Good deal on starter boat?

boredlurker · **Joined:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:46 am **Posts:** 3

I know nothing about boating and have found a nice starter boat on craigslist. Can anybody advise me if this is a good deal?

2000 Four Winns Horizon 170LS 25th Anniversary Edition 17' speed boat. Features include a 4.3 liter Volvo Penta inboard/outboard motor, a waterproof Sony AM/FM/CD stereo system, a hull guard, sun deck, and Bimini, cockpit and winter covers. Also included is the trailer. Boat has approximately 130 hours of run time, was always stored in a garage when not in use, and is in excellent condition.

They are asking $8900

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 12:37 pm

A Michigan boat, so freshwater use only is good. Good engine choice in that boat too. The price is fair, but not a steal. If it's clean and well maintained, runs well in a sea trial, it looks like a darn good boat.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:40 pm

Looks very good, there are things you should check though, the first being fiberglass damage (cracks, delamination) and any possible rot in the decking (floor). Boats with carpet over'glass decks are more prone to rot. Look in the ski locker for rot and flexy plywood, grab the seat backs and see if you can flex em back n forth, look for scenes pulling out of the deck. Walk over every inch and see if it flexes. Go back to the transom and look for cracks in the 'glass around the transom mount for the out drive.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:42 pm

That's the engine you want, but the price is a tad high

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:43 pm

Seems a little pricey. Have you ever boated before? Friends with boat? Why do you want a boat? You know you are throwing away your $$$ buying a boat? Do you have correct tow car/Truck? Enough time and $ to use it? Maintain it?

Love to have you aboard the fourwinns family, but make sure you have answers for the above and even more....

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:23 pm

Also keep in mind that's a SMALL boat. Fits no more then 4 people comfortably.

boredlurker · **Joined:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:46 am **Posts:** 3

St. Louis Dave wrote:

Seems a little pricey. Have you ever boated before? Friends with boat? Why do you want a boat? You know you are throwing away your $$$ buying a boat? Do you have correct tow car/Truck? Enough time and $ to use it? Maintain it?

Love to have you aboard the fourwinns family, but make sure you have answers for the above and even more....

Hi SLD, family has been boating with friends and have a couple of young teens who love the water, so I'm sure we will use it. I have a good tow vehicle as well.

I did take a look at the boat and it seems solid, however, it sounded like the starter went out just as he was firing it up. :lol:

Confused SLD, sounds like you are trying to talk me out of boating altogether?

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:42 pm

I'm a banker. I tell all of my clients a boat is the dumbest thing you can ever own from a financial standpoint.(in most cases) - BUT I'm also a boater and tell them it's the BEST purchase you will ever make. I see WAY to many people get into boating by going to a boat show, seeing a beautiful piece of fiberglass all buffed out and pretty. When they get it they are in way over their head and have not clue what it really entails what the true game is on the water.

Sounds like you know what you are venturing into! YEAH!

Nice boat. RIGHT motor (second biggest mistakes rookies make). Check the price. Seems steep. Also. the 170 is small. Ric is right, 4 people MAX.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 2:56 pm

I had a 2000 H180 with a 3.0 and live on a small lake (1mi by 1mi), it was great for that. Larger bodies of water it was useless so I was basically stuck at home and that sucked after a year. It eventually prompted me to sell it and enjoy the beautiful summer so far boatless while trying to get what I want. Luckily my neighbor lets me borrow one of his jet skis.

That H170 with a 4.3 will FLY. 50+mph. Even my H180 I held a 4 people maximum on the boat rule. If you have a family of 4 and want to bring cooler, etc... that H170 won't do it. I'd go with at least a H200 unless you want fights.

Now, if you're a single guy (gal) and want to fool around on the river and pick up mates.. that's the ticket right there. Small and fastttttt, you could prop that to do 60.

PDACPA · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 4:17 pm

I have the 180. Mine is rated for 8 people. Same engine. I paid a few grand less and is 3 years newer. If the weather is fine, it's great. We trailer it all over Florida and typically are in the ICW and Gulf of Mexixo. Ran from Sarasota down to Venice and back on the 4th. Heading to the Keys for ini season in a few weeks. Boat looks clean and appeas to be a galvanized trailer which is way better than the painted ones. Work the price and have some fun. Starter is $250 for marine grade at NAPA.

boredlurker · **Joined:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 11:46 am **Posts:** 3

Thanks for the advice everyone! I have decided to hold off until I spot a clean early 2000's low hour 180 or 190 with a 4.3.

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 9:52 pm

boredlurker wrote:

Thanks for the advice everyone! I have decided to hold off until I spot a clean early 2000's low hour 180 or 190 with a 4.3.

Good luck with that in today's market. I will add that for that price, it's unlikely you will be in over your head if you bought the boat. But some people do fall into the trap of buying a boat that they "think" they can afford, just because the bank gives them the money. If they happen to lose there job flipping burgers, the boat is the first thing to go.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Jul 07, 2012 10:48 pm

How many people are you expecting to put on your boat on average?

skidaddytn · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2010 11:12 am **Posts:** 280

I had 1997 170 freedom with a 4.3... that configuration is a rocket! it would do 50 with 4 people in it... but, space was ALWAYS a problem... I once loaded 7 people in it (max capacity) to see a fireworks show.... it rides LOW with this many in it... but I agree with others that it is a great boat if you are single... for 12 years old, i would not pay that much... maybe 6k if it is in top notch condition... the boat is strong though... i once pulled up 2 slalom skiers with 2 in the boat watching....

Jafo4U · **Joined:** Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:33 am **Posts:** 1026

St. Louis Dave wrote:

Seems a little pricey. Have you ever boated before? Friends with boat? Why do you want a boat? You know you are throwing away your $$$ buying a boat? Do you have correct tow car/Truck? Enough time and $ to use it? Maintain it?

Love to have you aboard the fourwinns family, but make sure you have answers for the above and even more....

LOL! Isn't that the hull truth! Seems like a nice boat.

www.iFourWinns.com

Good deal on starter boat?

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