1991 23 Mod VP questions
 

Found one for sale down the street from me, before I go and look at it figured I'd find out as much about the model as I can here first. Boat appears to be in excellent condition and well maintained, and has the 7.4/ Bravo 1 combo. Any problem areas to look out for? Any other info would be appreciated, I didn't find too much on OSO while searching. Boat will be used primarily on our local reservoir Lake Pleasant and of course, the river. Thanks...

Is this a 20.8 or a 22' 10"

22' 10"... Boat is still listed for sale but i havent been able to find any information on the 22'10" hull, only the 20.8, and mostly outboard boats at that...

ohhhh thats a cool boat.

I have some pictures I can dig up, but have only ever sat in one once and secretly coveted it....


UD

Thanks for the replies... Looks like a really neat boat, but I've been searching the net for any info on this model and only find one outdated For Sale ad... I've found some on the 20.8 model but the only I/O info is on your boat UD.... looks like a solid boat but I'd like to know how the hull works and if anyone has added more power to a 23? Can I add hydraulic steering without an ITS transom? How will it handle 1-2' lake chop? Any idea on cruise speed with the Mag 454? Any help would be great.... Thanks again...

Ok I found some stuff.

TO answer your questions as best as possible.

454 probably just under 80 /high70's boat - so cruise all day at 60-65.

The one I saw running around had what was known at the time as the 500 "bulldog" and speed was mid 80's + I didnt want to challenge him w my blown small block 20.8

The boat loves power and is very stable, I spoke to another owner that said he was feeding it 600 HP and it loved it.


As long as you have the HP to carry the nose and are on it and going - it will eat 1-2" chop with a short period like it isn't there.

Its the 2+-3's with a bit longer period that bang you around - the tunnel falls into the hole and you bang around.

like the 20.8 I do not believe you can put external steering on it without cutting into the swim step, but there may be more sanctioned mount points and techniques now than when I did it so my opinion is far from gospel.

One of these with an open bow and new interior and running gear would be a nice roomy ultra fast lake boat.

Look out for wear on the gimbal- tunnels are hard on gimbals and without steering wear them out quickly, when you get to the unit you are looking buying - grab the bottom of the skeg and give a firm lift up - If you have more than a few 8th of play- you'll need to rework the gimbal.

also look out for weeping power steering - most guys would try to turn these things at speed without external steering and blow the seals - at WOT aired out and singing - the wheel turns but the boat doesnt.

UD

I would love to have one of these with 600+ HP, Imco extension box, and Imco drive!!

Thanks for all the great info guys... Gonna sea-trial Wednesday, and if it all checks out I'm taking it home... Boat has 400 hours and is in excellent shape... Any other areas to look for when we're on the water? Thanks again...

One very important thing I can advise. I see the boat has power trim tabs... Once the boat is on plane MAKE SURE you raise the trim tabs all the way up! This model, being a small tunnel boat, will not result in anything good with leaving the trim tabs down...

You may want to do a leak down test to see where the motor is at.

UD