Picking up a 1995 Four Winns Horizon 190 w/ Ford 302

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 13, 2016 6:50 pm

An opportunity has come along in the sub-$5000 boat market to purchase this particulr vessel. My family had this exact boat, albeit new, back in the 90's and got rid of it in the mid-2000's. So of course the nostalgia factor is there for me.

It has the OMC Cobra 5.0 engine/outdrive setup. I guess the stern drive is the same as Volvo-Penta's SX drive, but I keep hearing bad things about the Ford 302 marine motor. Mainly due to lack of parts availability (manifolds, things like that.)

This particular boat has ~370 hours and has been stored indoors it's whole life. The pictures make it appear to be in great shape. The owner said the stereo doesn't work and a speaker vent is cracked, but mechanically the boat is 100% sound and has been serviced by the dealer it's whole life. It is currently winterized. The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't come with any canvas, and I am not sure where to find replacements.

Next Sunday I plan to do a sea trial and bring it home if all goes well. I can't remember us having any issues with this boat when we owned one.

Thoughts/Comments? Anything I should watch out for?

rpengr · **Posted:** Sun Mar 13, 2016 7:17 pm

I don't recall hearing bad things about the Ford 302. I thought it was the 3.0L that nobody wants? Anyway, this might be some help:
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/412365-omc-ford-302-i-o-omc-outdrive-good-bad.html

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Sun Mar 13, 2016 8:57 pm

Thanks for the link.

I was reading on iboats about the lack of parts availability for the engine. I suppose that's just one of the downfalls of owning a 20+ year old boat.

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Mar 14, 2016 5:49 am

Take a look at either the on line catalog for the OMC or Volvo version to see if typical repair parts are available. For ex manifolds/risers, ignition and fuel injection parts starter and alternators.
You can have a scenario where an electronic control unit fails and there are no replacements. It would be easier if it had a simple carb and points ignition since those parts are usually in the aftermarket.

tymorrissette · **Joined:** Tue May 31, 2011 10:03 am **Posts:** 225

I have a boat and engine of the same era (also a ford 302) and I had no problem finding manifolds and risers when needed. I really haven't had too much of a problem finding any engine components yet.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Fyi...the electronic parts such as starter, alternator and ignition can all be rebuilt by qualified rebuild shops to maintain the marine spark resisted integrity. Actually rebuilds are cheaper than replacement parts. Not sure about the manifolds, but some have gone aftermarket higher quality parts. Not sure if those are available for Ford 302 or not.

That was a solid engine for Ford though for what's that worth...was preferred to the Chevy 305 around here in the trucks anyway.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

http://www.barrmarine.net/omc.html

I've never dealt with them, but these folks advertise having mani parts for the 302 omc, plus 305 omc and 351 omc and 350 omc. May give them a call to see...and or buy a set for when the time comes.

rpengr · **Posted:** Mon Mar 14, 2016 8:16 pm

I would contact http://www.ebasic.com and http://www.marinepartsexpress.com If anyone has replacement manifolds, these companies will have them. I doubt there is any issue.

LouC · **Posted:** Mon Mar 14, 2016 10:08 pm

Also a good source for OMC parts that are not generally available is Sea Way Marine in Washington State...
Keeping these old boats going is like having a classic car; you try to anticipate what you might need and then search out your sources.
As far as the manifolds and risers if that's a fresh water boat you might never have to replace them. As noted starters and alternators can be rebuilt. It would be electronic ignition modules (unless they used a standard Ford unit) or EFI modules that might concern me.

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 16, 2016 5:29 pm

Looks like someone was able to buy the boat before I was able to pick it up. Bummer...

zims1993 · **Posted:** Wed Mar 16, 2016 8:20 pm

LouC wrote:

It would be electronic ignition modules (unless they used a standard Ford unit) or EFI modules that might concern me.

Yes, the ignition modules are standard Motorcraft parts along with a vast majority of the EFI components.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Thu Mar 17, 2016 11:22 am

same motor i have and i have enjoyed it

Misterfu02 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 12, 2016 1:22 pm

Well folks, offer is back on the table for this boat. I might take the plunge this weekend.

Anything I should look out for on the sea trial and inspection?

mflickin · **Posted:** Tue Apr 12, 2016 2:39 pm

I can tell you that the 302 in my 1996 Horizon has been a solid motor. I bought it used two years ago, and I replaced all fluids, etc. I have had no problems finding parts at all for the engine. Almost any part I have needed I am able to get from my local auto parts dealer such as NAPA. The engine is solid. The only problem I have had is a fuel pump went out, and I was able to find it on Amazon. Good luck with the boat.

Surface Interval · **Posted:** Tue Apr 12, 2016 4:17 pm

I bought a '95 190 Horizon with the 5.0 EFI new in early 1995. We put 120 to 150 hours a year on it for 18 seasons in Minnesota. It had over 2100 hours on it wen we sold it. It was stored in the garage at home. The only issues we had were relatively minor.
1. At about 300 to 400 hours we had an exhaust flapper valve had come loose and cause a partial blockage in the exhaust passage in the area of the transom and a loss of power.
2. We had the driveshaft bellows leak. We were able to get everything cleaned up, re-greased, and a new bellows installed.
3. We had a fuse holder and fuse go bad that supply electrical power to the engine's ECU computer.
4. The thermostat in the cooling system had a tendency to get a little grit in it and be held open. This could have been from rust inside the engine or from sand in the lake or river. The engine should run at 145 degrees. At times it would not get above 120.

None of the issues were major or very expensive. The motor always ran like a charm. The outdrive was pulled and serviced every year. I put antifreeze in the engine every winter.
The floor is carpet on top of plywood. Its best if it can be dried out after it gets wet. Look for gel coat and fiberglass cracks that might indicate water intrusion, especially on the transom. With reasonable maintenance it is hard to say how long it will last. You will get a little over 4 miles to the gallon at a normal 2900-3000rpm cruise. I know that with 18 years and 2100+ hours, my old boat was going strong.
Hope this helps,
Gary

www.iFourWinns.com

Picking up a 1995 Four Winns Horizon 190 w/ Ford 302

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