www.iFourWinns.com

I'm looking at a 1989 Vista 245 (i think) that has a 290 hp engine and an OMC drive. I've searched but don't find much her on those models. What should I be aware of if I were to buy this boat? Whats a decent price for one this age?

Thanks,
Duane

Any boat that age should be carefully checked for rot in the decks (floors), transom and stringers (as much as you can actually see, which is just the engine mount stringers). If it has plywood floors covered with carpet and it was stored outside in a damp climate, rot is almost a certainty. And to add to that, are the OMC issues. OMC has been out of business for over ten years and you might have trouble getting parts and someone to work on the Cobra drive. I have one too and have been lucky enough to find a good mechanic, but that all depends on where you are. I'd look for something newer, with a Merc or Volvo drive system that is still supported.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I understand it has a new Jasper upper and lower unit. Is that a replacement for OMC, or the model?

Jasper is a rebuilder. they do engines and they also have a marine program for the outdrives.

According to their site, they do OMC Cobra and COBRA-SX drives.

http://www.jasperengines.com/stern-drives.htm

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Thanks, I just found their site. So I'm guessing parts are still avilable as re-furb's, but they do seem rather expensive. Current owner said the new drive unit was just under $5k. So should this unit still be a concern? The warranty is supposed to be transferable.

I've had a boat with wood rot before, and am familiar with the typical locations of that. But I've never checked an i/o for wood rot.

Thanks for the replys,

Not sure of your location , but for comparison sake this 1987 is going for 10K. It also has Merc engine and outdrive, which would be a better choice IMO than OMC. It's located in west michigan area.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Yea, but I'm in Texas, however I get your point.

Thanks.

I bought a 1988 vista 245 a couple of years ago and am very pleased with the boat. It had been abandoned at a yard for almost 10 years so I got it dirt cheap but it needed work. I replaced all the seats and carpet but the engine was in great shape. I did a major tune-up, wires,plugs,oil change, last year but other than that it runs pretty well. If you do get it keep in mind that the new gas that is out there is going to clean out the tank so keep lots of fuel filters on the boat till all the old gas is gone. I looked around and a 1988 in good conditions goes anywhere from $9000-17,000. Good luck

The ethanol issue is a big one here, if you are in an area that always had it, the tank would probably be pretty clean, but if you're in an area that never had it and then changed over, then all the gunk in the tank will get cleaned out and can repeatedly clog filters. I found some red gunk in mine the first year and after that it was fine.

_________________
88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II