Hour meter on 2004 four winns

[JNOLLET]

Hi, I am considering buying a 2004 4.3L carb volvo penta four winns 180 horizon. I was wondering if an hour meter is standard equipment for this boat. I have been looking at other pretty much identical four winns boats for sale and some have them and others don't. What's the deal? Is it optional equipment? Also, does anyone have any negative experiences regarding this boat. Any specific things I should check out? It seems like it is well built and in good condition. Thanks to all>>

Jeremy

 

[mkast]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

Some boats have them, some boats don't, no reasonimg, that's just the way it is.
It's like some people can't understand why some boats are underpowered. That's the way it is.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

Don't put a lot of faith in the hour meter reading as these are nothing more than a 12 volt clock that runs anytime the key is on. Note that I said any time the key is on -- the engine may be running or not. This is a cheap device and one that can be easily replaced and reset to whatever time they want you to see.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

Also, don't necessarily trust the number of hours on the meter. You never know when the meter was installed.

 

[JNOLLET]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

If I take the boat out for atest drive, and it seems to run well, should I still do a compression test on all the cylinders? The only reason I ask this is because I would have to go out and purchase a tester and pull all the plugs. Is it worth it if she is responsive and runs like a champ? Thanks.

 

[mkast]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

Pay for the survey.
You won't regret it.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

My 97 Larson had about 340hrs on the meter when I got it. Its origianl with a mfg date from 96. Well, going over paperwork I saw once where previous owner had left the key on and drained the battery, thats how she got dual batteries, Then last year, I left the key on and drained the batteries, I checked the meter, it added 120 hrs till the batteries ran down. I can only "Assume" theres an additional 80-100 hrs that He added. Point being, its a tool, dont use it to assess the "real" hrs on a boat or motor. Get it looked at.

 

[ghansen]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

Bring the boat to a Mercruiser Authorized Mechanic and he can plug your motor into thier diagnostic computer and tell you how many hours the engine has run.

 

[45Auto]

Re: Hour meter on 2004 four winns

DO NOT trust an hourmeter. Do the compression check. Look at the receipts and maintenance. Look at the overall condition of the boat. Easy enough to unplug an hourmeter when it's still showing low hours then plug it back in when they're ready to sell the boat. Same thing with the engine computer, pick up one off Ebay with low hours for less than $100 and it automatically makes the boat worth thousands more ......