I just bought a 1987 Four Winns 215 Sundowner equipped with a Mercruiser 260 and an Alpha One outdrive. I have been going through the boat to test and check everything before taking it out with my family. Overall it is in great shape, but I do have a couple questions for you "experienced" Four Winns owners.
1. There is a hole on the Starboard side front of the boat that looks like it is for a bilge pump. I have searched the boat and cannot find anyway to access this from the inside nor can I find a second bilge pump that may be hooked to it. Does anyone know what this is used for and if it is indeed for a second bilge pump, where is the pump located.
2. Where can I get parts for this boat? I need a trim gauge, I already tested it and it is the gauge. I also need a handle for the hatch in the cuddy cabin.
3. Is there any good way to test the impellar in the outdrive? I read that with the ears on you do not get an accurate flow. Another thread mentioned submerging the drive in a trough of water and starting the engine with the outdrive to engine hose off. If this method will work, how much water should it pump? How hard is the impellar to change? I am a mechanic, but I have noooooo experience with boats or outdrives. The previous owner had the outdrive rebuilt last year (he had the receipt) and only took the boat out once since then. I just want to make sure everything is in good working order.
4. The exhaust "flapper" on the starboard side is rattling alot. The previous owner had a receipt where he took it in for this problem and the mechanic said it would be O.K. Should this be a concern or not?
5. Do you know of any other common problems I may want to look for before taking this boat out.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
1. There is a hole on the Starboard side front of the boat that looks like it is for a bilge pump. I have searched the boat and cannot find anyway to access this from the inside nor can I find a second bilge pump that may be hooked to it. Does anyone know what this is used for and if it is indeed for a second bilge pump, where is the pump located.
2. Where can I get parts for this boat? I need a trim gauge, I already tested it and it is the gauge. I also need a handle for the hatch in the cuddy cabin.
3. Is there any good way to test the impellar in the outdrive? I read that with the ears on you do not get an accurate flow. Another thread mentioned submerging the drive in a trough of water and starting the engine with the outdrive to engine hose off. If this method will work, how much water should it pump? How hard is the impellar to change? I am a mechanic, but I have noooooo experience with boats or outdrives. The previous owner had the outdrive rebuilt last year (he had the receipt) and only took the boat out once since then. I just want to make sure everything is in good working order.
4. The exhaust "flapper" on the starboard side is rattling alot. The previous owner had a receipt where he took it in for this problem and the mechanic said it would be O.K. Should this be a concern or not?
5. Do you know of any other common problems I may want to look for before taking this boat out.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
