www.iFourWinns.com

I just bought a new Horizon 180 1996 with 60 hours on it and the boat has been stored in a garage and looks brand new... what should I do to start things out right. A friend mentioned because it has been sitting so much I shoul take it in for a 100 hr service as the gasgets may be dried up. I am new to boating so need as much advise as possible. This is a fresh water boat in Florida. Thanks for any advice!

Congrats on your purchase.

When was the last time your "new to you Horizon" was run. Did it run at least a couple hours in 2012 with no issues?

Also, would you have any idea how old the fuel is? 60 hours total on an almost 17 year old boat is not much boating.

I'd like to know with such very low hours, when most of the hours where put on?

I assume the hours are from an hour meter and the hour meter is functioning?

Original engine correct?

Mike.

_________________

Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

double post - deleted

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Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Shoot, I made a typo... it is a 2006... it was run this year and he keeps additive in the gas. We are planning to run it tomorrow, it fires right up and seems good. Any suggestions before running it? My friend mentioned that sometimes when it sits some of the gasgets get dried out and he recommended a 100 hr maintenance at the Marina. What do you think?

Thanks for the advice.

Ah, that 1996 turning into a 2006 model makes a difference.

Since your boat has been run recently, I'd check all engine fluids including the outdrive oil to make sure all fluids are at correct levels and all fluids look good (no water in engine oil or drive oil etc.).

Assuming your engine temps, oil pressure etc., where all fine during the recent last run, I'd run her again with keeping a eye on all instruments and using your ears for any out of ordinary sounds. Consider taking a look into the engine comparment a couple times while out just to check for any fluid leaks or bilge water above what you started with.

A service of fluids I would think would then be in order based on the boats previous maintenance records.

Others may likely have some other suggestions for you.

Enjoy your boat.

Mike.

_________________

Current Boat
- 2001 Four Winns 328 Vista "Hour Decision"
- 2010 310 Mercury Inflatable

Previous Boats
- 30' Doral Prestancia
- 25' Doral Citation

Unless your seller has solid documentation to provide I would go ahead and service her for the year....fluids are cheaper than parts. Oil and filter change, low unit oil change, impeller swap and you your set.
If not sure how to do this maybe a paid service would give you chance to watch and learn.

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Thank you guys, going out to run it this am... appreciate the advise and will watch it carefully. I called the local Marina and I think it sounds like the 100 hr. service is a good idea to get everything started and on track.
One other question, I am going to run it in brackish water today... he normally runs it only in the fresh water lake. After I run it and want to flush the engine do I just hook the hose up to it and run it normally?

Thanks, again as you can tell I'm as green as you get here but want to maintain it well.

Dave

That tower you have on your boat did you install after or from the factory? I'm looking to put one on as well.

Yes you can, or you can run some Salt Away through it to be safe.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

As well as the regular service items that others have mentioned, I would also check the Bellows for cracking, or just plan on replacing them as part of the servicing, seeing as the boat is getting on near 7 years old. Also, check the fuel lines from the tank to the fuel pump, pump to carb, and the fuel pump vent line for abrasions or cracking (the vent line is the yelowish plastic tube that runs from the fuel pump to the carb).

_________________
2009 H180 w/3.0 Merc
Homebuilt Minimax Hydro
2011 Zodiac Cadet 310

Like 2 others have posted CHECK the Bellows and CHANGE the impeller. Impeller is cheap and if you dont know when the last time it was done, it could save you a lot of headaches down the line.

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1990 Four Winns Horizon 200
2005 GMC Sierra

My reverse arch was either factory or dealer installed....I bought my boat used and it was already there. I agree with salt away.....hope you have galvanized trailer....if painted don't dunk her in salt. Salt away is a must on trailer regardless...you want to get salt off bolts, brackets, hubs and rims.

_________________
http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

another question how do I know if I have a right or left turning blade.

That will be a right hand turning blade. If you are bringing it to a Four Winns dealer for service, they can run the serial number and make sure the original prop is on the boat. The only time you will see left is on twin engine applications. Good luck with the boat, sounds like a great find! I agree with all of the posts above about the services recommended, preventative maintenance goes a real long way. Just remember, the only time the boat breaks is when you are running it! Have a great season!

Well, it looks like even after I test drove the boat apparently I have serious engine problems... took in for 100hr service even though I only had 60 hrs. Here is what the dealer has me for so far--- at this point I'm nervous about how much more, a friend told me a new engine is $4,500

*100 hr service $750.00
*Tear down $490
* Exhaust manifold,and riser (original parts from 2006),gaskets,cyl head gasket,thermostat, $1,100
* Labor $327
cylinder head,number 4 is bad,water damage,possible from overheat
we will send it out for inspection,and rebuild if no problem (cracks)found,I’ll let you know cost as soon
as they let me know.
-------------------
$2,667.00

So if the cylinder head needs to be rebuilt that is another $400 plus labor to reinstall.

What should I do here guys, if I stop him now I still owe them $750 for 100hr service and $490 for tear down. then about $5,000 ? for a new engine...

Your suggestions are appreciated.

Mac