www.iFourWinns.com

Hi guys
Jim from Bunbury in WA here. I own a Horizon 180. Bought it new 3 years ago but so far has hardly been used - 20 hrs on the clock. Last week took the boat in for a service and have been told that there is water in No 4 cylinder. Boat has not been in water for over 12 months. Am told no real damage done just a little surface rust which can be cleaned off. Mechanic has said that this is a common problem with these boats and comes as a result of water surging back through the exhaust system. To overcome, they install a riser kit on the exhaust. To my way of thinking, if this was a common problem, the riser should be installed at manufacture or prior to delivery. Has anyone else had a similar problem. Wont bother to elaborate on problems with the trailer.

Not a common problem I think. Mine has always been perfect although is a V6 190hp. Quite a few others in Oz have the same boat with the 3.0 130hp and this has not been flagged by them.

I thought they came with the risers as standard.. Maybe he is talking about an flap setup in the exhaust??

What are the issues with the trailer? These FW trailers are normally pretty good. I can help you if you need plus where to get parts locally or OS.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

I imagine that you have a bad head gasket or improper/incomplete winterizing (cracked head or cylinder wall). I have seen my neighbours 454 get water locked but he had water in all the cylinders on the one side. It locked tight and the starter wouldn't roll it over. We still can't figure out why it happened.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Winterizing should not be an issue - Bunbury doesn't get below freezing that I am aware of... I don't think anywhere in Australia does..

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Thanks for your responses so far. The boat is still in the workshop and I have not been able to call in and check problems for myself as yet so am taking the word of th mechanic so far. Am certain he is saying to fix the water problem it needs a riser not a flap as mentioned.
Regards the trailer, I am told that both wheels are rusted on and the springs are shot. Boat and trailer have always been thoroughly washed down after use, but perhaps my fault as they say water has remained trapped inside the wheel covers. Not sure how springs can be shot. Trailer has not travelled more than 500km in its life and boat and trailer have always been kept inside enclosed shed.
Estimated cost of repairs to boat and trailer $2.5K comes as a big shock.

Hmmm... might want to get a second opinion. I use mine almost exclusively in salt water and no trailer probs with wheels, springs etc. and tow often 1000+km at a time. Still running the original wheel bearings!

One thing I do religiously is wash the trailer down and flush my motor with Salt Away - I'm sure it helps, but even if you flush out with fresh water only I would not expect the problems you are seeing at 3 years and 20 hours.

It definitely pays to do your own maintenance if you can (both boat and trailer) as boat mechanics will gouge you every time.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport