www.iFourWinns.com

I am going to look at a 2004 Sundowner this weekend . It has the 6.1 merc cruiser with low hours. Does anyone have any suggestions on things I should look for or check out??
Thanks,
Steve

225
245
285

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

If it's a 2004 245, these are the design/ build issues I came across with mine in the 4 years I have had it (Mine has the VP 5.7GXi/ DP, so I can't comment on the Mercruiser)

Corrosion of connectors on the inner tramsom and the electric hatch lifter in the engine compartment; FW made no attempt to make the engine compartment rain tight. I had such issues with the blower, hatch lifter and fresh water pump connectors and eventiually the engine ground connectors. Later 245s ones have a modified cover that covers the gap at the sides of the engine compartment lid, maybe a seal at the back as well (and the modified one covers the lockers, that on the earlier ones filled with rain then overflowed into the bilge over the wiring!).

Some loose / crookedly inserted screws.

Leaking cuddy hatch ( improperly fitted).

Inoperative wiper (corrosion at motor contacts due to water ingress; not fitted properly)

Loose main power (2 wire) connector to helm

Tachometer pegging; not really a FW issue.

Transom shower cover getting sticky and black ( plasticiser migration; not really a FW issue).

Bimini frame tubes all loose in the end connectors.

All things that were not too difficult to sort out. Overall, I still really like the boat.

Graham

Thanks for the replies, it's a 225. Any other things to look for?
Steve

Most likely the 6.2L has the BIII sterndrive, and there are some corrosion issues with certain years, so check the outdrive carefully for undue corrosion. If you have not researched it yet, here is the spec sheet for a 2004 225SD.

http://assets0.fourwinnsmarketing.com/p ... %20(p72-75).pdf

One member here, firecadet, had a 2004 225 last year, and when he gets home from flippin' burgers, he can tell you some specifics about the boat.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks Cap'n, You are correct it's a 6.2. Are we talking about corrosion on the outdrive or corrosion in the engine bay?? The spec link would not open up.

Corrosion would be on the outdrive itself. The 6.2L has either a Bravo1 or Bravo III as options on that year 225. The BIII outdrive has been known to have more corrosion issues than the B1. Strange, the link worked when I posted it, but does not now. It's a pdf file so you will need Adobe to open it. Let's try again.

http://assets2.fourwinnsmarketing.com/p ... -75%29.pdf

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I'd like to see an oil sample after you witness it running. A couple years ago, an unassuming coworker bought a used boat directly from the previous owner, not through a dealer, and wound up buying a cracked block. He checked the oil before the test drive and it looked good. The test drive was all smiles. When checking fluids after handing over the money and towing it home, he had chocolate milk in the crankcase. I would be less concerned about the oil sample if buying from a dealer, at least one that wants to maintain a decent reputation.
I wonder how many times that shady seller changed the oil for prospective buyers...

_________________

2010 H210SS 5.0 MPI
Lake Oconee, GA

Someone put a deposit on the boat so i did not go see it. Oh well I'll keep looking. If anyone hears of a nice 22'-24' Sundowner please let me know!

It would be helpful to know where you plan to use the boat, and if you are willing to travel to get the right boat.

http://www.laketravisboatsales.com/Deal ... roduct=697

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2003- ... r-95811538

Both of these seller's are dreaming about the price they are listing.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Thanks Cap'n I am located in Southern New Jersey. I boat in the Delaware river/bay and the upper Chesapeake Bay. Texas and Michigan are a bit out of reach!

That boat in Texas has been for sale since before I bought my '04 225. The one in MI won't come down more than 2k off his price when I was selling my 225, and I sold it for asking price.

They are great boats, good luck on your hunt!

_________________
2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Hi Steve i am in the process of putting my 2002 245 sundowner up for sale. It is a 280hp 5.7 volvo. It came loaded with trim taps,pump out potti, uhf radio dual batteries with switch,u shape seating with table. It has full camper canvas with a brand new four winns cockpit cover. I just put over 4000.00 into it by adding a new sony stereo system with a alpine pdx5 amp bazooka sub and transom remote. I also had a fourwinns extended swimplatform added also.That made the boat 25ft 9 inches in lenth. Then decided to put shore power along with a quest 10 amp dual battery charger. This made it very easy to keep the batteries up. It is in extremely great shape and boat and trailer are ready to go. I have personally kept it inside my pole barn and never outside. Let me know if you have any other question.

Wow Olds sounds like a great boat . Where are you located? How many hours on the motor? Does it have a trailer? And of course what are you asking? Any pictures? I am going to look at a Maxxum and a Monterry the week after Christmas. You can reach me directly at kliners@comcast.net.
Steve