Re: VIP Owners Review
i own a 1997 vip valiant bowrider. I got the boat in excellent condition it was well taken care of.
The boat seems to be built well, sturdy, and rides great on the water. I have no complaints about craftsmanship thus far. only thing i don't like is that the boat is old enough to fall out of the new era of "wood free boats" i have wood bases in the bow seats, rear seat, and motor cover, which i'm not crazy about, but hey you can't have everything
The vip brand is certainly not top of the line, however its far from bottom of the line. Its a good manufacturer for mid level boats. (as with any boat if it is well taken care of there shouldn't be any issues regarding this). I mean you could have a crownline that has been neglected and a bayliner that's immaculate, works both ways. In that case i'd have to choose the bayliner.
As far as the manufacturer being out of business, they sold out to another company, i can't recall the name right now but as i understand it, the new company is now building boats under the vip brand name. (i want to say the company is brunswick, but i could be wrong)
From my experience most of the components regarding the construction of the boat have been pretty generic when compared to other brand boats of its kind, thus the need to get "vip" parts is usually non existent. the power package, usually mercruiser for these boats, parts can be accessed easily at any marine places.
The only trouble i've heard of that people are having due to the old company going out of business is getting windshield replacements, which i don't think you should have to worry about on the deckboat if i'm not mistaken
all in all, i'm very happy, mine has been a great boat, and i would reccomend the vip brand to anyone who asks.
hope some of that helped