The ad for the boat I'm looking at reads "1991 VIP Vision 17 ft speed boat with a 2.3 Ford 4 cyl motor and a king cobra OMC drive. The boat is in good condition with a walk-thru bow. I have both the titles for the boat and the trailer" I know very little about boats but I would really like one so I am asking for guidance from you all. From the photos, the condition of the outside as well as the interior looks fine but what are some typical general questions that I need to ask the current owner? Any issues with this model boat/motor/drive that I need to watch for? Any guidance is appreciated!

I don't know that a 2.3, 4 cyl qualifies as a Speed boat.

I'm not really looking to go super fast or anything just hanging out fishing maybe some tubing if it can go 20mph or so.

Buy an outboard powered boat.

Look for the latest model best condition boat you can find but an outboard engine is a lot simpler than an inboard if you're inexperienced. Try to find a well known brand of boat, unusual, custom, one-off, unique etc doesn't read well if you're just starting out and want a good all rounder.

Life's better with a boat!
RR

Sounds like your on the wrong forum bub! Smells of trolling too, maybe something else you're into doing with your boat.

I can tell you right now that you have the wrong cam, your blower is too small, your pistons are too far below the block deck, and you need a bigger carburetor just like the rest of us on this forum. Those qualities are a right of passage into the brotherhood of the empty wallet, bad backs, and mad wives club going on here. As said, what you are looking for is a lovely outboard motor and your life will be the better for it.

And buy a center console. Bow riders have all that vinyl upholstery to go bad. And they are the easiest to re-sell when you find out this was a BAD IDEA...

Old outboard engine

[ATTACH=CONFIG]566544[/ATTACH]

Old inboard engine

[ATTACH=CONFIG]566545[/ATTACH]
(Photo courtesy Ryan)

Ayuh,.... OMC has been Dead, 'n Gone for over 2 Decades,...

Don't buy any boat, that says OMC on it anywhere,....

Buy a boat powered by Merc or Volvo, with a Chevy based motor,.....

No Ford power, No OMCs, 'n for sure not a 470 Merc,....

Thanks everyone! I think we will pass on this and look for one with an outboard motor instead. Like I said we are very new to this and want something older but reliable since we only have about 4k to spend on it. Thanks again for the help!