86 VIP Kona 18 / Any info?

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Hello all, I'm new to boating and looking at the boat mentioned. I can't find any info on this boat. I called VIP and looked on NADA for this boat and they told me it was an outboard,but this one has a mercruiser I/O inline 4. Rick evans at VIP said it's possible since they were a small company they did one offs once in a while. Its in great shape inside and out. Has a custom cover and bimini top and pretty much was stored indoors. I don't want to get into something that cannot be serviced because parts are no longer available. I helped him out on a job so he said I can have it for 1,500.00. Sounds like a deal to me. What do you think? I have never seen a boat like it.
Thanks in advance
Mike

 

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Re: 86 VIP Kona 18 / Any info?

I've got an 82 kona 18 jet,according to one site I found they made jets and outboards tho I s'pose any one could have bought a hull and had it rigged any way they wanted it. here's a slide show of mine.look anything like yours?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m9o5BBKKIQmine has a 455 olds with berkley jet I've only seen one other like it and the badges on it say KONA not VIP let me know if I can help.I rebuilt the transom and stringers on mine as well as interior and floor paid 2500 for it and spent another 1500 redoing it and am really happy with it.here's iboat linkhttp://www.iboats.com/VIP__Kona_18__ 1986/bp/64b99011r2

 

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Re: 86 VIP Kona 18 / Any info?

Here is a pic of mine. there is a emblen on the right rear corner(side of boat not rear) that says kona. Not a whole lot of info on these boats.

Mike

 

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Re: 86 VIP Kona 18 / Any info?

well I've never seen a kona like that one but its a sweet ride. You might try Caddo Mfg. http://www.caddoboats.com/ they may have some info or www.texashotboats.com there are alot of guys that have seen more boats than I have. If you got it for 1500 you made a screamin' deal!