www.iFourWinns.com

My 2005 Horizon 170 LE is in the shop today after a failed attempt to launch yesterday. Replaced the battery, still no start. I think it is the starter. My wife dropped off the Money Pit at the dealer and they kindly told her starters for that boat go for $300 dollars. Ain't happening! Anyone know the part number?


2005 Four Winns 170 LE
3.0 Volva Penta

DOn't know OEM part number, but I know a lot of people around he just take theres to a local rebuilder for aeound half of that.

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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)

VP part #'s are 3854750-1 or 3856003-3. The starter is exactly the same for VP, Mercruiser and OMC 3.0L motors. Easy to find for much cheaper than $300. Try these links.

$80

$67.95

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I bought one a couple of months ago for my Volvo 4.3. NAPA had it but it was $256. The counter guy at NAPA said that the Marine rated ones were about double the price as non-marine. Mechanic friend installed it for $50.

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2010 Sea Hunt Triton 220 "Big Whiskey"
2003 FW Freedom 180 Volvo Penta 4.3GL/SX-M "It'll Do Four Now" (Sold)
2012 Avalanche LTZ 4X4

I like to patronize local boat part sellers...I got an MES aftermarket marine starter for my 88 4.3 for about 150 or so about 3 years ago and it works well...took about a half hr to install...make sure you use the right bolts (if new bolts are included use them) and if a front mount is used make sure to use it because otherwise the starter can flex and break the housing. Other good aftermarket suppliers are ARCO and SIERRA. I was buying parts at my local mechanic (OMC/Merc dealer and great repair shop) and noticed they were using MES starters...the price is right...

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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

I would see if you can test the starter before you go and replace it. I had issues with my boat not starting and it ended up being one of the 30 or 50 amp breakers on the engine. Cost $50 for a new one, but a lot cheaper than $200-300 for a starter. I would check your voltages at various points to make sure you don't have something wrong. Maybe post your symptoms and some of the more mechanically inclined folks here can assist in trouble-shooting more than I can Just my .02, hoping to save you a few bucks.

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'99 Horizon 200

My starter is down and under the engine. Access is a little difficult. The issue is getting enough torque and room to move your arm to break free the bolts. I agree, use the new bolts.

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2010 Sea Hunt Triton 220 "Big Whiskey"
2003 FW Freedom 180 Volvo Penta 4.3GL/SX-M "It'll Do Four Now" (Sold)
2012 Avalanche LTZ 4X4

But you have a V-6, the OP (missing?) has a 3.0L 4 cyl. which is a breeze to change the starter on.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks for all of the tips and advice. I am glad to here the install is easy...I have replaced starters in a few car/trucks over the years.

The boat is currently at the dealer, waiting to hear back from them on the diagnostic. I am hoping it is something easy. The boat has been blowing ignition fuses left and right. When I took it out Sunday it cranked over once and the next time when I turned the key, it just made a clunking noise. I switched out the battery and still, just a clunking noise.

Thanks again for the help!

Any updates ???????..............

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Update: After questioning the cost of the part with the boat dealership, they found one for less than half the origianal quote price. Since this one is warranted as well, I asked them to install. I have not yet picked up the boat because my truck broke down last weekend. I will get it this Friday and take it for a test drive.