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Hi all, I'm new to boating and I'm looking for some help. I just had a survey done for an 03 Four Winns Vista 268 that I'm planning to buy, but the surveryor noticed something that didn't seem normal.

When he looked down at the port side of the propeller housing (sorry I'm not describing it correctly, but it's the housing or the casing that covers the inside of the prop assembly and it's located right behind the prop), the surveyor noticed a small hole that was leaking water on the port side of this area.

He didn't think that was normal and when we asked the broker who was selling the boat, he didn't know either. Does anyone know what this is?

The broker called someone who said this hole was a 'weep hole' so when water gets in there, it can come out? But I didn't think this was correct.

The engine is a 5.7 Volvo/Penta at 320 hp but both the surveyor and the broker didn't agree with this person who said it was a weep hole.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I'm actually supposed to close on the deal shortly and would sincerely appreciate anyone's thoughts as quickly as possible.

Thank you all very much.

SX or DP (single prop or dual prop)? You're talking about the bullet shaped housing forward of the prop? Single hole or a vertical row of holes?

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Sorry I didn't give more detail.

It's a duo prop and it's a single hole. I think I'm aware of the row of lines or fins as I've seen them on other housings. And yes, it's the large bullet shaped covering right behind the prop itself. Sorry for the bad description.

Thank you again.

This hole, is it to the left of the water inlet holes, above the "bullet" ? If so, it's probably the drain for the cavity that's below the anode. Its quite small, maybe only ca 3mm or so in diameter and tends to get blocked with sludge and the water coming out looks black (like old oil). On my first boat with the DPS drivei, it had been painted over with antifouling, I didn't know it was there until I used a powerwasher; I thought I had blasted a hole through some corrosion in the housing!

To make sure you could ask them to remove the anode and put a water hose in the cavity, and see if the water comes out of this hole, you might have to poke it with something to clear the sludge..

Graham

Hello. Yes, this is exactly the area that I'm talking about and this is exacty what the surveyor and the broker thought. They originally thought it was some pin hole created from corrosion and we were all worried about it and it was told to us that supposedly it was a drain for the cavity but they didn't know if that was true.

The water coming out does look like old oil or some other liquid.

So it sounds like this is supposed to be there? What would you say is the best way to maintain this area? You mentioned poking it out with something and do you recommend keeping this hole free and clear when I can?

Thanks again.

When the boat is in the water, that cavity is full of water. It doesn't really matter if the hole is open or not. What is really important is that the hole is open and water can drain out so there's no water in there over the winter. If there is water in there that can't drain and freezes, it can cause damage to the casing.

If the boat is in and out of the water, it's easy enough to clean the hole on a regular basis and stop the sludge compacting. I use a piece of PVC insulated solid copper wire to clear the hole in mine when the boat is lifted out at the end of the season, the PVC is soft enough so it doesn't damage the paint. I also hose out the cavity after removing the anode.

Graham

You know,

If you're paying a "surveyor" to know about your boat and he doesn't.....I'd get another Surveyor.

You should NOT have to research something that they should know. What else does he not know about that you're paying for?

_________________
1987 Four Winns Liberator 211, formerly OMC 460 King Kobra powered, replaced in 2006 by a 1997 Mercruiser 454/Bravo III

Surveyors do not generally inspect engines and drives as part of the survey. They look at everything else. Now most will physically look at the condition of the stern drives and props and advise on any excessive corrosion or damage etc, but they usually don't know the specifics of every engine/drive manufacturer and combo.

It is usually best to have a mechanical inspection done as well by a certified tech of that brand of engine and one NOT recommended by the broker or dealer, but one recommended by other boaters in the area that get work done by "their mechanic". Believe me ALL boaters have "their mechanic, as you will too one day .. hehe


Good luck with the purchase.

_________________
"Kokomo"
2006 Four Winns Vista 318

Thanks for the support and feedback all.

Yes, pwrplay, I'm learning that everyone has their 'own' mechanic and I think I've found one already. He seems to know these boats and engines inside and out and he also confirmed what you all were saying; that it is a weep hole.

I sincerely appreciate all of your feedback as I was able to feel more comfortable with this purchase and gave the seller my written acceptance. We'll be closing sometime this week.

I only just found the mechanic yesterday but I had to give them my answer before then and again, I felt much better about it since hearing from you all.

Thank you all again and I hope to see you all out on the water (just give me a season to practice docking!!)

Take care