[imported_dreamer1q]

I have found a 1988 Four Winns Liberator that I am considering for use on Lake Michigan. But, it does have a few flaws, and I wanted to ask for some advice on them.

First off, it has side out exhaust, and the gel coat is cracked around the outlets. What is the diffuculty in repairing that, and does it require the entire gel coat to be redone? Is it something that a guy with above average mechaincal skills could accomplish in his garage or not?

I am in the middle of setting up a sea trial on the boat. What are some of the things that you would recommend I do during the sea trial that I might not think of. I realize the normal operations of the craft, but is there anything I should check that most people miss?

[tashasdaddy]

is it inboard/outborad or i/o.size of the boat, what brand , hp engine. would help us help you

[mattttt25]

check everything electrical- pumps, lights, etc. just because it worked on the trailer doesn't mean it will work in the water.

open every access port and hatch you can. using flashlight, look around for anything and everything.

run at idle for awhile. turn off engine. start again. repeat a few times.

accelerate slowly, getting on plane. slow down slowly. note characteristics... bow rise, list, trim, etc. do the same accelerating quickly, stopping quickly, etc.

run boat at moderate speed for 10-15 minutes. note characteristics of handling, trim, list, etc.

run wot for a minute or two. note RPMs, speed, etc.

back at the dock, do that close, visual inspection again, and check everything electrical once more.

[imported_dreamer1q]

It is a 1988 24 foot Four Winns Liberator. 460 King Cobra with the King Cobra outdrive.

[Gary H NC]

The Cobra outdrive is a negative. I have one and i know!
It is hard to find anyone to work on them.And parts are getting harder to get and very expensive.
Pull the drain screw on the lower part of the drive and look for metal shavings on the magnetic drain screw.Take a sample of the drive oil in a glass and let it set awhile..look for water or a milky look to it.
Note how smooth it shifts into and out of gear.It should idle about 650rpm in gear.
Make sure engine temp stays around 170 or less..
Pull the oil fill cap off the valve cover and look to see if any milky residue is on it.Check on the dipstick also.
Check the rubber boots on the exhaust risers to see if they have been run hot.they will look bubbled or like they have melted a little.
So many things to check..A proffesional boat survey is your best bet if you really want this boat.

Welcome aboard and good luck! Keep us posted.

[imported_dreamer1q]

Thanks Gary, and I have heard that of the Cobra outdrives. This one actually comes with a set of reciepts for a full rebuild less then a year ago, otherwise I would have ran the other way.

I keep hearing about Pro Surveys, what can one expect to spend on something like that?

[mattttt25]

around here, minimum is about $500 and they can go up to $5,000 if you're bringing in diesel mechanics to survey the engines and gensets.

no idea what the asking price is for that boat, but i doubt a survey is economically feasable. i would take the advice you've received, spend more time reading, and do it yourself. also a great move if you can bring a friend along that is knowledgable.

good luck-

[imported_dreamer1q]

Agreed Commander. The boat is 7500.00, so I think I will take the wonderful advice you guys have given me and just take my time on the sea trial. Thanks again guys!!!!!!