VIP or Rinker

[ccolvin8]

I've been looking for a used boat for several months now. The two boats I'm seriously considering are a 2003 VIP 1886 and a 1995 Rinker 192. They both have 4.3L Mercruisers. The Rinker is in much better shape on the interior. The VIP has a few tears in the upholstery, looks like it was left outside for a while. Both motors look good, but the VIP looks like it was hardly even used. Not even a scratch on the shoe. I have 2 small children and like to ski/wakeboard/tube and would like to take out friends. Any suggestions? Both are roughly the same price. Should I buy a boat that's 8 years older just because it's been better taken care of?

 

[truckermatt]

Re: VIP or Rinker

personally, i would go with the rinker, because of the quality. and yes i would buy an older boat if it looks better and was taken better car of.

 

[ccolvin8]

Re: VIP or Rinker

The VIP actually looks a little better (a little more modern bodystyle), but the Rinker looks like a deeper Vee. Would this give it a better ride?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: VIP or Rinker

Don't know about the VIP but my son had a Rinker and it was very well made.

 

[ccolvin8]

Re: VIP or Rinker

Should the NADA value make a difference?

 

[AZSenza]

Re: VIP or Rinker

NADA is a good starting point, there are so many factors in a boat compared to a car. My seller kept quoting NADA and I kept pointing out details. Personally, I'd go with the one that has the better interior. If the seats and carpet look good (like its been covered) the sole is most likely in good shape. The worst thing you can do is get into a boat and find out the stringers and or sole are shot.

 

[ccolvin8]

Re: VIP or Rinker

The NADA of the VIP is higher than the asking price, the NADA of the Rinker is less than the asking price.

 

[smclear]

Re: VIP or Rinker

I had a '96 Rinker Captiva 212 purchased new. Just sold it last year to purchase an old Century Resorter. Nothing wrong with the Rinker, I just love old Century's. Rinker was still family owned back then and made very good boats. Not the best, but far from the worst. Mine always rode well and handled everything my lake could throw at it. I did all the winterizing and spring prep myself and it was very easy and inexpensive to do so. The only issue I ever had was I felt it was a little underpowered. It had a 350 in it with an Alpha I drive. Don't get me wrong, it had plenty of power to pull skiers and tubes, I just enjoy high speed runs. Rinkers are made in Syracuse Indiana where my lake house is. They lived just a few houses down from our cottage and my Grandfather was good friends with them. They're good folks who cared a great deal about their boats. Their sons (can't remember their names) were very involved with racing and a lot of their R&D on the racing side made it into their production boats. Several years ago they sold out but I can't remember who bought them. Depending on the previous owners maintenance and upkeep, I think you'd be pleased with the Rinker. I don't know too much about VIP's so I don't know how they compare. Hope that helps.