1987 four winns freedom 160

[slredstorm62]

i just bought a 87 four winns freedom 160 boat. is this a good boat or am i wasting my time? i was wondering if anyone knows the length. i know it is 16 feet but is the overall length actually less? i am asking because in new york if i have a boat 16feet or longer i need a type IV throwable device.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

Why chance it? It's something good to have anyway. Even if you were less than 16', the 160 on your boat would cause you get hassled. Get the type IV. I have a number of them on my boat anyway just for backrests and floating while swimming.

Don't know whether your boat is a good one or not. Any old fiberglass boat certainly has the potential to be a rotted mess or it could have been well maintained. What motor do you have?

 

[slredstorm62]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

it is a 3.0l mercruise with the alpha one outdrive. the ski locker is wet and rotted on the sides but the front and back is pretty solid. i stomped on the floor everywhere and didnt feel hollow or anything.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

That's a great powerplant for that boat. You're probably on your way to a rebuild of the wooden structure of your boat but it sounds usable as is.

 

[slredstorm62]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

i set 2 cedar planks under both sides and screwed them in then but cedar supports under them. i think that is really the only bad part or at least i hope. does anyone know where i can get a replacement snap on cover for the boat? i have the front part but not the back

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

Snap on covers are generally a custom job. There are WAY too many boat models for anyone to stock them, especially for an '87.

 

[slredstorm62]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

would you possibly know of a website that does custom work?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

That's generally a "look in your phone book for someone local" kinda thing. There's a guy in my area who does excellent work. It pretty much needs to be local cuz you generally need to take the boat to them so they can take measurements.

 

[seaboo]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

Don't rule out auto Upholstery shops also. Alot of times (depending on their work flow) they will build you a rear (or front for that fact) cover at a reasonable price (mine was alot cheaper than a marine upholstery shop) and just as good of a cover.

 

[KevinFourWinns160Freedom]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

I've owned a 1988 160 Freedom for 5 years now. The OMC lower unit on mine has been replaced twice and the engine threw a rod and that had to be replaced ($2500). It's an okay boat, but what I've been told by those in the know, is that the OMC lower unit has a design flaw which causes the lower unit gears to slip and eventually strip. To replace the gears, you need special tools ($$$). The lower units are available, but hard to come by and are in the range of $600 - $2500 for used to new, respectively.

 

[tcklippsmark]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

I own the same boat, bought it in 1994. It's been an excellent boat, with a few minor repairs. For instance, right now the choke button in the throttle will not engage. I have to take the stick apart and apply pressure with a pliers in order for it to work. It seems like something may have shifted just slightly, but I'm at a loss to figure this one out. Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

I own the same boat, bought it in 1994. It's been an excellent boat, with a few minor repairs. For instance, right now the choke button in the throttle will not engage. I have to take the stick apart and apply pressure with a pliers in order for it to work. It seems like something may have shifted just slightly, but I'm at a loss to figure this one out. Anyone got any suggestions?

Welcome to iBoats.
If you have a question about your boat, start your own thread. Don't hijack someone else's thread. If you read the stickies here you'll learn the rules about posting.

Edit: sorry, I just saw you did post a separate question. I don't know the answer, but I wish you luck solving your problem.

 

[jamerson62]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

I just bought the same boat, and only had to do a carb rebuild and replace the belt. I really enjoy this boat and I think it's a great boat for my wife and I.

 

[GB1073]

Re: 1987 four winns freedom 160

LOA is 16', Beam is 7'2".
I have an 88' 160 Freedom with a 90 HP Evinrude, awesome boat, owned from new, never had any issues with boat or motor unless self inflicted, hit a rock or 2 , just the prop damaged.