www.iFourWinns.com

So my cousin and I got this boat from my uncle last summer and had so much fun on it. Boat runs well, however there seems to be a problem with the starter, it stays stuck on, if that makes sense. We want to make sure everything is perfect for this summer. Also, wanted to start to redo things cosmetically since this is our second summer having this boat we want to make it look real nice. Some wood has to be redone, stereo possibly redone, and would also like to either replace the seats or at least make them look as brand new as possible due to the budget. If you guys could give me any advice on the engine, costs, how to do things, maybe some cleaning products, anything that would help us find the information or the parts needed to make this boat as nice cosmetically and running as sharp as possible would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you know of a website that sells original accessories for a four winns from 1989 would be great too. Thanks guys and look forward to hearing from you all!

Welcome, mate!
Starters are relatively cheap to buy - just ensure it's a Marine rated variant!

Given your username, are you an audio-holic?

_________________
2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

Welcome! Always glad to see another Sundowner join up. Your starter prob could be ignition switch, solenoid, relay, etc. Start cheap and work towards expensive. Start with the ignition, and go from there. In a boat that vintage it won't hurt to replace things anyways. Speaking of that, there really isn't many places that sell "original" accessories and such. EBay and Craigslist are your best bet.

Besides the starter, you should also look at replacing these items, especially If your not sure of the maintenance history of the boat:

Impeller
Hoses/belts
All fluids
Spark plugs
All filters
Check gimble bearing
Check U-Joints
Bellows

So tell us more about this SD, what engine/drive? What color is it? Where ya boat at? Oh, and lets see some pics.

_________________

1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Welcome to the forum.

Your starter most likely has corrosion from age and moisture. Must use a "Marine" starter because they are in an enclosed engine compartment, and Marine Starters are ignition protected (meaning they have spark arrestor screens) to prevent igniting gas fumes. If you have time now, you could remove your starter and have it rebuilt.

Seats can be cleaned and protected with products from "303 products" such as 303 aerospace protectant http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1420353 Mr Clean Magic Erasers can remove stubborn stains and marks in vinyl, but they are slightly abrasive, so don't overuse them. Lysol can help kill mold/mildew without resorting to chlorine based products that will eat the stitching.

All of your questions have been discussed in different threads here if you do a little searching. Many threads on sound systems, cleaning products, buffing and waxing, engine maintenance, etc.

We will need pictures of your boat, seats, flooring, engine, drive so we can give you advise specific to your boat. Pictures must be posted to another sight (such as photobucket or dropbox), and linked to here. Max photo size is usually 1024 x 768 pixels. Here is a tutorial on posting pictures on iFourWinns: http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1877

_________________

"Knot Easy" 2000 Horizon 240 Volvo 5.7GS /SX
tow: 2017 Honda PILOT EXL-AWD
prev. boats:
'87 Chaparral 198CXL 4.3 OMC Cobra
'69 Jetstar 16ft Ski Boat, 115hp Yamaha
'68 Aluminum Jon Boat, 3hp Sears
'64 Water Wings