De-Winterizing?

[Four Winner]

I purchased a new Four Winns 185 with a 3.0 liter Volvo Penta. Its never been in the water. The dealer was supposed to store the boat for the winter then prep the boat and schedule an orientation but went out of business without doing anything at all.

The dealer told me there is something I need to do to get it ready for the water but I can't recall everything he said. Also suggested I take it to another Four Winns dealer 200 miles away for the service.

So my question is what do I need to do to get the boat ready for the water?
I hate to drive the 200 miles if its somehting simple I can do myself.

Thanks!

 

[boat1010]

Re: De-Winterizing?

I can't think of something that would have to be done to the boat to make it water ready. Maybe charge the battery. I would call the other dealer and ask them what needs to be done to prep the boat for going in the water.

 

[Don S]

Re: De-Winterizing?

That's a tough one, mostly because we have no idea if they have something disconnected or not.
Do you have the Volvo owners manual for your engine and drive?
One other thing that will help, what is the engine SN, I will download the right owners manual, and see if I can walk you thru the process.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: De-Winterizing?

If it has never been in the water then i doubt any drain plugs on the engine or manifold were removed...

I would check the oil,fuel her up and give it a test run on the muffs..
Only thing i could think is the drive oil is not put in from the factory..who knows...
Good question.
Call the other Dealer is good advice..

Oh,Welcome to Iboats!

 

[Don S]

Re: De-Winterizing?

PS: I am a certified Volvo tech.

 

[Bondo]

Re: De-Winterizing?

I hate to drive the 200 miles if its somehting simple I can do myself.

Ayuh,... Are you a Mechanic,..?? With a large fully stocked Toolbox,..??

If not,... You probably otta take the drive.....

Btw,... Welcome Aboard....

 

[Four Winner]

Re: De-Winterizing?



Thanks to every one who responded.

I agree that it would be best just to do the drive and have the peace of mind that I'm not screwing anything up & voiding the warranty.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: De-Winterizing?

For the money you spent on a new boat I would call four winns HQ and let them know of the situation you were left in and explain the facts and you hope that isn't the way you expected to be treated for spending many thousands of $ on thier product especially one that hasn't been used yet and in this economy I would think they would at least do a pic up service and delivery or at least pay the transport fee. I for one wouldn't take that one lying down,sitting or standing.

 

[Four Winner]

Re: De-Winterizing?

Its crossed my mind to call Four Winns Corporate.

I'm certain the dealer knew he was filing bankruptcy but didn't tell me. I did get a very good price, tho. and that helps ease the pain some. He also had plenty of time to install the bimini top and prep the boat. He had it in his shop for 3 months before he called me to come & get it.

It doesn't even have the battery installed but gave me a coupon for a new Interstate battery. Said the other Four Winns dealer will install it.

Yes, I got took...but its still a nice boat and I won't let it get me down...just an aggravating experience is all.

 

[Don S]

Re: De-Winterizing?

While you may not find a FW dealer close by, do you have a Volvo Penta dealer near buy. The engine is what really needs to be checked out and predelivered by a Volvo dealer for the warranty.

I seriously doubt FW corporate had any idea they sold you the boat and that they were going to go out of buisness. Most dealers buy the boats from the manufacturer and then sell them. They don't get free flooring for the boats before they sell them

Here's one only about 20 miles from you.
http://www.paulsmarine.com/service.htm

 

[superpop]

Re: De-Winterizing?

I would just take it to another nearby VP dealer and have them look it over. Most dealers offer a summerization package that is typically a few hundred bucks and they check everything out at that time. That would be cheaper then dragging it 200 miles in gas alone.

 

[wkb2460]

Re: De-Winterizing?

I agree with the last two posts. Explain your situation to the marina and pay a few bucks to have them go over everything to ensure your ready for the water.