1982 24ft Searay

[CaptainSteveo]

Thanks again for all the reply's. I'm going to look at this boat on Monday (1995 Four Winns) https://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1506079969

Agreed to $4000 CAD. It has the OMC engine which I have been warned against. If the boat is running without issues (as the owner says) any reason to walkaway?

Thanks

Actually of the ones you have posted the Glastron or this Four Winns look the best. The $4000 price point on this one looks really good if it's in good running condition and does not have any rot. Would check carefully for soft spots in deck or transom on either one.

 

[pprzerac]

Hello again, I came across this old forum post https://forums.iboats.com/forum/eng...synthetic-or-mineral-oil-in-an-omc-4-3gl-1995

Says that the 1995 OMC is a Volvo, is this true? Is that good or bad? I'm thinking that is good news? I read somewhere that Volvo had purchased OMC and that the engines where the same by that point, just can't find the link.

 

[briangcc]

At one point the OMC Cobra drive was Volvo...just not sure when. IF, and its a mighty big IF, it's Volvo...then open your repair budget by quadrupling it. Seriously.

Volvo's are velvet smooth drives and light years ahead of Merc - I've owned both. Problem is parts and prices - everything Volvo is easily 2-3x the cost of a comparable Merc part. And no, they are not interchangeable so you're stuck with Volvo parts. Other problem is repairs. The marinas that service Volvo's are drying up.

Just something to be aware of.

 

[CaptainSteveo]

At one point the OMC Cobra drive was Volvo...just not sure when. IF, and its a mighty big IF, it's Volvo...then open your repair budget by quadrupling it. Seriously.

Volvo's are velvet smooth drives and light years ahead of Merc - I've owned both. Problem is parts and prices - everything Volvo is easily 2-3x the cost of a comparable Merc part. And no, they are not interchangeable so you're stuck with Volvo parts. Other problem is repairs. The marinas that service Volvo's are drying up.

Just something to be aware of.

I have a Volvo and it's been great so far. The opinion in my area is they are more reliable, but depending on the version you might have issues getting parts. My friend with a volvo said you should get the serial number of the motor and outdrive and look them up online and see how available parts are. He said GFI versions are a pain. For my common 4.3 GL I have had no issues and Sierra and other after market parts are available for about the same price as typical Mercruiser stuff. I would stay away from OEM Volvo stuff though, it does cost way more.

 

[pprzerac]

As an update, I'm now a boat owner! Ended up going with a 1993 Four Winns Sundowner 195 with a 5.0 OMC V8 for $5000 CAD. Boat interior is in great shape from my visual inspection. No tears, no soft spots that I could see. Had the boat out for the first time on Saturday without any issues, although it was a little wavy so I couldn't really push the boat. I've read on here that the V8 OMC cobra engine has some known issues (transmission?) so hopefully I don't see any of those for a few seasons. Ideally I can get 3 seasons out of this boat without any major issues.

The question I have is what should I have serviced on this boat now. I'm thinking oil change (lower and upper), and fuel filter. Anything else I should change/replace right now? (The boat ran for about 1 hour without any issues, started without any issues).

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

 

[roffey]

water impeller for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfQR18dPpiU

for sure a DIY job in your driveway, way easier than my Merc, lol

 

[pprzerac]

water impeller for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfQR18dPpiU

for sure a DIY job in your driveway, way easier than my Merc, lol

Thanks for this, just watched the video, now looking to order some parts.

 

[Carl1783]

As an update, I'm now a boat owner! Ended up going with a 1993 Four Winns Sundowner 195 with a 5.0 OMC V8 for $5000 CAD. Boat interior is in great shape from my visual inspection. No tears, no soft spots that I could see. Had the boat out for the first time on Saturday without any issues, although it was a little wavy so I couldn't really push the boat. I've read on here that the V8 OMC cobra engine has some known issues (transmission?) so hopefully I don't see any of those for a few seasons. Ideally I can get 3 seasons out of this boat without any major issues.

The question I have is what should I have serviced on this boat now. I'm thinking oil change (lower and upper), and fuel filter. Anything else I should change/replace right now? (The boat ran for about 1 hour without any issues, started without any issues).

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Congrats! I had a feeling you might've been looking at boats over the weekend. Welcome to boat ownership... Never forget what BOAT stands for. Bust Out Another Thousand.

 

[roffey]

... and do all the stuff you mentioned, gas filter (water separator) oil and filter and gear lube. The oil for the hydraulics don't get changed you just add oil but like the power steering and breaks in your car you have to find out why your adding oil, lol. You might want to check the gimbal bearing and bellows is't not a DIY job. Some here will tell you how.. to check, me I take it to the dealer every 4 or 5 years...

 

[CaptainSteveo]

As an update, I'm now a boat owner! Ended up going with a 1993 Four Winns Sundowner 195 with a 5.0 OMC V8 for $5000 CAD. Boat interior is in great shape from my visual inspection. No tears, no soft spots that I could see. Had the boat out for the first time on Saturday without any issues, although it was a little wavy so I couldn't really push the boat. I've read on here that the V8 OMC cobra engine has some known issues (transmission?) so hopefully I don't see any of those for a few seasons. Ideally I can get 3 seasons out of this boat without any major issues.

The question I have is what should I have serviced on this boat now. I'm thinking oil change (lower and upper), and fuel filter. Anything else I should change/replace right now? (The boat ran for about 1 hour without any issues, started without any issues).

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Congrats. Sounds like you did well if you had a trouble free trip.

I would definitely change oil, check all other fluids (power steering, outdrive, etc.). Fuel filter is good idea, but probably ok if you ran without issue. Also check out the belts and hoses and replace any that show wear have cracks or other issues.

You also should replace the impeller. Cheap and should be pretty easy to do.

 

[pprzerac]

Thank you for all the reply's. I have ordered a new impeller kit and fuel/water separator. I will be changing the upper and lower oil this weekend. I will take a look at the other fluids tonight to see what needs to be topped up. Thank You.