Thoughts on 98 Four Winns 258 Vista - pics included

[deeman7777]

Saw a boat that has potential but I have some concerns on the engine / outdrive.

The owner claims it has under 100 hours on the engine - but there is no hour meter - I checked too and did not see one.

The outdrive has some galvanic corrosion. On the plus side it was rack stored but I am not sure how often the boat was pulled since I assume the corrosion takes time while batteries are charging or a reaction between different metals can occur. The interior headliner also has some water stains around the windows / ports. Not a huge concern, but perhaps the boat was left in the water for longer than the seller leads me to believe.

Anyhow the engine is a 98' Volvo Penta 5.7 GS model which is a carb'ed engine. The drive is a VP SX Cobra single prop.

The engine did have some standing oil (maybe a capful) on the starboard side below the carburetor (along the stbd side cylinder covers.

I am deciding if it's worth getting surveyed or not. I know the seller is anxious to sell. Here are some pics. Main concern is the corrosion and whether it's worth pursuing a $500 survey. Thank you!

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Thoughts on 98 Four Winns 258 Vista - pics included

How much time and money do you want to invest beyond the cost of the boat? Or should i say afford. The drive can be redone. It is going to take removal, disassembly soda blasted primered and repainted. As for the internal parts who knows until it is run. With that amount of corrosion, it's been in the water for awhile. I think i would have it surveyed. You could be dumping some serious cash in the system.

 

[Divrdan]

Re: Thoughts on 98 Four Winns 258 Vista - pics included

How much time and money do you want to invest beyond the cost of the boat? Or should i say afford. The drive can be redone. It is going to take removal, disassembly soda blasted primered and repainted. As for the internal parts who knows until it is run. With that amount of corrosion, it's been in the water for awhile. I think i would have it surveyed. You could be dumping some serious cash in the system.

If you saw this boat in Detroit, it is the same boat I looked over earlier in the year.
The stains you describe are a perfect match.
We were very disappointed in the over all condition of the interior.
My wife said she could have the interior cleaned, and all of the water stains removed, so I assumed we could get past some of the cosmetic issues.
However, when the owner told me that the outdrive was checked out to be OK, and was unwilling to replace it, I walked away, Even after some price concessions.
Too many other boats out there to be buying a "project".
Biggest fear was water intrusion in the badly corroded outdrive.
I also noticed a considerable amount of oil (about a cup) on the engine bay floor, right in front af the engine.
Not that uncommon, but a concern.
The owner is a nice guy, but the boat wasn't for me.
Spending $$ on a survey seemed like an investment in a dead end.
I am willing to pay more for a "turn key" boat.
Good luck.

 

[deeman7777]

Re: Thoughts on 98 Four Winns 258 Vista - pics included

That indeed was the boat. The maintenance was very sketchy and I think not properly done. I feel bad for the owner (kind of) since he will need to take a big hit on the asking price to account for the out drive.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Thoughts on 98 Four Winns 258 Vista - pics included

Saw a boat that has potential but I have some concerns on the engine / outdrive.

The owner claims it has under 100 hours on the engine - but there is no hour meter - I checked too and did not see one.

The outdrive has some galvanic corrosion. On the plus side it was rack stored but I am not sure how often the boat was pulled since I assume the corrosion takes time while batteries are charging or a reaction between different metals can occur. Not a huge concern, but perhaps the boat was left in the water for longer than the seller leads me to believe.

Yeah it's corroded, but is it corroded through? "Rack" storage means it's on a shelf inside a building, or outside, but NOT in the water. That boat has bottom paint, and corrosion on the drive, it was "wet slipped". Not rack stored. Big difference. Someone's not telling the truth, or doesn't know what they are talking about. And judging by the corrosion on the drive, they don't know how to maintain a boat. Unless it's gonna be CHEAP, walk away.

 

[Divrdan]

Re: Thoughts on 98 Four Winns 258 Vista - pics included

Yeah it's corroded, but is it corroded through? "Rack" storage means it's on a shelf inside a building, or outside, but NOT in the water. That boat has bottom paint, and corrosion on the drive, it was "wet slipped". Not rack stored. Big difference. Someone's not telling the truth, or doesn't know what they are talking about. And judging by the corrosion on the drive, they don't know how to maintain a boat. Unless it's gonna be CHEAP, walk away.

I do not believe the owner was being dishonest.
Not knowing how to maintain a boat? Guilty
When I mentioned galvanic, and electrolytic corrosion, and asked about annode replacement, it was like I was speaking Greek.
If the original poster is interested in taking this boat on as a project, feel free to email me personally, and I will let him/her in on where he was at the final price.
Please note though, it seems he has turned the sale over to the marina's on-site sales office to broker the boat.
If that's the case, all bets are off, especially if they have a contract in place for the third party to dispose of the boat.
Cheers.