www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all.
Has everybody packed up for winter. Posts have stopped. Summer is still here in Melbourne. 25 deg on Saturday.
Just had a week up at the Whitsundays for a wedding. We've decided we need a FW Cruiser moored at Hamilton island and an apartment ready for the winter months.

Had a nice cruise from Patterson Lakes to Dromana few weeks ago. Recommend it. Many boats out, good to see.

Cheers

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2012 H180 ss
1976 Swiftcraft

Launched from St Kilda yesterday & went to Docklands for a pub lunch.
Was a strong Northerly breeze, but it was very protected around Pt Melbourne.
Great day out!
p.s. Does anyone boat at Hazelwood Pondage over winter?

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

I reckon this time of year is nice on the water, especially in Sydney. Calm and fresh. I boat all year round, fish or just cruise.
Only few people on boat ramp and on the H2O

Keeps the motor fresh too!!

Enjoy fellas

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2006 Four Winns, Horizon 180. Alpha 1 Gen2 leg with Solas SS 4 Blade Prop
135 HP Mercruiser. Clarion Stereo System. Swim Platform made in Colorado and Imported to Sydney.

Hi Daz.
I used to ski there many years ago. Too many. Good to get into the warm water on a cold day. but make sure there is some breeze blowing. Was so foggy from the warm water at times it was hard to see the boat.

Graham

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2012 H180 ss
1976 Swiftcraft

Hey Guys,

I'm now in my lay-up insurance months so no more boating for me. What a great summer though!
Just getting the boat ready for winter and had a couple quick questions/welcome any tips as this is my first boat.

1. Is it recommended to service the boat after the season or at the start of the season? As in should I get it serviced now before winter?
2. Trim engine down, drain the fuel, disconnect the battery. Any other major things I'm missing?

Thanks in advance,
Matt

Plenty of video's on Youtube on how to winterize your boat...
In temps above freezing, I'd perform:
Engine oil/ filter change (used engine oil contains acids & contaminants that can damage seals)
Outdrive oil change
Remove outdrive, grease uni's, gimbal & re-align
Fog the engine through the carb/ throttle body (I do this after every trip anyway)
Run the engine with automotive coolant, instead of tap water (great anti-corrosive properties)
Leave the outdrive down
Spray your engine with WD40
Spray your trailer with (ideally) Lanox or WD40
Leave a couple of those Damp Rid's in the boat/ bildge to absorb humidity.

Up to you on how comprehensively you want to do the above, but I'm very anal about mechanical maintainance...

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

Hi Matt>

Just in case you don't know, you can still use your boat during the lay up period. Depending on the company you are with, you just have to call them or leave a message before you go and it will cost around $15-$20 per day. Some great calm days often appear during the winter months.

Graham.

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2012 H180 ss
1976 Swiftcraft

Thanks for the info and I'll keep my eyes out Graham for any opportunity.
Have a nice Winter.

Winter's certainly kicked in, down here in Melbourne!
Only got to 13 degrees here today & my Horizon is constantly laughing at me, each time I look at her...

Have any fellow Victorians done trips up the Maribyrnong River?
Is it worth venturing up there?
If dressed accordingly, the Yarra is not too bad a day out in winter...

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

I have been a fair way up the Maribyrnong - it's not bad - a bit dirtier than the Yarra and a bit more 'industrial' at the city end. But definitely worth a trip.

There's a pub you can tie up at (The Anglers Tavern) quite a way up - about a kilometer past the Moonee Valley race track - and get a beer in the summer or a coffee in the winter. Opposite is the Boathouse where you can get a meal or a coffee as well. Only downside is that you get a few rowers up there.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Sorry I missed your response, Alec!
Cheers for the tips. Is the depth ok up to the race course?
Is it as scenic as the Yarra?

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

Yes, depth is not a problem at all up to the Anglers Tavern - about as far as I've been - but looks OK for quite a bit further as well. It is quite scenic - different from the Yarra, but OK. Definitely worth a look.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

HI all. Anybody braving the crisp mornings this weekend ? Weather looks perfect. Should be as flat a tack on the east side of Port Phillip. Might do a run from Patterson River somewhere. If you see a black/white 180ss, say hello

Cheers

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2012 H180 ss
1976 Swiftcraft

Call me a pussy, but it's way too cold for me!! See you in September

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Would this be enough incentive, Alec?!

_________________
2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS