1988 VIP Vision 1750 OB what should I look for

RobfromME

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2008
Messages
11
Good evening, all,

I am going to look at a 1988 VIP Vision 1750 outboard with a 1989 Force 150 HP engine. I understand the Force engines are toublesome, but how good are the boats, assuming that it was taken care of? What should I look for when inspecting it?
The asking price of the boat, engine, and trailer is the NADA price for boat minus engine.

I'm also considering a 1986 Glastron with a 135HP mercury engine...I don't have much info on it yet. What are those like?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,
RCK
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: 1988 VIP Vision 1750 OB what should I look for

Forces aren't "troublesome". Properly maintained they aren't any better or worse than anything else. They were pretty uncomplicated motors and some members on here actually like them and say they are dead simple to work on. It's just that parts and service are becoming difficult to obtain. Can't comment on either of the boats without more specifics and/or photos. We love photos. Just make sure to check any boat out very carefully for rot in the transom, deck and stringers as these are major projects to replace.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: 1988 VIP Vision 1750 OB what should I look for

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.
 
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