1991 180 Horizon - potential purchase

DC3693 · **Joined:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 7:36 am **Posts:** 5

Hello everyone,
New to power boats - been sailing for 30+ years, but now the kids want to "go fast". We have been looking for the past year or so and we finally just rented an 07 180 FW to see if it was for us - it was a blast, a little under powered with a 3.0, but it handled well and once on plane it was fine (2 adults, 2 kids 13 and 10). That plus FW general reputation bring us to the conclusion that this is the size we can handle and trailer without any major issues. I have seen a few boats recently, nothing steller but ok and most in the mid 1990s in the 4500 to 6500 range - the cheaper ones I have seen have been in rough shape. I saw a 1991 180 Horizon 4.3 OMC on craigs list for $6500. The price seems high - NADA is about half, but boat looks in really good shape and I want to get advice on what to look for when I get a live look at it. I have only seen pictures of the boat looks good - no interior pics other than the engine. The engine looks absolutely showroom - PO said low hours (could be a huge plus or a potential negative). I just don't see how he could keep it so clean and essentially pristine. Anyway, what issues do I need to look for on the OMC? What are potential parts issues? What about hull issues on this model?? Are there things that I should expect to replace right out of the gate? I believe it has carpet which scares me from a potential floor rot issue - has this been a problem for these models (I know it's more to do with owner maitenance, but is it a problem area). Hoping to see it today or Sunday so any advice is welcome.

Thanks
Dave

Gresh24 · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:42 am

It certainly isn't out of the realm of possibility that the boat is in prestine condition. As long as it has been stored inside and maintained. I have a 1994 and it looks brand new. I haven't had any issues (but I have the 5.0) with OMC. The early 90's FW are very solid.

The floor (rot) is always a concern. Just look it over the bast you can and check for any soft spots. But if the upholstry is very nice and original, it has probably been stored and maintained properly. Floor rot isn't a specific problem to any certain model, it all depends on care.

$6,500 is high, so make sure it is in prestine condition throughout. Get all maintenance and winterization information and records if possible.

Good luck.

yrless11 · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 8:55 am

The cobra outdrives are getting harder and harder to find parts and mechanics that know how to work on them. They are great drives, just pricey to repair. IMO, I would pass and look for one with an alpha or sx drive on it. I think you have to get up to around 93/4 timeframe when the cobra drive is the same as the sx drive. Do a quick search on cobra here and you'll see find more details...

Edit:
Here you go, look at the post by Sanmiam http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=9311&hilit=+cobra

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 9:21 am

I agree with going for a newer one, for that money, I'd rather see you go for a post joint venture Cobra (model year 94 and up). Also you really do Not want a boat with a plywood deck with carpet over it. That construction is very rot prone, unless the boat was stored dry inside or it was used in a very dry area. The older Cobras (86-93) are good drives, but some parts are hard to find as are good techs who know how to set them up. I have 2 good ones who can set them up, one can rebuild it in his shop.

So try to get a newer one, Merc Alpha or Volvo Penta powered, with the full fiberglass liner NOT carpet on the deck...

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

Check for floor rot as you mentioned....under all seats and in corners....check sidewalls in floor storage and in engine compartment...any thus when tapping is a deal breaker fcheck oil in or me....floor replacement is NOT fun. Other than that ake a look at wiring for corrosion or idiot repair.

Engine and drive oil inspection
Inspect for fluid leaks
Look in engine compartment at bolt thru parts on transem...if you see rusting or staining running down then suspect waterloged transem.
Start on muffs and let run until thermostat cycles which u can tell by warm water exhaust...then feel exhaust risers...both should be warm/hot but not so that you can't put hand on them.....
While running remove oil fill caps on both sides...if you have thrusting air escaping that's bad..blow by.

Best to take ride on water so u can listen for moaning or grinding when turning...gimble bearing issues...can be pricey.

Ask for receipts maintenance records.

TX H210SS · **Joined:** Thu May 27, 2010 9:10 am **Posts:** 1488

I agree that lined for is way to go...with kiddos continually jumping in and out of water...that floor will be soaked every time u go out....I know cuz mine is.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 9:37 am

You're not kidding floor replacement is not fun, been there did that back in 2005-2007. But the boat was really old by then so I looked at it as an opportunity to learn about 'glass work. I learned that I would never do it again! Came out better than new though. I can tell you on some FWs the glass work on the interior stringers you can't see was awful. They were not glassed up all the way, raw wood on top, weak tabbing, the deck was stapled down with a few hundred nasty rusty staples and none of the holes were sealed. No wonder it rotted. My rebuild with the help of the glass shop was much much better. Stringers glassed all the way up, deck glued down with 3m 4200, and stainless screws, all holes filled with 3m 4200, no carpet, gelcoated deck. That's the way they SHOULD be built....

ric · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 11:27 am

I sold my minty 2000 for 6500. Keep looking. Buy a 1998 or newer with a 4.3

rpengr · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 12:33 pm

All good advise shown above...

...but if it is in great shape and you could get it for closer to $3000-3500, then maybe go for it. Don't go above NADA unless it is THE ONE that you have to have.

ric · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 1:47 pm

Every village has an idiot, don't be the idiot.

LouC · **Posted:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 2:23 pm

And if you get stuck on that boat, call around and see how many mechanics will actually work on the old style OMC Cobras....

DC3693 · **Joined:** Sat Aug 18, 2012 7:36 am **Posts:** 5

Great advice everyone - thanks. I think we are moving on to other more recent models. I need to find a good mechanic at the very least.

www.iFourWinns.com

1991 180 Horizon - potential purchase

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