5.0 Merc in a 2002 1800 Horizon?

Boater83 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 7:58 am

I am looking at buying a 1800 Horizon from 2002 with a 5.0 Merc(I/O) in it. I just want to make sure they made that model came with that big of engine stock. Everything I can find leads me to believe Four Winn’s only used Volvo engines for that year and model.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:18 am

Boater83 wrote:

I am looking at buying a 1800 Horizon from 2002 with a 5.0 Merc(I/O) in it. I just want to make sure they made that model came with that big of engine stock. Everything I can find leads me to believe Four Winn’s only used Volvo engines for that year and model.

You did not look hard enough. I also assume you mean an H180 for model year 2002. Mercruiser 5.0L was an option, as well as VP.

http://www.fourwinns.com/past_product/s ... %20(p14-15).pdf

Boater83 · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:30 am

Thanks for the Reply!! I was going to also ask if you have any pros/cons to getting the Merc over the Volvo(Besides the HP). Also any other advice on what to look for when purchasing a Four Winn’s 180 Horizon? (This will be my First Boat) Thanks…

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 8:40 am

I won't get into the Merc vs. Volvo debate, as it will cause another earthquake. But I will say either one will be fine, it's a matter of preferrence IMO. No personal experience with an H180, but I will say with a V8, it will be a great ski/tow boat with plenty of power across the RPM range.
Many H180 owners here that will be happy to talk specifics about the boat.

ric · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 9:06 am

I have an H180 (2000) with a 3.0 VP. Same boat as the 2002. I don't have the "sun sport" package with the tanning deck so the interior is much bigger.

I honestly am very happy with the power and VERRRRYYYY happy with the fuel consumption. I can be on the lake all day for $20 and top speed is in the mid 40s.

As far as VP vs. Merc?
Who knows.. but the VP drive is much sleeker and sexier. Looks modern and stylish. The Merc system looks like it it has not been re-designed since the 60s.

So what about the 5.0 Merc in a 18ft Horizon?
It's going to rip people off the boat if you punch it from idle. I'd imagine with the right prop it can easily do mid 50's. If you just cruise with it (keep RPMs around 3000).... it will get a nice 4-5gph. Idle speed? All boats are in the 1-2gph.

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 9:15 am

If you are new to boating, make sure you get someone who knows boats to look at it for you. The first thing I'd check for is rot in the deck, that year could have still had a plywood cored deck, even if it has a fiberglass liner. Check the screws holding in the seat mounts, try to flex the mounts and see if the deck flexes, if you can access the screws holding down the seat mounts, try to tighten them with a screwdriver, if they won't tighten thats a sign of possible rot. Look in the ski locker, stick your head in and look up (or use a mirror) at the underside of the decking, for dark areas that could suggest rot. Step all around on the deck feeling for flexing.
The mechanicals, well there is a lot to check. Do a search, it's too much for me to type.

ric · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 9:38 am

1999-2002 is plywood cored deck. I have a tad (maybe 2mm) flex in the bow area on my boat if you step hard enough. Not worried about it.

LouC · **Posted:** Wed Aug 24, 2011 6:34 pm

I had to re-do the deck in mine and repair stringers, it was a BIG job. It came out nicely though and the boat is very solid, more so than many new boats I've looked at boat shows. But this is why I caution anyone looking at a used boat, rot in older boats can be hard to spot.

Boater83 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:41 am

I Have a Question what do you think 180 Horizon with low hours and in Great Condition should sell for?

Description: 5.0 Merc, Standard seats, bikini top. bow, cockpit cover,Trailer, stereo, snap on carpet, depth finder

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 9:53 am

Quote:

Description: 5.0 Merc, Standard seats, bikini top. bow, cockpit cover,Trailer, stereo, snap on carpet, depth finder

The bikini top can be a VERY expensive option. :lol:

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:33 am

Yep and the bigger the top, the bigger the price

Boater83 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 10:40 am

SO is this Boat worth $12,500? Overpriced?

ric · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 1:19 pm

Boater83 wrote:

SO is this Boat worth $12,500? Overpriced?

Eh, not really. It's expensive compared to boats like a bayliner, but it's also MUCH BETTER. Roll up to the dock in a Four Winns and you get respect.

My 2000 H180 with a 3.0VP market averages 8-9k. You're going to pay extra to have an 18ft boat with a 5.0 compared to the standard 3.0/4.3. You have to decide if you want to pay the extra to have the power of a 5.0 in an 18ft. It has the same interior layout as my 2000, they are identical boats except mine is blue. Handles very good, comfortably holds 6 people, and is just "bigger" then most 18ft boats. It feels like I'm driving a Cadillac, I love it.

Only difference is, I paid $1600 for mine in 9/10 condition

Boater83 · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 2:49 pm

1600?

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Thu Aug 25, 2011 2:55 pm

Boater83 wrote:

1600?

Kinda like seeing a sasquatch, they are out there , but rarely found. :mrgreen:

He speakes the truth, but don't count on finding anything like that. The price you mention with a V8 is fair. if you like it, it fits your needs and budget, buy it.

www.iFourWinns.com

5.0 Merc in a 2002 1800 Horizon?

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