www.iFourWinns.com

What year is your Horizon? I have a 85 that I just completed a good amount of work on. I am very happy with the way it turned out and just had a new cockpit cover made for it and that REALLY made it look new again.

I look forward to seeing the pics and will post pics of mine also.

Regards

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Don't forget the plug....
.......Don't ever forget the plug......

If by chance the engine is seized, don't give up on this project. I've seen similar sized engines on craigslist for 500 bones give or take a little. Since you'll probably need to replace most of the hoses, etc, it may not be a bad idea to just swap out the engine. Of course this is assuming that the current one is bad. There are lots of smart guys on here that can help you along the way. Of course posting pics always generates interest too

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'99 Horizon 200

Oh I agree that it's not a 'give up' proposition if the engine doesn't run. But for an old 195, even with sentimental value, there's a serious question of just how much money should be spent on it. But then who are we to deprive this naive young man from learning that lesson the hard way...

Having rebuilt engines myself I'll argue it's nowhere as simple as just changing hoses. That's like saying replacing a bathroom vanity is the same as gutting and renovating the whole bathroom. Yeah, it's just a matter of steps and work, but there's a LOT of steps, a LOT of work and a LOT of money differing between the two.

But don't ever kid yourself that the money you dump into it will EVER translate into any sort of reasonable return on investment. The advice I give when dealing with old cars, boats or anything else being 'renovated' is you will never, ever get back the full amount of money you spend on restoring it. Just look at the money spent as entertainment. This is especially important if there's a spouse/girlfriend involved and you're tempted to start making excuses for where the money is going...

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Wish you great success on the coolest of projects. I sometimes wonder if my boy will be sanding and wrencing on my boat when I'm gone - just because these days meant something to him as well. That would make me a success in life by my definition.
Really interested in seeing some pics of the project.

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2008 Four Winns 210 5.7 GI/SX
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Crew
1966 Fed-Up Wife

I agree this could be seriously expensive, but I've certainly paid ridiculous amounts of money for things that were important to me, that I wouldn't expect anyone else to understand. ROI isn't always measured in hard dollars. Or at least, it shouldn't always be.

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

I honestly LAUGHED OUT LOUD after reading that from both of you..and I mean that in a good way! I truly understand the concept of putting a great deal of money into something that others would write off as not worth it. Like I mentioned earlier Jeeps are my original hobby and love. I have a 93 Wrangler that Ive put entirely waaaaay too much money into. I'm getting ready to full rebuild the suspension to the tune of about $1500 and Im due for new tires soon which run about $800 for four. Ive often contemplated the fact that I could sell my Jeep and get a much newer vehicle and save all of that money that goes into my Jeep. That though quickly disappears though as I realize the fact that I love what I'm doing and each dollar I spend on it is well worth it because its what makes me happy.

As far as the boat goes, I know it wont be cheap. I'm hoping I can catch some breaks here and there but I'm not counting on it at all. If some parts turn out to be in great shape and dont need replaced then sweet, if not just add them to the list. Even if I can't get this thing back up and running this season I can always work on it slowly. If I come to that point where I feel as though it's definitely not worth it anymore then you guys will definitely be the first to know. Then again....you never know until you actually try right?

In regards to the tech advice so far, I definitely do not plan on trying to start it until Ive dug into it a little bit more and replaced some of the key components. The biggest question at the moment that arose when I was discussing boat restoration with a friend was how the hell do I drain out all of that old fuel. To my knowledge, when you winterize a boat you're supposed to put a full tank of gas in correct? My friend said that they had to hire somebody to pump their tank to the tune of like $5.00 plus a gallon as well as disposal fees. Any advice on this issue?

Other than that I know everybody is waiting on pics and I will try have them up ASAP. Havent had the time to get up in it lately but theyre coming soon I promise.

A REALLY BIG bon-fire comes to mind

Seriously, I had the same issue with a 64 Chevelle that I bought. I had about 8 gallons of 6 yr old gas in the tank. I siphoned it out into a couple of cans and took it to a place that deals with gas tanks on a replacement basis. They took the gas for a couple of bux a gallon.

As far as the amount of money to put into it, it is a personal thing. I guess that is why I read that people were lining up to fork out $184,000 to clone their favorite pet. If I had that kind of money, I might think about cloning my favorite cat, but he is dead now...

Have fun and post some pics.....sheesh!

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Don't forget the plug....
.......Don't ever forget the plug......

Funny you mention it because thats what my friend suggested. Just siphon it out a few gallons at a time and burn it off

Oh on a more humorous note! Opened up the cooler and there is a few bottles of roughly 10 year old Michelob beer in it still. I'm either A.) Going to bet a friend to drink some of one -OR- B.) Put them in my fridge right at the front when I have another party for those A-holes that like to steal the house beer!

The beer....PERFECT....be sure to tape it and UL to Youtube so that the rest of humanity can share in it!

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Don't forget the plug....
.......Don't ever forget the plug......

I am loving the direction of this restoration and this thread. Great idea for the beer. I hate the beer stealing guests.

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Todd
1988 Four Winns Horizon 200
AKA "Summer School"

.J u s t i n


I was reading your early post. Judging by the serial number of the hull your boat was manufactured in 1986. (last two didgits of serial number)

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Jeff
2006 H240 6.2 MX 320HP B3
La Habra, California

Yes sir sure is! I figured it out after finding the HIN, once that was settled I was able to find manuals and other stuff on the FourWinns site.

Just spent the day on the water with my 85 Horizon Cuddy cabin. We went out on the Saginaw river North to the Saginaw Bay and then went across to the Kakawlin river and up to Castaways for lunch. It was a great time and my kids loved it. The Cuddy sure handled the chop on the bay much better than my buddy 19 ft open bow. He sat really low in the water.

My wife wasn't having the greatest time, but she got used to it.

I love the water and it is what keeps me min Michigan.

If you need any help, advice or anything as your Horizon restoration goes on, let me know.

Happy boating...

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Don't forget the plug....
.......Don't ever forget the plug......

OH YES....

POST PICS.....

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Don't forget the plug....
.......Don't ever forget the plug......