New owner here... 88 liberator 201

SchlegLiberator201 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 10:24 am

Just bought a 88 liberator 201. 350 and king cobra drive. Boat runs great and previous owner had it 15 years without problems. What things should I look out for? Unknown hours, but it did 50 this past weekend on the lake. I want this to last as long as possible since it is my first boat ownership and really like the look and sound of the 201.

Jdpber · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 11:00 am

stay on top of the maintenance. check the oil before each run, change the oil in the engine every season, check your Drive oil to maintain proper amount if any leaks you will want to address as leaks (miky oil means water has entered). when you change the drive oil check for metallic and metal on the plug magnet tip this could mean damage. regular maintenance and running of the motors is KEY to any boat.. Boats that sit and sit never used i do not care how low the hours are will always break down.. same as a car that site will have issues.. Boats like to be used.

For starters i would do a full maintenance service of the fluids in the drives and the motors. check inspect replace if needed the plug and wires. this is a good starting base line so that you know that all of the fluids are good to go..

I would get the factory service manuals if you plan to maintain the boat yourself.

and as for the systems: bilge, stereo, etc etc.. start with one and check them all out.

AFTER that just ask us questions and we will answer them...

POST PICTURES we love pictures

SchlegLiberator201 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 11:56 am

Thanks... I will take your advice and start checking everything out. The previous owner was very informative and did maintain the boat very well. Everything works except the horn. I am getting a new replacement but have the trusty air horn on board. It is truly a fast and fun boat... My friend and I took it out and were able to get to 50 for a short time.. didnt want to push it too hard just yet.. It runs great and it is a really smooth ride compared to some of the other boats I have rented and been in... Looking forward to many years of cruising Lake Anna (VA)... I just wish I had more time this year to take her out... Thanks again for the advice...

Jdpber · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 12:28 pm

it is not that i do not trust a seller, i simply do not trust anyone but myself.. Have you ever talked to a car sales man away from a car lot? I know a few every other word is a lie. Just saying no mater what the previous owner said to you, unless it was a close friend or family, you should investigate everything yourself.

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 2:42 pm

The 350 + KC in that year, is a standard dog clutch Cobra with through the transom exhausts. You're lucky because the cone clutch Cobras while they were good, are very hard to get parts for. The standard models, most parts are available. All the Cobra maintenance tips apply. Shift cable, and adjustment is very important. It should shift easily into and out of gear and not jump out of gear. The drive oil change must be done as per OMC instructions. Other than that, its easy to maintain. Easier than a Merc in some ways, as in impeller and bellows changes.

SchlegLiberator201 · **Posted:** Thu Oct 09, 2014 6:39 pm

I appreciate all the advice. I guess being a Four Winns owner is going to be a fun ride. Are there places to get accessories for this model?? My girlfriend wants a platform for the back and it needs a few interior parts like center hatch arms and arms for the cabin hatch. From what I can tell it is mostly original. Since it will be a lake boat would adding trim tabs be worth it?? Since there's only a few more weeks of lake time left I am trying to put together my list for the winter and get it all set for next year...

SchlegLiberator201 · **Posted:** Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:36 pm

Trying to add pics...

http://instagram.com/p/t8_4GsjFTh/

Jdpber · **Posted:** Tue Oct 14, 2014 2:43 pm

use a 3rd party server like PHOTOBUCKET it is free and very easy to upload and copy past the links into your posts..

john55c · **Posted:** Thu Oct 16, 2014 6:45 am

http://instagram.com/p/t8_4GsjFTh/

Using instagram, I think you will have to just use the URL tags and post a link like above. PhotoBucket makes it easy to share and insert into posts. Welcome aboard, great looking boat! Nice vintage too! Glad to see other older boats looking good and being enjoyed!

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Oct 16, 2014 2:53 pm

Yep looks great welcome to the oldie but goodie club lol...

SchlegLiberator201 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 19, 2015 2:33 pm

Trying to post a pic... again....

[URL=http://s1373.photobucket.com/user/rmaschleg/media/286C8049-C282-43C1-86CE-C5CCCAD61549_zps8tw76zoa.jpg.html [/URL]

LouC · **Posted:** Thu Mar 19, 2015 3:55 pm

Boat looks great. Same lower hull as my '88 H-200. They are a good rough water boat for their size. Stable and takes wakes well. I do think trim tabs would be a good idea, I've been thinking of adding them to mine.

efollis · **Posted:** Thu Mar 19, 2015 4:13 pm

Colours look good, even the low light photo. If depth permits, you may want to tie it up with stern IN, and give yourself a few inches with your lines to avoid dock damage..., as it "appears", your nose is going to get rubbed or bounced on the dock if the wind comes up.

www.iFourWinns.com

New owner here... 88 liberator 201

Who is online