16' Winchester Boat Center console- Is it worth it

[phishinout]

Hello Everyone,

I am new to the site but have read a lot of you guys over the past few months. Great Site! I have been looking at purchasing a boat and doing a few repairs if need be.....for a few months now. I am a little inexperienced.

I have found a 1986 Winchester boat 16' center console with a 1986 JohnsonV4 110 for $1300 with nego. possible.

I have heard that this are good boats and the boat is in good shape. Any Feedback Please?

The hull has no major damage, floor feels soild all fiberglass, motor runs (have not checked compression)-lower unit appears to work, trim and tilt works. Has not been used in 2yrs.....also comes with depth finder, trolling motor, trailer..............needs 3 new batteries. Any feedback thanks guys! Also, enjoy March Madness it is beginning after tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 16' Winchester Boat Center console- Is it worth it

you will have to do this. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=158086

I don't know the boat. if it pass all this, i would say it is worth it.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

 

[phishinout]

Re: 16' Winchester Boat Center console- Is it worth it

This is certainly helpful.........thanks for the information. Like i said the floor felt solid and the underbody look good expect for some paint missing in the center of the hull look it had ran up on shore a few times.

I will mainly use this boat for fishing and normally no more than two people unless we are heading to a duck blind.

I will certainly use this information when I go back and look at the boat. Thanks Again!

 

[maxum247]

Re: 16' Winchester Boat Center console- Is it worth it

Check for soft spots in the deck when standing in the boat by pressing on the deck with your foot. Check around and inside seat mounts or boxes for soft spots in the deck, this is where rot starts a lot of times when screws have been added and not properly sealed such as when putting in new seats.
I'd do a compression test, you've heard it run but that's not all you need to know, you need to know the compression figures. Look for 100 psi or more on each cylinder, if you do test compression the results per cyclinder should be within 10 to 15 psi of each other. You can pick up a screw in compression guage at Walmart for around $25. It's money well spent. Do a search here on the iboats forum on the correct way to test compression before starting.
Good luck and happy boating if you decide to buy!
I'm sure others will throw in other things for you to check, these are just some things that come to mind.

max!