New boater here! Opinions please!!

[cbavier]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

What would the 4.3ltr 190hp cruise at on water assuming 1000lbs of people and gear?

about 38 MPH at 4800 RPM. Welcome to the Forum!

 

[cbavier]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

New info just in. The 2001 four winns was once a rental. The owner says his mechanic told him the motor was rebuilt. Now what does everyone think?

Forget it. Go check out the Crownline. Nobody takes care of someone else's things like the owner does and sometimes even that is scary. You could look at the Four Winns but like everyone else said. I would want to see the receipts for the rebuild. I would be very leary and extremely cautious.

 

[tmh]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

hmmmm.........some tough choices, a lot to consider.

The 2001 4 Winns may be new enough to have more modern construction (no wood, or at least one-piece cockpit construction or whatever it's called. That may make it less likely to get water-logged. OR it may have been run hard and wild and maybe be on it's way to being wrecked - you'll just have to look hard at it.

The older boats have a different look, some prefer it some don't. Also, these size boats seem to have very different actual space on them, so check them out for what YOU like.

Engines. the 1994 4.3L would be on the edge of underpowered, IMO. They got a bit less hp back then out of the 4.3 and although I don't know the weight, Crownlines are pretty solidly built I think. Now, the newer. high use engine, I would think a good mechanic (YOU PICK) could pretty easily give you an opinion on that one. Compression test to start with.

Good luck.

 

[cbavier]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

hmmmm.........some tough choices, a lot to consider.

The 2001 4 Winns may be new enough to have more modern construction (no wood, or at least one-piece cockpit construction or whatever it's called. That may make it less likely to get water-logged. OR it may have been run hard and wild and maybe be on it's way to being wrecked - you'll just have to look hard at it.

The older boats have a different look, some prefer it some don't. Also, these size boats seem to have very different actual space on them, so check them out for what YOU like.

Engines. the 1994 4.3L would be on the edge of underpowered, IMO. They got a bit less hp back then out of the 4.3 and although I don't know the weight, Crownlines are pretty solidly built I think. Now, the newer. high use engine, I would think a good mechanic (YOU PICK) could pretty easily give you an opinion on that one. Compression test to start with.

Good luck.

All three points made here are worth consideration.

First the older style Boats have much more interior room because the swim platform is exterior. It's added onto the boat's stern. With the new European style the swim platform is integrated into the actual hull of the Boat. your choice. Style or room? IT WILL NEVER BE TOO BIG! My Boat is a 19 ft horizon old style. To get the same amount of floor space I would have to go to 21 FT.

I do differ to the Engine part of his post above. I have a 1986 4.3 185 HP and it has plenty of power. I have had six Adults in my boat and can get it up on plane with little problem. I have never pulled a Skier but don't think I would have any trouble pulling two Skiers. I've never pulled Tubers either but could see no problem with one and doubt even two. I run with four adults 38 MPH at 4800 RPM and may even do better now that I understand a little more about trimming the outdrive.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

My opinion - don't buy any of them!

They all sound like fine boats, but I would strongly caution you against buying such a boat if you don't have much boating experience. If you've got tons of experience and this is just the first boat that you will actually own, then disregard the rest of my soapbox rant. You did say that you are a novice - just not sure if that meant novice boat buyer or novice boater - an important distinction. However, these options sound like a lot of boat for a new boater. Heck, I don't even own a boat that big yet and it's not because of money.

There are a lot of mistakes to make with boats, and you WILL make them. You'll do some stupid things as you learn how to own a boat, such as running into rocks, ramming the boat into the trailer, forgetting to tie something down, melting the motor, etc...

My opinion is that you start off with something smaller and more manageable for your first boat. After a few years once you've got all of the stupids out of your system, then upgrade to a nicer boat. Why ruin something so nice and so expensive right off the bat...unless you've got money burning holes in your pocket?

All of that said, if you've still got your heart set on one of these boats, the gentlemen of iboats will certainly point you in the right direction. I just thought that you'd benefit from hearing a dissenting opinion.

Good luck!

 

[ramos45]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

The crownline is 19 ft about 2900lbs. I pretty much disregarded the 2001 four winns. Just the thought of it being a rental sits bad in my gut. I'm in and out of rental cars weekly and unless they are brand new they were ran hard and I couldn't imagine a boat being ran any different.

