www.iFourWinns.com

I just came across the forum so I subscribed and now looking for a little advice on buying a used Four Winns. The wife and I took a test ride today on a 2003 Horizon 210. The engine (5.0 GXI/SX Volvo Penta) was rebuilt 30 hours ago (4 years ago) due to a cracked block, not winterized, and the boat only had 50 hours on it when that happened. No hour meter or paperwork, just what the original owner told me. Good oil pressure (45 psi or so) and good volts (13.25) when running. Started easy and ran good. The trim kept blowing fuses while under load though, worked fine up and down while sitting still. He said he'd get that fixed. Other than that a really clean nice boat. What is the opinion here of the 03 H210 and would buying a rebuilt motor with no paperwork bother anyone? Any advice appreciated.

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

Given that it was a rebuilt motor I may advise spending some $$$ and having a marine mechanic give it a good once over.

No hour meter? not even in the dash on an 03?

_________________
2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo

No, no hour meter. I read on FWinns site that it was an option on 03s. I thought that weird, too.

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

definitely get a mech look at it. Maybe get some info from the seller on who rebuilt it and go talk to them?? How does he know it was rebuilt 30 hours ago if the boat doesn't have an hour meter??? I just installed an hour meter this year on ours and we already put 20 hours on it. A lot more than I would have thought.

_________________
Troy
2008 Centurion Avalanche
1994 Four Winns Horizon 180 SE 5.0L OMC Cobra (Sold)
2002 Ford F150 Harley Davidson Edition (http://www.nhtoc.com) 378 hp & 465 tq at rear wheels
2008 Honda Accord EX-L w/Nav

I'd be concerned about the rebuild story. Keep in mind, there are a million boats for sale right now at unheard-of prices. Don't feel like you have to buy the first one that comes along.

_________________


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

I know, I'm not crazy about the rebuilt motor and no hour meter at all. The boat is priced 5 grand below bbook though and in great shape, the only reason I'm still hanging on. I'm going to call the marine mechanic shop they had the build done at and see if I can get any info on it. Keep you posted and thanks.

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

It would be best to have a compression check at least on the motor. A properly re-built motor would be of no concern to me, as long as it checksout within specs. A scan tool will verify total engine hours, and most dealers have one. Check just to be sure in your mind that what you are getting, is what you are expecting.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Well, just got off the phone with the mec shop (a reputable one from what I understand) and the owner thought he remembered the boat owner. He said big jobs tend to stick in his mind. No computerization of jobsheet though cause he's only been computerizing them for the last two years (paperwork is in a box somewhere.) His advice was proofs in the pudding, if boat runs good change oil and plugs and have fun. I'd feel better with paperwork. What do ya'll think?

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

I'd be uneasy about it without some kind of documentation to verify the story.

Was the block welded?

_________________


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

I'm alittle uneasy as well. Apairantly what happens at this shop is a remanufactured long block was put in with new heads, cam, crank, pictons, rings, etc... the only thing they'd reuse besides all externals is the intake manifold. The owner of the boat told me out the door it was $4,400. My father-in-law is big into bass fishing and verifies this shop as a good one to deal with by other members of his bass club. I guess a compression check, read hours on boat, .... Anything else? One other thing, when the boat was started cold yesterday he tried to crank it twice then had to resort to pushing the fuel button on control arm to get it going. Once warm it cranked up easy every time. Could that be due to stale gas, plugs, battery age? He doesn't strike me as worrying about maintenance very much. They said they're not boating people and just want out, taking up golf. Shouldn't an EFI motor kick off without being primed?

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"

I think it should started right up. Unless it was sitting for a long time.
I think if the Mech says it is good and he is a good Mech, then it is good. If you like the boat go for it.
Post up some pics.

_________________
Troy
2008 Centurion Avalanche
1994 Four Winns Horizon 180 SE 5.0L OMC Cobra (Sold)
2002 Ford F150 Harley Davidson Edition (http://www.nhtoc.com) 378 hp & 465 tq at rear wheels
2008 Honda Accord EX-L w/Nav

OK here is my take on this...with all the good deals on boats out there I'd pass...and here's why...if the previous owner let it freeze...did they maintain anything else (don't forget there is a drive system that is very expensive to repair if neglected)....I just passed on a nice 2007 Jeep Grand Cheorkee Limited with a HEMI...because when I checked the oil at the dealer...2 qts low...no maintenance records....not a good risk...

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I think your getting solid advice from Mike and Lou. I would do more looking. See how other stuff compares. It may be an eye opener. If you still feel compelled, then go for it. The last thing you want is to spend a bunch of money on a toy and then have to spend a bunch more time/money fixing stuff that pops up. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

_________________
2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

To add my $.02, there are too many other boats with their original motors in them. I'm new to boating ( '06 220H this spring ) and I've noticed that boaters are passionate about their hobby. They tend to know their boats like the back of their hand and go at lengths to any question you may ask. Think I'd walk away from this deal.
Dennis

I've decided to pass on this boat and continue looking. I appreciate all the advice on this. You all have probably saved me a big headache. I'm now thinking of maybe waiting till the end of year and buying new. I'm going to start a new post on this and maybe get advice there on how to get a great deal. Thanks again.

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 210
VP 5.0 GXI SX
"THE GREEN HORNET"