a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

[4redsox2004]

this boat is for sale. needs a new impeller as part of regular maintenance .the seller says the job may cost 200.00 labor and parts,. is this a fair number?.how often is this part replaced? thank you. this is a great site

 

[rodbolt]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

if it "NEEDS" an impeller there is a good chance it 'NEEDS" pistons and head gaskets as well.<br /> the cooling system and pump does not have to absolutly quit to cause damage, it just has to degrade to the point that it cant keep the motor cool at high speeds.kinda like hooking up a 20K pound travel trailer to a 15 year old truck with a clogged radiator. will work for a bit but eventually the motor will pop. not because anything "failed" but due to it degraded. have the rig checked over carefully by a competent tech. if I suspect it ever got hot I leakdown test them. 200 dollars would be a good high end ball park figgure. especially on a poorly maintained rig.

 

[4redsox2004]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

rodbolt, thanks for the advise.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

Rodbolt is correct in throwing out a red flag. If things were in good shape otherwise, I would think that he would get the boat serviced as a selling point, then put it for sale. Never, I repeat "NEVER" buy a boat without it running perfectly from the start. Even us mechanics get took once in awhile. I bought a boat, 87 Tracker W/ Merc 150. I thought it was just bad fuel, and I test drove it. I now think it needs reeds which it will get shortly. I wont do it again.<br />Sometimes we arent as smart as we think we are.

 

[4redsox2004]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

thanks lubeDude.I have made a app. to get a johnson dealer to give this 150 hp. vro a complete pre sale ounce over. I love the looks and condition of this mastercrafter model Ragin cajun.17ft.383hrs 1987 150hp vro the seller is asking 3200.00. The mechanic asked if the vro is still in place.it is .should it be? thanks for taking the time to reply. cj

 

[Brew2]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

If the VRO pump is the orginal 1987 model, and you want to keep using it (the alternative is to pre-mix the oil with the gas with each fill up)then it definitely needs replacing. The new pumps have a much better warning system and reliability record. A search on "VRO" will provide you with literally days of reading on the topic!<br /><br />Replacing the pump is pretty straight forward. With some basic tools it shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes. The pump itself is a little expensive (around $250), but sometimes they come up on ebay a little cheaper.<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy you new boat.<br /><br />Brew

 

[Brew2]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

OK....I stand corrected...pump is actually $279.<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Brew

 

[4redsox2004]

Re: a 1987 ragin cajun with 150hp vro

Thanks, Brew2. It is an original pump. Great advice - I'll stick with the pump - it does have a warning. Lots of good info out there, like you said. cj