1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

[dleetch]

Hello I am looking at purchasing a boat that I can fish off of and I can also take the family out skiing etc. I found a 1990 with a 120 Hp Force engine on it. The engine runs good but I just want some opinions on the motor. The guy totally re did the seats and flooring/carpet. He is asking for $4500.00. It comes with the trailer which is in good shape, trolling motor (pretty new) batteries, life jackets etc.

Please let me know if you have any experience with this motor mainly and if the price is too high like I think it is.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

Old forces don;t have a real good reputation so budget to replace it when you have a problem.

Personally I think the boats typically described as "fish and ski" are not the best design for a multi-purpose family recreational boat--better than a sofa boat but there are even better options.

 

[BigDfromTN]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

For a general idea of value. Try an online source like New Car Prices and Used Car Book Values - NADAguides .

They may be accurate, but will give you a ball park to look at. Many times there you have to price the Boat, trailer and motor as 3 items.

 

[dleetch]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

So the force engines are hard to keep running and expensive when they break down? If you had to choose an EVINRUDE, Johnson, Mercury or a Force in the 1989-1995 range which one would you choose?

 

[dleetch]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

I forgot to ask what you meant by other family and ski boat options?

 

[not enuf toys]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

IMO - that is way overpriced. 1500 would be pushing it 4500 can get you a nice runabout.

the force motors are junk

are you looking for an outboard, I/O, or inboard?

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

Boat sounds overpriced regardless. I'd just move on to something else. For $4,500 you should be able to get a pretty nice boat.

The if it's in impeccable shape and you're getting an amazing deal, then I'd be okay with a Force. But it's not a preferable motor, and that's a premium price for a 24 year old boat.

The Evinrude, Johnson or Mercury debate would rage on for a while. Personally, I lean toward Evinrude/Johnson motors but that's not something written in stone.

 

[oldman570]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

I would stay away from the force motor. A weekend ride around the area and south will get you a better idea as to what boats are selling for in your area. You may just find another setup that is as good and better for less $$$. Boating and maintaince is $$$ if the setup is older as parts are harder to find and the wood and flotation in the boat dose degrade over time. It is always cheaper if the motor is a outboard IMO. The motor can be replaced at any time as can the boat, without having to replace both motor and boat. JMO
Oldman570

 

[jigngrub]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

Avoid that boat like the plague!

 

[greenbush future]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

Any 20 year old boat is suspect, rot, abuse, wear and tear. Add the obsolete outboard and you are asking for trouble with both use and resale. Stick with major outboards mentioned above. One day you will need to sell this thing, and my guess would be you wont be able to do that easily.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

So the force engines are hard to keep running and expensive when they break down? If you had to choose an EVINRUDE, Johnson, Mercury or a Force in the 1989-1995 range which one would you choose?

evinrude/johnson (same motor) first then Merc

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

I forgot to ask what you meant by other family and ski boat options?

center console OB with built-in bow seating. Look at Sea Hunt's website for an idea--they are typical of dozens of brands

 

[dleetch]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

Thanks man, nuff said, I'm gonna walk away!

 

[dleetch]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

I would prefer an outboard, something I can get to and work on a little bit. I'm having a heck of a time finding a good boat!

 

[southkogs]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

If you need to extend your search out a coupla' hours. A 4 hour drive to another market may save you several bucks and get ya' the boat you want.

 

[Pony]

Re: 1990 vip fish and ski, need help quick

If the KC Craigslist is anything like MKE, its a good idea to try and check it a couple times a day as well. Doesn't take too long for a decent boat to get to page two or three on a search. Lots of boats on the market now....even more as the weather gets better and people start pulling boats out of storage and realize they don't want to deal with the upkeep anymore....