www.iFourWinns.com

So the G/F and I just made the leap and bought out first boat - a 98' 200 Horizon with a 5.0GL. Fairly good condition inside and out and about 300 hours on it.

Already been diving in with maintenance (new manifolds/risers, Thermostat, impeller, zincs, etc). None really NEEDED done (although the risers/manifolds looked like they were on their way out), but I am incredibly anal with vehicle maintenance and in the school of thinking "If it wasn't done by me it either wasn't done, or was done incorrectly". Other than the above, the only real issue I noted was a finicky temperature gauge that is either a sending unit or VDO cluster issue. Definitely one or the other unless the thing overheats within 5 seconds of starting up.

Here's to the new money pit and another "project" that I really need like a hole in my head



On another note, are there any Four Winns guys are in the Barnegat Bay area on this site? The above picture was taken from the GF's family's shore house on LBI where the boat will be stored.

Congrats on the boat. I have a 99 Horizon 200. Looks just like yours. Great boats. Enjoy.

Beautiful boat! Welcome to the club

If it has the VDO cluster (like a car dash), they're known for their errors. Very common problem. Heck, my 2000 H180 has standard 2 1/16 VDO gauges and they all read wrong too. Voltage gauge is 2v off, oil pressure gauge is everywhere, fuel is off 1/4 (ask me how I figured that one out), speedo is off by 20mph, the tach is off by 200, and the trim gauge totally failed.

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1981 Columbia 8.7
2015 Yamaha FZR - 87mph - sold
2006 Yamaha GP1300R - sold
2003 Chaparral 215 SSI - sold
2009 Stingray 195CS - sold
2000 Four Winns H180 - sold
1976 O'day Daysailer II - sold
Rick's Four Winns H180 Mods/Upgrade Thread

I was aware of the VDO issues prior to purchasing the boat but figured that I would either A) reground and run with it, or B) pony up for a set of new gauges (<$200) and build a housing for them. The price was right for the boat so I was not about to pass on it because of temperamental gauges. Only time will tell what lies ahead for them, but my spare multimeter already has a new home at the shorehouse for the meantime........

That approach will serve you well as a boat owner. And yes, the most likely culprit with the overheat is the cluster, although you never know. Congratulations, and welcome. Where do you boat?

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

As of now the driveway. The boat is on Long Beach Island in NJ, right on Barnegat Bay. Not sure where in the bay the boat will take me as I have never been out boating in Jersey.

If u don't already have one...go buy an I fared Therm at the auto parts store....cheap and can verify what r temps should be,,,,plus helpful if should need to I'd where a blockage n cooling system may be located.

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


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Sweet, a new tool to get! Guess I will pick one up and throw it in my bag of boating goodies.

It's a great tool! I use it to check the risers and manifolds and I also use it to check the temps on the trailer tires and I keep a record of it in the truck. That reminds me I have to grease my hubs today Jeez