V I P Boats recalls
V I P Boats boats have 2 recall campaigns on record across 30 reported units. Below is every campaign, what it covers, and how to confirm a specific hull was fixed before you buy.
V I P Boats has 2 USCG recall campaigns on record, both issued in the late 1990s for flotation defects. Campaign 961468S (January 1997) affected 23 units of the 165 O/B model for level flotation and safe load capacity issues, while campaign 971514S (March 1998) covered 7 units of the 180CC model for level flotation problems. Buyers considering models from this era should verify whether the flotation remedies were completed, as unrepaired boats may not meet federal safety standards for buoyancy in a swamping scenario.
All V I P Boats recalls
- ⚠ Recall
971514S3/18/1998LEVEL FLOTATION
What this means before you buy → - ⚠ Recall
961468S1/14/1997LEVEL FLOTATION; SAFE LOAD
What this means before you buy →
What to check before you buy a used V I P Boats
- Cross reference your boat's hull identification number against USCG campaigns 961468S and 971514S if you are buying a 1990s era 165 O/B or 180CC model.
- Request documentation from the seller showing the flotation repair was completed by an authorized dealer or V I P service center.
- Have a marine surveyor verify flotation foam integrity and safe load capacity during the prepurchase inspection, even if the recall was reportedly remedied.
- Contact the current V I P Boats entity or successor company to confirm recall status by HIN if the seller cannot provide repair records.
Frequently asked questions
How many V I P Boats have been recalled?
30 V I P Boats units across 2 models have been recalled by the USCG for flotation defects, with 23 units of the 165 O/B model affected in 1997 and 7 units of the 180CC model affected in 1998.
What years were V I P Boats recalled?
V I P Boats recall campaigns were issued in January 1997 and March 1998, both targeting models manufactured in the mid to late 1990s for flotation compliance failures.
What were the V I P Boats recalls for?
Both V I P Boats recalls addressed level flotation defects, with the 1997 campaign also citing safe load capacity issues on the 165 O/B model. These defects mean the boats may not remain afloat or level if swamped.
Should I avoid a used V I P Boats with a recall?
A recalled V I P Boats is safe to buy only if the flotation remedy was completed and documented. Unrepaired boats from these campaigns do not meet federal buoyancy standards and should be avoided or priced to reflect the cost of retrofitting proper flotation foam.