thoughts on this

[docster]

Currently i have a 1992 ProCraft V180C (fish/ski combo). with a 115 hp Mariner outboard. We dont fish anymore. So im looking at an older bow rider with plenty of power to tube and wakeboard behind. So im looking at an older FourWinns bowrider 18ft (looks like a Marquis hull to me), unsure of the hull year. Boat has:
454 ci engine
750 Holly
MSD ignition
Thruhull
Trim tabs
performance outdrive (he doesnt know brand or type)
two props, one for speed and one for low end

Boat looks like its in good shape, but i cant test drive it. Wondering what your thoughts are on handling of this hull. Will it handle 3-4 foot waves ok? steering? its it like a brick or does it handle well? Will it really do 60+ with right prop like he says? Any info/experiences you have is much appreciated.

Lastly, price, asking 4k for it, whats reasonable?

 

[DBreskin]

Re: thoughts on this

It's difficult to give a good opinion without more detail about the boat.
Typically Four Winns do handle well; my 1992 Horizon is great in rough water due to the 21 degree deadrise.
A 454 in an 18' boat should easily do 60MPH. Whether it's safe at that speed is a different question.

The most important warning is about the motor/drive. If it's a 454 with through-hull exhaust it may be an OMC King Cobra drive. If it is, I wouldn't take it even if it were free. You will not be able to get service or parts for a King Cobra without paying a King's ransom. Check the OMC forum and search for King Cobra to see what I mean.

Lastly, I would never buy a boat without a sea trial.

Good luck!

 

[88wellcraft]

Re: thoughts on this

A 454 in that size of a boat just doesn't sound right to me.

+ 1 on not even considering a boat without taking it out for a test run first.

A lot of issues can come up in the water that you wouldn't notice running on muffs.