Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

[CarterCustoms]

I am a new boater and I just bought a 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 with a Mercruiser 140/Alpha One Gen 1 I/O. The bellows needed to be replaced so I took it to my local shop and ended up I had to have the gimbal bearing, short shift cable, and the u-joint replaced as well. Cost me almost $900. I paid $2500 for the boat. There are no other problems with the boat and the trailer is very nice. So I have $3400 in it so far. Did I get burned?

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

Why does it matter you what some people on the internet think anyway ?
It is worth it if you think it is, and obviously you thought it was as you went ahead with it.
Any boat you were going to buy from that vintage and price range was probably going to need those items replaced.

Good luck with it, you have alot of nice lakes to use it on down there ?
Post some pictures, let's see er.

 

[RoyR]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

Post pictures!

 

[CarterCustoms]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

I knew what I was getting into when I decided to buy an older boat but I can only hope there are no other issues soon cause my bank account is dry lol! Anyway, there are alot of nice boating spots. I live about 2 miles from Norris Lake and I've always wanted a boat. Never could afford it untill now. Pics coming soon I promise. I am picking her up from the shop tomorrow and I will snap some for you guys then.

 

[dorelse]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

Yeah, I gotta say, if you're happy with what you paid, and believe you got a good deal...you don't need anyone's approval. Just enjoy your new boat!

 

[javsam]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

Four winns are well made boats.If the floor is solid, then it is worth it to do some upkeep to the boat.The motor should be good on gas.Enjoy.

 

[kg5388]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

I got one it's been a great boat the kids love it and it rides well.

make sure the person that adjusts the shift cable knows what he's doing if not the shift interrupt switches will not work correctly and make it hard to get in and out of gear and damage the lower unit

also check the ski locker as it really doesn't have a good drain I just open mine up and hit it with the wet vac and leave it open to dry out when I get home

 

[CarterCustoms]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

make sure the person that adjusts the shift cable knows what he's doing if not the shift interrupt switches will not work correctly and make it hard to get in and out of gear and damage the lower unit

My local mechanic is mercruiser certified so I at least hope he knows what hes doing lol. But thanks for the advise I'll be sure to ask him about it tomorrow.

 

[rb8484]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

2 miles from Norris lake?! What a great lake. Been there once and rented a houseboat for a week. What a great time! Would love to rent another one down there and use my boat for the dingy! Congrats on the new boat.

 

[swick]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

I'm considering buying a 15' bass boat with an 86 mercury classic fifty 45 hp 4 cyl 2 stroke engine. Seller agreed to $1600 and I'm going to water test it with him first. He said it recently overheated but no prior problems. He's replacing the water pump on it at his cost before I come to test it. Hopefully all will work well. I think $1600 is a pretty good deal, nice fiberglass hull and nice trailer too. You guys think I'm doing alright or what?

 

[KevinFourWinns160Freedom]

Re: Just bought '86 Four Winns Freedom 160

I would say no. as long as there is no hidden structural damage or deterioration to the boat. It gets up on plane real nice.