Looking for a Viper with Mercury power/Recore not a problem

[specter76]

Good morning, I've been reading these forums for several months as I've been looking for a Viper (Ebay, Craigslist, S&F forums), the threads related to the rebuilds have been very interesting so thanks for taking the time to share those stories. I do already have a 24' jet boat but I'm looking for something smaller just for fun when I don't want to unwrap the big boat.

Unfortunately, probably due to the season as most people have their boats in storage, I have not been able to locate a Viper for sale with a Mercury outboard (115+ preferred) within 500 miles of Detroit. If anyone knows of one for sale that still has its original metalflake (not interested in a painted boat), that has a motor already installed with tilt/trim, and a working trailer, I'd love to discusss a purchase. I'm ok with a soft floor and stress cracks in the transom area as I'm interested in a recore project but I'm not interested in a boat that's been sitting outside for years with no cover (or with a motor that has not been started in years). I have up to $5K cash to spend depending on condition. I appreciate the help and I look forward to documenting my own recore project for the site!

[specter76]

Found what I was looking for, 76 Bicentennial edition Viper with a 115 Merc. I'll share some pictures after I pick it up.

[VultureNo2]

Did you find that in Cleveland? Bill

[specter76]

Yup, that's the one! Supposed to pick it up next weekend. We'll see how smoothly that goes, Ebay purchase and all. I asked a number of questions based on my research and set my budget assuming it will need a full recore this winter. You can tell by the pictures that the boat has something going on with the transom, there's a large aluminum plate on there. Seller claims no cracking though, we'll see.