Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

[ronn07]

I just bought a 1989 Four Winns 180 Horizon. 18'6" 4.3L Engine. I/O
Brand new interior professionally done, including captains chairs for driver and side passenger.
New floor bow to stern 1 year ago. Including stringers and decking. Have receipts for the work.
New Impeller. New Bimini Top. Over all Good boat.
Included in the sale was a brand new pro-series wake board, a knee board, 2 tubes, 2 ski ropes, 6-8 life jackets, boat cover and a bunch of other stuff.

I did get to test drive it on the lake and it ran good and rode smooth.

I paid $3200 for the boat and I feel good about the purchase.

I have attached some pics.

Thanks!
Ron

 

[gypsysoul]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Well Ron, If it makes you happy and you have no buyers remorse.Then it is a good deal. Sounds like you looked it over pretty well before you bought it. Pictures are always hard to judge a purchase from. It is middle of the road on price from what I have seen but not sure where your at, may be a good price for your area. I don't think you got hurt at all. and with good maintenance it should last a long time. good luck.

 

[ronn07]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Thanks. I appreciate any and all advice!

 

[Action]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Seems like a nice boat, what kind of 4.3, OMC or Merc?

 

[skargo]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Nice looking boat, congrats.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Nice looking boat. If you've got new upholstery and real receipts showing good floor and stringers (I would hope they checked the transom at the same time), you are WAY ahead of the game for a $3200 boat. Usually a crap shoot in that range whether the floor and/or stringers are good or rotted, and if they haven't been rebuilt it's usually not too long before they need it ....

If the drive train is as good as the rest of the boat you got a GREAT deal.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Nice looking boat Ron! Congrats!
Thats a very clean looking boat.Around here it would have sold for 4 to 5k easy..

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

It seems like a good price.

If it hasn't been repowered you have a well designed, durable but no longer supported OMC Cobra outdrive. OMC owned Four Winns starting in 88.

Many people say run from OMC. I say if you can work on it yourself and can get the basic parts they are very good drives.

All in all if the boat runs good and is in good condition it was worth what you paid for it.

 

[ronn07]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

It has the 4.3L OMC Cobra.

The thing I like is the fact that it's basically a V-6 Chevy Engine and I know a GM Mechanic. Plus there is a boat shop in the area that still services OMC. AND a friend of mine has a cousin that is a wholesale boat parts distributor.

The outside definitely looks better in the pic but what can you expect, it's 20 years old. I did find a local paint shop that does boats and they do a basic single color paint job for about $300. It won't last forever but for $300 it will look good for while.

I am happy with it. We just got off the lake and we had 4 adults, 3 teens, and 2 toddlers aboard and we still got up to a good clip across the water. Everyone was in jackets. So I know it will do great for pulling a skier or a tube for the kiddos.

Thanks and enjoy the week. Next weekend can't get here fast enough!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Great looking boat. Even with the OMC I'd say you did well.

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Congratulations, your new boat looks great

 

[jkust]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

For almost pocket change (in the boating world) you got yourself a nice looking boat plus all that great gear. Did you get a trailer too? Good job and good luck.

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

yeah thats a good deal just look on craigslist and see some of the boats ppl try to sell for 3500. They look like they might sink. If everything runs good and the inside is new you cant beat that. The outside I wouldnt worry to much about it is going to get a little bet up at the dock any way if you have color on your boat that might be faded dont wast your time with expensive methods to try and bring back the color like I did. 100 bucks and my boat was still dull bottle of vasiline and it was as dark as ever looks like a brand new boat for 3 dollars compared to my 100 dollars worth of 3m products.

 

[ronn07]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Yep the sale included the trailer. I have to recarpet the fender walls but that's no big deal. The guy included the pre-cut walls in the sale. I just have to get the carpet.

Vaseline Huh? Just rub it into the hull? Please do elaborate on that one.

 

[ronn07]

Re: Thoughts on this purchase - '89 Four Winns

Thanks for the comments.

I certainly appreciate them. Makes me feel better about buying a 20 year old boat. :redface: