Keytime

I've searched and found different IMP ramblings on OSO, but I'd like to try to get owners' (specifically 31' Eleganzas and 31'/33' Vipers, but all sizes are welcome) perspectives on the boats. There may not be enough of them on here to justify an IMP-specific forum, but some degree of organization would be cool.

Personally, I have more specific questions about boat construction and reliability/durability/quality. I hear mostly positive comments from owners but get some negative comments from non-owners and a local marina. I'm hearing they're more susceptible to rot than other higher-quality boats due to the use of particle board in the construction. I have yet to hear anything definitive on this subject from anyone other than this marina. Just trying to do my research and get all the facts straight.

Thanks! Hope to hear you folks chimin' in.

BennyBen

The 310 Eleganza was a great boat for the money. Here's a short overview: it porpoised at top speed with 7.4's; mostly chop in the laminate but nonethless solid; low quality vinyls, lots of untreated wood but stringers encapsulated well in chop; engines were lag bolted to stringer blocks; anodized windshield frame prone to chipping; no wiring was loomed but taped together; lots of glitter and gelcoat colors - a nice looker (the swim platform on the 33 looked out of place however); nice rough water ride and pretty dry as bowl had some flare; plywood cored deck adequately glassed in. I would compare this boat at the time to a Chaparral Villain IV, or a Scarab.

Keytime

Wow, great info.

Can the porpoising be damped out adequately with the trim tabs?

Seems to me that if a person keeps water out of it, doesn't leave it in the water for LONG periods of time, and doesn't abuse the h*ll out of it, it's gonna hold up fine in the long run. Thoughts?

BennyBen

Using the tabs scrubs off lots of speed in this boat. Top speed with the 7.4's was low 60's to begin with. At this age, any water damage has already been done. Have a surveyor check it out.

CN24

I had a 26 eleganza. Have to agree with everything Benny said. Emphisis on it being a great rough water boat.

txwatergypsy

we have a 31 Viper 1996 7.4s our first twin engine boat. This thing was affordable and super clean when we bought it this spring. It has performed better than expected and has received lots of compliments on styling and condition. I believe it is probably limited on speed. But it seems to have a solid ride. The McLeod interior looks similar to some of the big name makes. The guys at the shop at LOTO have seen many of them (IMPs) over the years and they told me there was an issue at one time with the cross bar for the motor mounts? said the engines would sag a bit and cause couplers to wear out. Mine looks solid and heavy guage steel . My couplers got a thumbs up from my mech.

boater31v

We had a '91 31 Eleganza for about 3 years. Ran it exclusively on LOTO every weekend. Had a great time with it. Handled the water, even on holiday weekends well. Would recommend it to anyone. The only reason we got rid of it is because we sold everything at the Lake and moved to a smaller lake in Illinois because we just couldn't get away to drive to the Lake every weekend anymore.

Good solid boat. Someone mentioned earlier about low quality seats, ours had McCloud interior, last time I checked they were pretty good.

Keytime

Hey, txwatergypsy. I've seen your posts in my search. Good info to hear. I appreciate it.
What I'm hearing reflects what my friend has said about his '93 Eleganza. He's had good fortune so far and I just wanted to see what you other owners had to say. I'll have to check more into the coupler issue. Thanks!

Anyone else out there?

Keytime

Right up the river from my home ground (Granite City and Collinsville). My sister lives in Godfrey, too. Thanks for the help!

txwatergypsy

I enjoy seeing the IMP related posts. Hope you will report any findings that you have from your research. I was told that Raymond of Ramonds boat sales on the Sunrise beach side of LOTO was a dealer and may have been involved in production at one time. Could be a good source of info.
Im curious to know who has the fastest 31 IMP?