www.iFourWinns.com

5.7L Volvo Penta GSI 280HP. Has trim tabs. Does not have duo-prop. Only 150 hours. Always stored inside and actually was not used for 12 years, which I know can be bad but the boat has been inspected. This is a freshwater boat.
Mechanic went through the drive systems, did about $1,500 in repairs (various seals and rubber parts replaced, throttle body cleaned), and lake tested the boat. Runs well and has no obvious issues. Currently is winterized and sitting in a pole barn. Never slipped - no hull paint.

The boat and trailer are immaculate. Literally looks as if the boat just rolled off the showroom. Includes bimini top, camper canvas and cockpit cover. No electronics included. Does not have the extended swim platform.

I have looked at a number of Four Winns boats, including many that were far newer, and none were as clean as this one. I think I can get the boat for around $17,500. Am I paying too much? Any issues with this year or this motor? Will I be alright without the duo-prop set up?

Any comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

not a bad price.. but I would still work it down a bit.

The single prop isnt bad at all it will allow you to mess with different prop configurations for a lot less money, depending how it performs now.
Having the trim tabs is a big bonus cause getting the bow down is always an issue.

I am sure after some use a few issues will creap up, but with any used boat they could. if it was storred away properly 12 years ago then all should be good.
old gas could have deteriated rubber lines but I would hope that after the old gas was drained and refilled they replace the lines

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"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

IMHO it might be about $3k high even for excellent condition... but excellent condition is hard to come by. If it is the right boat for you, then grab it before somebody else does, and do not worry about paying a little extra.

_________________

"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

I am sure all of the canvas is like new since it hasent seen much use. that is worth a lot if it doesnt need any repairs for a few years.

any pictures of this boat?

_________________
"Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attitudes "

1996 238 Vista dlx "Casper's Toy Too"
2006 5.0GXI w/closed cooling, DP-sm 1.95 drive
Previous boat:
1998 Sundowner 205

I'm new here... tried to post images stored in photobucket using the "Img" button with no luck... Says unable to determine dimensions for photos.

This is how I went about it: [img]photobucketurl[/img]

Suggestion on best way to post jpegs??

I am a believer in buying the best condition boat you can because an older boat in poor shape can really nickel dime you. However not being used for 12 years concerns me, even if it was stored right, that is a LONG time. Issues could be rust on the cylinder walls, valve stems , and any gas in the tank would be long ago varnished. I'd say you need a really thorough inspection, compression test, complete cleaning of the entire fuel system.
Problems you might see include high oil consumption due to rusty cylinder walls, stuck piston rings, and dried out and cracked valve seals. Also if the fuel tank is not really well cleaned you could have persistent stalling problems. Be careful. Would you buy a car that sat for 12 years?
How humid is it where it was stored? If its a dry climate that's better, here it is humid and there would be internal rusting.

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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 hear you. I'm planning on having my own mechanic look over the whole boat, as well as review the documentation from the previous mechanic.

The pole barn it is stored in is nice and clean. However, it does get humid here in the summer. I have not seen any signs of external corrosion on any metal parts that are visible. Of course it's what I can't see that is most important to worry about.

Looks like your doing it right, but pictures must not be larger than 1024 x 768 pixels. I think photobucket can convert to this size or smaller for you.

_________________

"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

The 245 in Traverse City at Grand Bay Marine I see. They have never been known to give a "steal deal". Suggest you try and
get them to knock off some more $'s, and have a full mechanical survey done by your mechanic. Sitting that long
is not good even if it was a lake michigan/Torch lake boat. IMO, I would want a duo prop on that heavy of a boat, but the SX
will do okay. Also, dreaded VDO gauge cluster, make sure all gauges work when you sea trial the boat. A big pain to get
the gauge cluster repaired if it is bad, and often they are. No replacement are available for that style gauge cluster anymore.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

A pre-emptive welcome to the Sundowner fam. I second all the tips and advice above. Is that water in the bilge of the engine pic? Did it come from the test drive you say the mechanic did? Not a big showstopper, but def something to look at. Price is a bit high IMHO. I would lowball in the 14k range.

Also, I would get the trailer checked too, 12 years is a long time. Seals, bearings, tires, wiring, etc....

BTW, where ya gonna be boating at?

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

Bilge was dry when I looked at it. I think that pic is from the summer after the boat was lake tested.

If I find the right boat, I will be in Grand Haven mostly.

That is very similar to my boat but I only have 260 HP with the SX drive. Power is adequate but not spectacular. The trim tabs will help to get on plane. I don't have tabs and really have to pay attention to the trim.

I agree with all the other comments.

_________________
Terry
Current: 07 Crownline 255 CCR cuddy - 350 Mag MPI/B3 "Casi Cielo"

Previous:97 245 Sundowner 5.7GI/SX

Tow vehicle: 1986 GMC 2500 Camper Special 454/TH400

you may want to attend the Grand Rapids boat show, as all the dealers that attend have listings posted of all their used boats, some at boat show special pricing. You can often get a better price than you can today from the same dealer. We did at last years' show.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy