www.iFourWinns.com

I have used pacific marine on Port road since I bought the boat new in 2009. I am in 2 minds on them though. On one hand their after sales service (If something isn't quite right) is excellent and they have everything there to do anything you may need doing.
On the other hand I have had to get them to remedy the odd little thing they didn't do right the first time. I think I coughed up around the $700 dollar mark earlier this year for a service with impeller change/drive off etc. I am quite fussy though to the point that I said to them "if everything is 100% and I mean 100% there will be a slab of beer for the mechanics, as incentive" They missed out this year because they failed to top up the drive fluid ( only about 50 to 100 ml). I am fussy I know, but they are being paid to do a professional job and that is what I expect. If you find someone else who is really good let me know
Hope this helps

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Hi Ardy,

thanks for the info - we have used Pacific Marine for previous boats we have owned - I have never been all that impressed with them.

When I was looking to purchase this boat, the owner told me that Pacific Marine did the servicing, so I rang them to get any service history they may have had - the guy I spoke to basically said - "we don't keep any records, as long as the bill has been paid, that's all we worry about..." - so that didn't exactly fill me with confidence.....

I will look around and let you know if I find out anywhere that appears promising.....

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Adelaide Australia
2006 Four Winns H180
Mercuiser 4.3L

Yep, service records for boats are nothing like for cars. The dealer sure doesn't keep them. I have trouble even getting an invoice off them that says more than "outdrive service". So I keep a detailed log myself of what has been done, when, and by who. I think this is the best way. Then you can be 100% sure when something is next due and not guess.

Hanging out for the weekend - off to the Gippsland Lakes on Friday for 3 days... first time in for the season.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Safe travels Alec & be sure to take some pic's!

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

The weather's looking good and light winds on Saturday. I'm off snapper & squid fishing with 4 mates for the day. Be the first time out in the boat since April! Can't wait!!!

Have fun, just don't let your Prime Minister fall in front of you with her high heels when you launch your boat.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

She's not my PM mate, I'm English

Getting there, slowly but surely!
Needed a new gimbal bearing, trailer work, shift cable, manifolds & risers.
Decided to spend a little extra & get the Hi-Tek Stainless Manifolds.
I hope to get it registered & out on the bay within a few weeks!

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

Stainless steel manifolds? Who made them and how much did they flog you for them?

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2006 Four Winns, Horizon 180. Alpha 1 Gen2 leg with Solas SS 4 Blade Prop
135 HP Mercruiser. Clarion Stereo System. Swim Platform made in Colorado and Imported to Sydney.

Stainless steel manifolds? Who made them and how much did they flog you for them?

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2006 Four Winns, Horizon 180. Alpha 1 Gen2 leg with Solas SS 4 Blade Prop
135 HP Mercruiser. Clarion Stereo System. Swim Platform made in Colorado and Imported to Sydney.

Hi Giffo,

They are Hi-Tek Manifolds & I got them from Alan in QLD:
http://www.hitekmarine.com.au/

Dependant on model of engine, they are only about 10% more expensive than genuine cast iron manifolds & risers.
Seems great value to me, but I'll let you know once they're fitted!

Daz.

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

Thats great Daz. Should last decades...........

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2006 Four Winns, Horizon 180. Alpha 1 Gen2 leg with Solas SS 4 Blade Prop
135 HP Mercruiser. Clarion Stereo System. Swim Platform made in Colorado and Imported to Sydney.

Your boats lookin' good Daz. I see you had to change the brake master cylinder on the trailer - did the rego people make you do that or was it your choice? I know NSW makes you change it - dunno why as my original works fine.

Thanks for the exhaust info - I'll definitely be going down this path when mine are due in a few years time. It's a bugger to have to maintain them, let alone periodically replace them. Always struck me as fairly dinosaur technology.

Was out on the Gippsland Lakes this weekend. On Friday the water was like glass, Saturday was a bit choppier, and Sunday was out of the question with 30 knot winds! But a great weekend overall and the boat ran flawlessly as per usual. Will post some pics ewhen I get a chance.

Great to be out in the boat and summer is still to come!

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Hey Alec,

The hitch was changed by the Importer, who actually owns a trailer manufacturing company - down on the Mornington peninsula.
I was under the impression that it was a requirement to replace it - to meet AU requirements?!
Need to replace a rusted out rear section of the trailer (where the keel roller is) and all the timber bunks...
Is treated pine & marine/ outdoor carpet sufficient for this?
p.s. Thanks for the compliments!

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

Treated pine will work fine for the bunks, you will probably find that the original bunks are just ordinary pine anyway. In reality the bunks are out of the sun 99% of the time and are only submerged for a very short time anyway, likewise with the carpet you put on them.
Just my 2cents worth

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc