Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

[MDJ1016]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I have a 1986 211 Liberator, an oldy but a goody!

Purchased it last spring (2009), and had a few mechanical issues after the first couple runs. However I did most of the work myself and help from my awesome mechanically inclined father-in law. I had the dealer replace the bellows (seals on outdrive area), but other then that we did great work I think.

Some of the things done-

1. Bellows seals as noted
2. Had a fuel system issue that dumb founded many ppl- ended up replacing fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel vapor hose, and removing the fuel tank to clean it.
3. Rewired most of aftermarket items the previous owner had attempted.
4. Replaced blower motor
5. Took loan for fuel consumption (just kiding)
6. Had lower unit repaired due to hitting underwater obsticle
7. Winterized (dealer)
8. In spring I need to find a way to shine up exterior (faded bad in spots) and it will need an oil change.

The boat itself is a hard running and well built marine craft. Most people who own or owned this style of boat love them. They seem to hold a great used market value also. It is a big heavy boat, but runs a clean 50 MPH on a good day with just me. (GPS tracked MPH)

Have fun with yours, they maybe older, but they are a gem.

 

[MDJ1016]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

58 mph at 4800-4900 rpms. It is 260 at the prop 300 at the crank

what specific motor does it have? My 350 in mine is 260 HP (assume at shaft) and I can push 50 MPH out of it.

Am I over looking something?
I would love a few more MPHs.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

Howdy,


You're getting about the right speed.

the 211 is quite a bit heavier (and longer) than a 201.

With the King Kobra 460 I had in it, it would do around 60MPH at 5000 RPM or so.

It takes a fair amount of HP to get from 50-60mph.


If you want better performance...... you might consider a 383 or 400 SBC or even a BBC to replace that 260hp Merc...

 

[251LIB]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I have a 1989 251 Liberator with the OMC King Cobra 460. No problems at all with the boat. I am looking for a new dash panel if anyone has any ideas. Also curious what props people are running?

 

[oilburner]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I got one . I just repowered. I took out all the omc stuff and repowered with a new long block and a merc magnum setup. 350. check out the video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEqh-oN1e6M

I just picked up a '88 241 Lib for dirt cheap, considering dumping the 460 and omc King Cobra outdrive for a mercruiser setup, but just sank $1300 in a complete rebuild for the outdrive. What was the cost to do the replacement

 

[oldgirlnewlife]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I have had a 86' 241 Liberator with the Merc 454 Mag since 96' haven't used it in many years but it still starts and runs all day with just a little tlc when ready. I love it just wish I had taken better care whilst not in use - she got ate up by the elements badly and I am in the process of breathing new life into her, new seats, new carpet throughout, wood that rotted. Hardest thing to deal with is the teak...I am wondering what to do with it? Paint the cuddy doors and just replace the trim pieces with alum? Anyone got any ideas - it's too great of a boat to just let die! Gotta love those libs when they are growling across the open water! Thx

 

[sillyhilley]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I got a 1989 201 lib she runs in northern Michigan traverse city area...

 

[GracieBell1]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I have an '86 211. I bought it very cheap but am having to replace the two engine stringers, transom and deck. I can say that it seems to be a very strong boat with poor glass work.The back of the engine stringers were not glassed, just a bi glob and the back that was doing to good. I am struggling with how I am going to put back the motor mounts and stringers. I may just tab them in and try to cover the inside with glass and roving like they did from the factory. There is just so many turns arounf the motor mounts. The brochure says it was hand laid but all of the stringer and mount area was srayed with chop glass. Its about a 1/4 inch thick over the stringer and mount then thins out everywhere else. If anyone can help I have pics aI can post. I have been talking to the factory but I dont know how much good they can provide. The first guy was a builder of my boat turned war./engineer. He is gone. the other guy does not seem to be very concerned about helping me.

 

[S P E E D]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I got one and love these boats!

1990 251 with 454 and King Cobra Drive. Boat was completely redone 3 years ago. Here it is:

Absolutely love the boat...somebody above said they are the Cadilac of Offshore boats. They are right, Tons of room in these things, cuddy is nice and big, and these boats take wake with a smile.

 

[chevinrude]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

1989 251 Liberator--3000 watt inverter, microwave,15" LCD/Dvd TV,porta pot, frig, 20 gal water tank,Stainless sink/elec water pump,Alpine Marine/CD/iPod/USB,2-6 1/2" Alpine Cuddy speakers,2-JL Audio Marine Amps,4-JL Audio 6 1/2" Marine cockpit speakers,1-10" JL Audio Marine Sub,VHF radio,SS Magnus Grill,Electric Bolster Seats,Twin 350 Chevy's-285hp each,King Cobra outdrives,100gall gas tank, 60-62mph,Garmine GPS, 348 hours,3rd owner

Lookin to sell it?

 

[chevinrude]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I have had a 86' 241 Liberator with the Merc 454 Mag since 96' haven't used it in many years but it still starts and runs all day with just a little tlc when ready. I love it just wish I had taken better care whilst not in use - she got ate up by the elements badly and I am in the process of breathing new life into her, new seats, new carpet throughout, wood that rotted. Hardest thing to deal with is the teak...I am wondering what to do with it? Paint the cuddy doors and just replace the trim pieces with alum? Anyone got any ideas - it's too great of a boat to just let die! Gotta love those libs when they are growling across the open water! Thx

Would you sell the boat?

 

[JHolian]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I got one of those. It was a wedding gift that has almost turned into a nightmare with a seized up outdrive. But it's getting better.

89 Liberator 241 w/ a Cobra 460 and a NON-king cobra outdrive (i dunno).

 

[sillyhilley]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

there is a 1989 201 lib on eBay going for 2,500.00 that's all for now any way. I think the bidding stops in five (5) days from now? I think that's a good deal.

 

[dellsboater]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

Going to look at an 88 201 looks clean, hopefull she will be mine

 

[dellsboater]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I do now, we have just bought a 1988 201 with gm 350 omc king drive....

What prop should I look at? Gave me a 20 inch stainless needs some repair, found a place that will re pitch it, thinking of going with a 23?
It has a 19 on it now does 55 according to seller

 

[CC245]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

Very Nice!!

 

[m_sherman211]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I've got an 86 211 Liberator. Just bought it late in 2010. Was able to only use it the day I test drove it.

 

[dellsboater]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

Anyone with a 201 350 give me speed and prop data?
Has a 21 pitch alum, seller says does 50 mph, seems slow to me what speeds are you getting?

 

[brivander]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

Recently sold a 1987 lib 350/260, ran 53 @ 4650rpm on GPS with1/2 tank and 3 people. JUST decided to updrade to a WAY more modern boat though, a 1992 221 lib (please note the sarcasm, but hey the way I see it I gained a whole decade ). I do have the 502 now, but am currently trying to sort out the previous owners lack of mechanical abilities...more to follow. I've avoided OMC like the plague, I hope it doesn't bite me in the...well, you know

 

[j1hoekst]

Re: Anyone own a Four Winns Liberator ?

I just picked up an 89 241. Boat was neglected badly, but had a fresh rebuild on the 460. Original asking price was $3500, but once I saw it I was able to drive away with it for $600. I dont know a whole lot about boats, but i have always loved the LIberator. I have ripped out the rear bench as it needs to be rebuilt/replaced, i am going to replace the floors for good measure, and i am getting a little water running from the under motor bilge into the cuddy when it sits in my drive, although i think i have that under control. I will update with my progress, and hopefully it will be in the water sounding good by June. At any rate, i dont think i could go wrong with the price, i am fairly certain the trailer is worth at least that much. If i could get some feedback on these boats i would really appreciate it. Thanks