I'll see the Crownline later today. I'm also bringing back into consideration the 1992 four winns horizon 200 21ft w/5.7ltr OMC king cobra. I know it goes against what everyone says but the lady is extremely confident that the boat is IMMACULATE! And that's not for the year, she says it pretty much perfect and it only has 354 hours on it. I will also see that one later on today. The four winns has much more room for people and gear.

I will hopefully sea trial them tomorrow.

 

[tmh]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

2900 lbs plus people and gear is pushing the 4.3l engine IF you want sporty performance - if not, I'm sure it's fine. A previous poster discussed his 4.3L and said it's fine for him. I don't argue with it being just that.....for him. However, at 38 mph 4800 rpm that will be one of the slowest runabouts on the lake. Most buyers nowadays want to go faster than that! Good? Bad? neither, just what it IS.

Also, he never uses his boat for water sports it sounds like. Low end torque is where the bigger engine makes the most difference, which is what you want in skiing, tubing, etc. I'm sure the 4.3 could do it OK, but not well i would guess. Load with people/gear and you're up near 4,000 lbs or more.

Lastly, the OMC engine does scare people off. It's really more a matter of service than being a bad drive, according to what I've read. The owner may think she has a great boat, but I would only consider it given a discount for the drive system! OMC's just don't command the $$$ of a merc or Volvo/penta. You are correct that the 2' size difference gives lots more room! it's a full step up in boats.

 

[QC]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I'm also bringing back into consideration the 1992 four winns horizon 200 21ft w/5.7ltr OMC king cobra.

I like OMCs, but you need to read these next two letters very carefully: NO

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I like OMCs, but you need to read these next two letters very carefully: NO

That was hillarious QC.

Ok, here's my setup.

1996 Glastron SE195 with a 4.3LX/alpha 1 Gen 2, normally running a 21 pitch prop. Boat is just short of 19'. Weight is approx 2000lbs bare. I usually have about 1000lbs of people and gear when I go out. At WOT my RPM's are at 5000, speed is around 50-52 gps. And have no problem pulling up skier's or pulling tubes. Now, if I know I'm gonna be pulling up some big guy (around 250lbs or so and not experienced), I put on the 17 pitch stainless and basically jerk them out of the water. I just have to watch out NOT to WOT.
Just my $.02 on the 4.3 V6
I love it.

 

[cbavier]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

Ramos Your getting a lot of different opinions and thoughts I hope you weigh them all out carefully as they are all meant with good intention to help you to make a wise decision.
Whatever you do before you ever take your boat out on the water . TAKE A BOATERS SAFETY COURSE PLEASE!

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I second that on the boaters safety course. Even if you learn just 1 thing, it's well worth it. It could save a life!

ramos45, if your going out to Lake Mead tomorrow, take a good winter coat w/hood. The temp is only suppose to get up to about 60 with winds up to 10 mph. And if your in a boat going 45 mph with no protection....you'll freeze.
Been there, done that....

 

[ramos45]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I will definitely look into the safety course. I always want to learn as much as possible about what I'm doing. I cannot guarantee that the course will come before the boat though.

 

[cbavier]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I will definitely look into the safety course. I always want to learn as much as possible about what I'm doing. I cannot guarantee that the course will come before the boat though.

It doesn't matter just take the course before you venture out on the water with the Boat, for your safety as well as the safety of other boaters. If you have to wait. Put a good coat of Marine wax on the boat. I would also recommend you get the free Coast Guard Inspection and don't forget Insurance. FULL COVERAGE. You defiantly want to Sea Test the Boat before you buy it anyway. That would/ should be done with the owner at the Helm and it would be a good idea if you have a friend with a Boat or any boating experience. Take Him along for the Sea test.
Run it hard, Run it slow listen for noises, rattles, squeals anything that doesn't sound smooth or normal. Check the boat underneath the floor for Dryness and any Vibrations. Make sure everything including , Horn, Lights and Bilge pump work. It should have an up to date Marine Fire Extinguisher. Check the steering. It should be smooth with no catches or vibration. Throttle should work at ease without catching or sticking or hanging up. You must have proper Life Jackets for every person onboard.

 

[ramos45]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

Here's the scoop:

01 four winns: no response from seller.

94 crownline: seller lost title won't have new one for a month.

