2006 H260 with Very Low Hours vs Average Hours:Dilema

stjoel11 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:03 pm **Posts:** 5

I am looking at two different H260 2006 models. Both are equipped pretty much identical but the color. One has around 45 hours and the other 290. Both the same price. What would I look for to stick out in the one with the extreme low hours. My concern is that is that with that low of hours (an older gentlemen who bought it for business and didn't end of using it story sounds legit) may be like grandmas car that sits in the garage and corrodes from the inside out without having proper use and maintenance. While the one that runs 290 hours has all service records and been well maintained. They are both a pretty good drive 5 hours in opposite directions and I am a bit torn on how best too approach. My current thought is to go with the low hours as the first option and check it out. What are your thoughts. Options include 8.1 Gi engine, Captains call etc.. Volvo out drive. I have been researching various brands and the Four Winns layout and options will ft my families life style best. What should I spend special attention in looking at? BTW second boat for me first was a Rinker Cruiser... Much Appreciated

FWH250 · **Joined:** Sun May 05, 2013 9:56 am **Posts:** 22

I would check out both and do a test drive.

LouC · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:34 pm

I for sure would want to know what happened to that boat when it was not used; was it sitting with old gas, was it stored properly; services done etc. 9 years is a long time. The more you use a boat the better it runs....

GottWhat · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:13 pm

Look at both.

Both times we bought boats where we looked at near identically equipped boats. Both times we went with the boats having more hours. The differences in hours were pretty slight but the boats with more hours were both in better condition. The Four Winns we bought was actually 2 years older as well versus the one we didn't buy.

Either way, 290 hours isn't very much and there is plenty of life left with that one as well. The VP 8.1 Gi is a great engine and will work really nice in the H260.

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 8:55 pm

Those are both low-hours boats. I would be a little concerned about the one with only 45 hours, but I wouldn't give that much weight compared to other important conditions:

Condition of the interior / protected from weather.
Fading of the Gelcoat
Overall condition...scratches, etc.
How the boat was stored / winterized
Service records
Condition of the trailer.
Even age of the trailer tires counts for a few hundred $
equipment that comes with the boat... covers, electronics, misc goodies

5 hours each way is a lot of driving, but it sounds like it's worth looking at both of them.

stjoel11 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:03 pm **Posts:** 5

Thanks guys. Will let you know what I find out.

LOTO_H250 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 19, 2015 6:48 am

This boat falls into the time period of when Volvo Penta had supplier issues with their remote oil filter lines (my 8.1 was late 2005 build date). Take a look at the remote oil filter lines of both boats and confirm that the oil lines (both high and low pressure) have been replaced by a Volvo Penta dealer. If not figure the cost of replacing these lines as well. I learned the hard way that if the original owner received a notice from Volvo Penta to replace them but did not, then anything that happens falls on the current owner. The new lines are designed differently with a new style barbed/press fitting that will not cause the line to burst and trash your engine. When running at 50+ MPH, it didn't take to long (less than 6-7 seconds) to run the engine dry! I couldn't shut the boat down fast enough to avoid major damage to the engine especially the crank and cam shafts. There is plenty of info on this subject just Google it for pics of the correct new fittings. The cost to rebuild the 8.1 was right around $7.0k- $7.5K, :shock:

not a cheap operation. Boat insurance and most extended warranties will not cover this....

stjoel11 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:03 pm **Posts:** 5

Thanks lotto

krobstl · **Posted:** Fri Aug 21, 2015 9:43 am

I just replaced the 2 tachs in my boat and the hours go back to zero with the new tachs. There could be more than 45 hours on the boat if that is what you are looking at. Keep that in mind.

LouC · **Posted:** Fri Aug 21, 2015 10:33 am

You probably already know this but if it's a Volvo there are some caveats
Do Not buy either one if it has an XPD Composite drive
And a 2006 would have the first few years of the SXA drive with the trim pump on the transom mount; those pumps had problems with leaks although most have been replaced by now...

stjoel11 · **Joined:** Tue Aug 18, 2015 7:03 pm **Posts:** 5

Ended up going with the boat with more hours. The seller took great care of the boat and has provided all service records. Thanks for everyone's guidance.

rpengr · **Posted:** Thu Aug 27, 2015 11:55 am

Congrats!

GottWhat · **Posted:** Thu Aug 27, 2015 12:02 pm

Awesome, post some pics!

230 Mike · **Posted:** Thu Aug 27, 2015 7:46 pm

Congrats, where will you be boating?

www.iFourWinns.com

2006 H260 with Very Low Hours vs Average Hours:Dilema

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