Too many hours???

Question

Hi I am looking at a boat here is the description:

2001 Four Winns 180LE Bow Rider. Immaculate boat. Volvo Penta engine w/190hp. 490hours. 2 props (factory and stainless steel), power steering. Bimini cover, bow and cockpit covers. AM/FM/CD player w/ 4 speakers. Extended swim platform w/ extended ladder. Button down carpet. Console cluster guage (depth gauge, water temp, clock). Comes with trailer (used only 4 times). $10,990

Is this too many hours? How long until engine mantinance? This will be used for cruising around and for water sports like tubing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and skiing. Is this enough hp for that and with some people on board?

Answer 1

I've taken this exact problem to my mechanic and good friend...he does alot of boat work, inboards and outboards. He says you can get 1000 hours EASY, if the engine is maintained, winterized and taken care of--he can get 2000 hours out of a good motor.

I bought a 1997 maxum last season, it had 380 hours on it--thats a ten year old boat. This boat you speak of is about 6 years old? She comes with a lot of hours for its age--just means the folks that owned it took her out--like they should!

I would ask why they want to sell it, what kind of maintenance records do they have? Plus any problems with the motor, and lower unit? Check the NADA value and see what your mechanic thinks.

190 HP? Assuming that's V-6? That should tow anything you want--just have to watch how many people you pack into the boat itself.

Answer 2

I have an 06 Malibu with 600 hours on it. Myself personally I'd rather have a boat that was used and well maintaned then a boat that sat idle for months or even years as rubber seals start to dry out and pistons scar piston walls and rust. Don't let the hours scare you. My best advice would be to take it to a local boat mechanic, probably not a dealership as they well try steering you to purchasing new. If the mechanic gives the boat the ok go for it. While you might not have as much power as a big new fancy v8 you should be able to do everything with this boat just don't expect to enter into any wakeboarding contest or race anyone with it. I think if this is your first boat its the way to go for an all around family boat. Myself I started with an 86 glastron family boat and after 10 trouble free years, only problem was I had a freeze plug pop out one year, I went out and bought a $70,000 wakeboarding only boat. While I use this boat exclusively for wakeboarding I miss the versatility of my old glastron. If one of the kids spills something now I cry, where as with the older glastron we could just laugh and clean it up. Maintance I performed was just regular oil changes and that was it! Buy a pump and change the oil yourself you'll pay for the pump the first time you change your on oil. Have fun and see you on the water!

Answer 3

ive seen boats last 3-4000 hours if properly maintained 490 is not bad last summer we put about 120-150 all summer but we were out on the river every weekend all weekend

Answer 4

OK, so let me do the math. Six or seven seasons, that is about 70 to 85 hours per year. A little high for my neck of the woods, but not outrageous. You have a long way to go before engine rebuild.

My first response is V6 or V8, you are participating in activities that will be well suited to a V8, especially if you are talking about adults skiing and tubing as opposed to kids.

Maintenance: oil change, lower unit lube change, stabilize the gas, plugs, and tune-up. Tune-up can hold to spring. Most important thing to look at is Ujoint and gimbel bearing. Before the boat goes back in the water please ask the seller to either have the gimbel inspected or changed.

If you have more questions, please ask, happy to help.