92 four winns: lady is crazy. She is basing the price based on cosmetics alone. I found a huge gash in the bellows and half of the guages didn't work and the engine compartment took on way too much water for the time we spent on the lake. Not too mention the bilge did not make a sound what so ever. The lady's excuse was that "it's a 16 year old boat, what do you expect." So I guess I'm supposed to accepts things that should work not to work based on the age. She wouldn't budge on the price.

Bought a 89 gw invader bravo 200 ss today. I've seen it before but left it alone due to the interior needing much attention. What brought me back to it was the price the guy was willing to take for it. I spent under half of what I budgeted for. Now for the boat:

Came with a v6 but they switched it out to a 5.7ltr v8 which they stroked out to 383 with roller rocker cams and a complete rebuild. I know what you all are thinking now but seriously this motor and new outdrive are excellent. This boat has been in the sellers family since 2000 and about1.5 years ago the father(a mechanic) and son took it on as their project. Dual battery, all guages except speedo work but that's no biggy. I'll fix that one tomorrow. I'm already looking how to do the interior and all said and done it still won't be half of what I budgeted for a boat. The thing is a rocket and strong.

 

[QC]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

Bravo? If so, I think you have scored!!! Interior is nothing. My '01, which is immaculate, needs a few interior pieces. So what? Vinyl repairs are cheap. If the engne's right, and they used marine components, you did good. We need pics.

Oh. BTW, take Lake Mead very seriously . . . this is not your everyday, standard, freshwater lake . ..

 

[ramos45]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

If the engne's right, and they used marine components, you did good. We need pics.

Oh. BTW, take Lake Mead very seriously . . . this is not your everyday, standard, freshwater lake . .. [/QUOTE]

They sure did. they used all new mercruiser components for the engine and outdrive. Please elaborate on your thoughts of Lake Mead. I know it was a ***** this weekend with these couple of sea trials.

 

[mrmushroomman]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I would agree with going with the crownline. You should definitly be getting more than 38 mph at 4800 rpm out of the 4.3. I have the same set up in a 1995 sea ray and she will run between 45-50mph trimmed out right. I looked at the crownlines before purchasing the sea ray and they look to be very good boats. Why guess with the 2001 four winns. I'm sure that if it was a rental than it has seen it's share of good drivers and bad and usually people renting boats are like people renting cars. They don't care about them because they don't own them so they rag them out. Good luck with your choice.

 

[dave11]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

I agree with captain Caveman. My suggestion would be to get a little smaller boat with a four stroke outboard motor.

 

[oops!]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

hi and welcome...!!!

im late on this...but you didn't say if the out drive was an alpha or bravo....

it will matter with the big amount of hp the stroker has.....an alpha is good for approx 300 hp....the stroker might be more ponys.....

it will make a difference on how you drive the boat.......so let us know so we can advise you or you might grenade the drive.

but i think as qc does...

you scored...

cheers
oops

 

[QC]

Re: New boater here! Opinions please!!

Please elaborate on your thoughts of Lake Mead. I know it was a ***** this weekend with these couple of sea trials.

Well . . . hmmmmm. I have written a lot over the last couple of years. There are two or three basic things you need to understand. First it blows out of the South in the summer. So what you do is hug the South shore when there's trouble. If you go out of Lake Mead Marina and spend your time along the north shore when the wind comes up you're screwed . . . What we normally do is head to the coves on the north side approaching the Narrows. We usually have three or four boats along and for the return, if it's blowing (usually is) we line up according to size, biggest first. We all stay like that, hug the south shore and that'll get even a flat 20 footer home. If they get out of line, the small boat in the back is screwed and it can be a looooong wet ride.

The other biggee is Monsoons. They can come in with very little warning and they can be absolutely devastating. I mean deadly!! If you get stuck on the beach, stay there. If you are out, seriously work on out running them, but you do NOT want to be caught in open water with one on top of you. Period.

When it is not blowing we make the big crossing of the Virgin Basin and head to the Temple Basin. This is a very big deal with a small boat. If the wind starts while you are on the other side of the Virgin basin, that crossing can be insane!!!

Here are a few threads to look over. May help more. Where do you launch? That can also change the discussion above.

Recent short thread

One where Pierutrus and I had a little tiff

Another short one

Good general one

Another one with some weather and locations info