layout and interior quality, only Sea Ray does it as well.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=236115

 

[2000VIP]

Re: Why Buy a VIP?

Thank You for the reply. Your the only one I got. The Bayliner I'm looking at s a bit more money, has a little more wear to it but has a V6 motor.
Will the 3.0 135HP be a solid enough motor at 8 years old to go tubing with up t 4 or 5 people in the boat? I will not be using the boat all that much maybe every other weekend and only a few hours per day.....None of which will be a constant full throttle.....Is the 135HP Mericruser a good engine? What should I check for when I go to look at this boat in person next week?
Thanks....

 

[Olin83]

Re: Why Buy a VIP?

It's a good motor but it will bog down some depending on how much you load the boat down. As long as your only planning to tow a single tube it should be fine. Also it will do very well on fuel.

 

[Olin83]

Re: Why Buy a VIP?

look for stress cracks in the fiberglass, soft spots in the floor and excessive rust on the motor, this indicates saltwater exposure, and also water in the oil. Ask if the boat was winterized. If not insist that it be started so you can make sure the block is not cracked.