www.iFourWinns.com

I'm looking at purchasing this boat. It's now 11 years old but only has 110 hours so obviously wasn't used regularly. I had it surveyed today and it runs well with no signs of issues and isn't running hot. However, it has the original exhaust manifolds which apparently are well overdue.

It has been docked in saltwater

How much do the low hours increase the service life of the exhaust manifolds?

Also, is about $2000 the right ballpark for replacing the manifolds and risers? It's the 5.7 350 MAG

I don't think the number of hours/age is as much of a factor if regular maintenance (i.e. Regular flushing/neutra-salt) was performed. Check engine and manifold temperature, flow, any leaks, etc...

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-Tony
2016 Robalo R200 w/Yahama 200!

Previous boats:
2003 Four Winns 248 Vista - sold
1994 Sunbird Corsair 200 - sold
1980 Checkmate Predictor - sold

If the boat was docked in saltwater then 11 years is 11 years regardless of the hrs. You should at least remove the risers and inspect the gasket sealing surfaces of both the manifolds and risers. Price it's hard to say. Get it broken down by parts and labor. I've done mine twice 14 years in salt water. Parts about 800 for both sides labor free because I do it.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

If you buy replacements, buy the newer Dry Joint Manifolds.

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

None whatsoever. It's years that mater, not running time.


That might be about right if your paying somebody else, however, you could do it yourself for less than $800

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"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings

thanks for the replies! it sounds like it's something i should get taken care of. the seller seems to have kept the boat very well maintained otherwise, so i think i'll move forward with the purchase.

now i just have to decide if it's too risky to use it this season or if i should replace them immediately. june is already almost gone so i'm anxious to get out on the water

This is a risky gamble because they can look great on the outside and be rotted through on the inside. This can put salt water in a cylinder, and if it sits like that a few days the engine could lock up on you. It can also rust exhaust valve stems and cause low compression and rough running. The way most people look at this here is that if they see any rust stains coming from the joint between the riser and manifold, or the temp of the risers is higher than normal, its time. However just because the temp is OK and there are no rust stains on the outside, it does not mean that all is well on the inside.
Here the longest I'd run manifolds/risers is 7/8 years, and that would be with regular inspections.

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

don't all post-2002 mercruisers come with dry joint manifolds?

reading around, it seems like this also makes it less risky as it shouldn't be able to leak water into a cylinder. is that true?

The dry joint manifolds would need to have Severe rust before they leak into the engine, as it must rust all the way through the inner wall, but it is still possible. They do eliminate the problem of corrosion and/or leakage at the gasket flange.

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings