www.iFourWinns.com

Hello this is my first post
I'm looking at buying a 1992-FOUR WINNS 180 Freedom is their something i should be looking for like a common defect or something like that.
sorry i know nothing about this type of boat. my current boat is a seadoo sportster
here are some pics of the boat I'm looking to buy
thank you
180Perry

Welcome!

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

Looks to be in very nice shape for its age. I just sold my 1991 170 Freedom and it was in the family for ten years with no major issues. I did rebuild the lower unit once, but that was due to damage done by fishing line and a hook that got wrapped behind my prop. Other than that is was a great boat. Due to its age though make sure you take a good look at all the wood and check for any rot. What motor is in it?

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

dumb question but where do i look for wood rot ?
it has a 3.0L OMC

Looks good but be careful about rot. Check the floors (deck) especially anywhere there is a screw for a seat mount and also if there is a cover over the gas tank check there too. You want to walk on the floor and see if any part of it flexes. Grab the seat and try to flex it, look at the floor when you do this. You want to look at the transom and one way to check is to see if there are stress cracks in the gelcoat around the opening for the transom mount. You can also grab hold of the sterndrive unit itself and try to flex it up and down a bit and see of the transom flexes.

If it was stored inside it may be fine, but sniff the carpets for dampness and mildew. Personally I hate carpet in open boats unless there is a full fiberglass liner because it promotes rot.


OMC is out of business as you may know, so make sure you can get service on this drive system where you are. Most parts are available but there are some things that are getting hard to find.

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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

HMMM
now I'm wondering if i should buy it or try and find something newer .

IF this boat is anything like my 91 170 there should be a wood cover over the gas tank and held down by about ten screws or so. Pull this up and check the condition of the wood. Easy spot to check to is to pull up the ski locker cover which is wood. And the back to back seat inserts should pull out and you will see the wood on the back side of them. Also walk around the floor and see if you feel any soft spots. I wouldn't be to worried about buying an OMC. I know some people try to stay away from them, but I never had an issue with mine.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

thank you
for all your help!! i will take a good look at it this weekend