This is a nice 31 foot family boat. Very steady on rough water.
The last affordable high power Express Cruiser!
Note: The value of 1989 Vista 315 models depended on the engine package.
Power Package
This boat came equipped with the largest power package your money could buy. Even in todays marine standards, these engines are big. It has two 460 (Ford) 7.5 King Cobra OMC engines attached to two King Cobra stern drives equipped with "dog style" clutch and counter-clock rotation port side drive, delivering a total of 680 hp with 2 engines ( 340 hp per engine). For many years, 460 was the largest gasoline engine of its kind. The next largest engine was a diesel. The boat displacement is slightly over 10,000 lb., yet with two King Cobras running at 4,000 rpm it can reach speeds of up to 40 Knots. The factory manual specifies the highest speed is 43 knots. Each engine has its own aluminum 45 gallon gas tank with magnetic sender. Both stern drives were rebuilt with new clutches, gaskets and 5 degree gears by Bay-End Marina in Brooklyn in 2009. One of the engines was rebuilt by Jasper Engines in 2001 and another, using new block and manifolds by S&J Engines in 2012 (documented). All exhaust manifolds, risers and 4 exhaust pipes are new and were recently installed. Many external components were replaced like alternators, starters, power steering pump, sensors and senders. Notorious OMC shift cables were replaced with new updated versions. New gimbal bearings and bellows on starboard and port side were installed as well. Both engines have fresh water flush system for easy winterizing and cleaning. Also installed were Mallory breaker-less ignition system for better throttle and pick up for both engines. One 600CMF Holley carburetor is new and another was recently rebuilt. The boat has hydraulic Bennet stabilizers, Shift assist dash board indicators for both engines, two new VDO marine tachometers, Furuno radar.
Other Equipment
750 Watts per week solar panel on top of the radar arch insures all two batteries are fully charged. The galley cabin features a solar panel exhaust fan for continuous interior ventilation. This fan eliminates mildew build up. No baking soda boxes are needed for the winter. The engine compartment has an electrical battery charger, automatic fire extinguisher (Halon system) and fuel vapor monitor. All interior components work as expected, except AC which needs charging. AC pump and bronze through-the-hull water inlet was replaced several years ago. The camper is only a few years old and was made by Bay Canvas in Brooklyn. The rear camper window has a fine mesh replacement to keep away bugs in the summer. A stainless steel grill comes attached to the rear transom rail. All original linens, embroidered blankets, and towels which came originally with this boat are all nicely wrapped in plastic and preserved. 110 volt heavy duty inverter is available and supplies electricity to the AC outlet at all times as long as 12v main batteries are connected.
This boat also comes with a 7.5 inflatable boat tender with a 2013 Yamaha 2.5 4-stroke outboard. Im also including Garmin GPS plotter. In addition, this boat has two stereo systems. One for the outside and one for the inside. It has a 22 flat screen RV HD TV and dvd player integrated into the interior stereo system. Functional HD antenna is on the radar arch. The boat has a fresh water level monitor for a 40 gallon tank, microwave, refrigerator, combination electric/alcohol stove, water heater, vacuum cleaner, carbon monoxide alarm sensor, remote electric windlass, remote search light, two tone horn and macerator for the sanitation tank. The macerator regrinds the content of the tank and pumps it outside (check your local regulations on using the macerator). This is an extremely rare component. The boats galley has wall to wall carpeting convertible tables and sofas. The boat sleeps 9 people. Top round hatch portals work fine and plexiglass on two of them was replaced.
The overall body of the boat is in good condition except one small gelcoat top scratch on the port side. Easy fix with gel-coat kit. I used this boat for 8 years and had lots of fun. Never gone further than Jamaica bay. I can no longer take care of this boat due to my age and would like to sell it.
If you are in Brooklyn, and have plans to keep this boat in Brooklyn, I have a mechanic who maintained this boat for the past 8 years as well as a very reasonable slip and dry dock arrangement in Marine park.
All original documents and owner's manuals are on hand for all installed components, including the original purchase documents and work receipts. Both engine's re-power documents are available as well.
Answering Posted Questions.
Q. OMC is out of business. How do I get parts for these engines and stern drives?
A. OMC has been in business for a very long time. Many boats with OMC engines found their way around the globe, especially in water-bordering countries of Europe. People in these countries do not have the luxury of changing their boats like here in the US. This shortcoming forces them to reproduce spare parts necessary to maintain their boats. These parts are imported to the US and widely used. I also found many marine recyclers that have thousands of parts for you to choose from.The two 460 Ford King Cobra engines installed in this boat are one the most popular engines for use in racing and trucks. Parts for these engines are widely available. The OMC 460 King Cobra marine engines has very few differences between the FORD street counterparts. Exactly the same parts were used in the 70's Lincoln Continentals, Mustangs and multitude of FORD trucks.
Q. I live in another state, how can I get this boat delivered?
A. I purchased this boat 8 years ago from Massachusetts and I live in New York. For about $1000, an 18 wheeler drove this boat right into my marina. It is not that wide where special handling is required.
Q. The boat is in the dry dock. How can I see it work?
A. Yes the boat is winterized. Two stern drives are removed for the winter storage. Both of these drives are reconditioned with new gaskets, gears, clutches and represent 50% of the boat's value. They deserve a home in the winter. Both engines are winterized as well but can be briefly started if required. If this boat is purchased and needs to be moved, I will mount the drives back. Each drive is weight over 100 lbs.
Q. I see this boat advertised for less. Can you match the price?
A. The similar Vista 315 models you'll see for less are not equipped with King Cobra package. Most people will find this boat with Cobra 5.7 engines. The top speed of these 5.7's will put you to sleep. If you load your family, you might as well use sails. The 7.5 marine 460 Ford engines are used in race boats for speed trials. Combined, these engines deliver 680 HP at 5000 RPM.
Q. What kind of props do you use?
A. All my props are stainless steel and "re-hub-ed" (new inner rubber hub) the torque of these drives are so massive it eventually spins-out your prop from the hub.
Q. It sounds like this boat is "perfect". Come on! Its 26 years old. Im sure there is something.
A. Yes there is always something. The boatsmaintenanceis never done. It needs lots of TLC
Q. How many layers of antifouling paint is on this boat? Was this paint ever removed?
A. I do not know. Every year I paint the bottom. What I do know, your speed is dependent upon the condition of the paint surface. Every other year I resurface all these layers of paint to smooth.
Q. I do not need your inflatable boat. Can I get this boat for a better price?
A. Yes. I will deduct $70 from the purchase. I find the inflatable extremely useful. My Vista has a deep draft. You will not be able to go on to the beach or a small private dock. You are virtually stuck on your boat in the middle of the water. With a small tender you can disembark anywhere. Go to shore or a shallow beach and come back to your boat at anchor.
Q. Can I finance this boat?
A. Yes you can. There are plenty of places that will be happy to lend you money. I financed this boat originally through Key Bank. I had to sign a paper that I will not live in this boat and it will not be my residence. All together it has 400squarefeet of accessible space.
If you have any questions or like to see the boat let me know.
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