New Boat Buyer - Eye on 1991 Four Winns 170 Freedom

[tsurowiecki]

Have my eye on a 1991 Four Winns - looking for a first boat and interested to hear thoughts on the Four Winns

http://albany.craigslist.org/boa/339133102.html

Will the 3.0L have enough power to pull us out of the water for skiing / wakeboarding?

Going to run a compression test this weeekend - what readings should I expect?

Is there anything else I should check especially?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[dirtyrat]

Re: New Boat Buyer - Eye on 1991 Four Winns 170 Freedom

I have this exact boat, I like it a great deal. Re power - it can definitely pull a skier or wakeboarder, but like most boats, the less weight you are carrying the better it will do. If you have six people and gear on board, less experienced people may struggle to get up on top of the water. Can't tell you what to look for re engine compression. I bought mine i 2002 from it's second owner. Problems I've had since:

1. Starter Motor burned out, wouldn't re-start the first time I had it out on the lake (hence the name Dirty Rat).
2. Trailer brakes were shot; I replaced them from the surge cylinder back.
3. Hydraulic fluid in the outdrive trim leaks, needs refilled once per season
4. Plywood in the reclining passenger seats rotted out, I rebuilt them.

This is the kind of thing you expect from a 17 year old boat. Invest in a good boat cover - it's the water inside a boat that causes the damage.

 

[Quid]

Re: New Boat Buyer - Eye on 1991 Four Winns 170 Freedom

For 6 years of ownership on a 17 yo boat you couldnt ask for a much better testimonial..than that