www.iFourWinns.com

Vista 288 with 4.3 and Bravo 3.
Have a leak in the steering pin - quite common. Was aiming for the simple repair kit option. However inspection revealed corrosion around the pin upper bearing cup that is significant enough to not allow the bearing to seat - so the advice is the outer shield needs replacement. I have examined the parts and trust the mechanic and this looks real enough. Engines out to do this.
Options include:
1. Install a new transom assembly (x2) - this provides a totally new system (inner, outer, all seals and bellows, rams, full hydraulic system etc etc) between the engine and lower-leg. Provides reliability, warranty and peace of mind. Less labour to install this option which is more plug-and-play. Or...
2. Just replace the outer shield (x2) and the gimbal ring (x1) (the ring broke on the extraction). Would also need a list of minor items such as some bellows, a new shift cable, the new pins ($300). I am told this option will requires more labour to rebuilt all the old parts onto the new shields (perhaps extra 4 hrs per side compared to simple full replacement).

When I tally up the options it seems that Option 2 (just the outer shield) may save me perhaps $3k overall compared to the total replacement option.
On that basis, doing the whole replacement and having 2 whole new systems may be the more sensible options - I plan to keep the boat for quite a while as it is perfect for us.

Some numbers. Here in Auz the full assembly price seems to be about $5000 ready to install. Just the outer shield is about $2500.
I'm told it would be between 20 to 30 hours labour to:
- remove engines x 2
- remove complete assemblies
- install complete new assemblies
- clean and tide engine room whilst engines out
- change clamps and a few inaccessible old hoses on the engines that areas that are now 10 years old and inaccessible when in boat
- re-install engines

Opinions and advice from anyone who has done this job or similar would be most appreciated.

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GI Auz
2004 288 Vista
Twin 4.3 Merc


Previously:
Beneteau 411 Non-Stink

Update. Have taken advice from several areas and it would seem that just replacing the complete assemblies is the best path.

_________________
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GI Auz
2004 288 Vista
Twin 4.3 Merc


Previously:
Beneteau 411 Non-Stink

I have a slip neighbor who has a Sea Ray with a Merc and had the exact same issue as you and he paid $3,000 USD to do the full transom assembly but our tech (who does not carry insurance) only charges $50 an hour so your price is not far off. Just be thankful you don't own a Sea Ray because they are notorious for having transom rot issues and that cost him another $4,000.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

Thanks for the reply.
Will do a check on rot!

_________________
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GI Auz
2004 288 Vista
Twin 4.3 Merc


Previously:
Beneteau 411 Non-Stink