1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

[neverendingproject]

Last weekend was the beginning of my deck, stringer and transom replacement on my fathers 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160. The whole thing began with some soft spots in the deck and after doing some reading here I quickly realized there was going to be a lot more work involved than I initially anticipated. However, we are up to the task and along with everyone?s help here I?m sure we can get it back in the water by next year. Below is the first set of pictures from day one and I?m sure that I will have many questions going forward.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

NEP, Is there a reason why you started another thread for your project. The forum recommends keeping it ALL under one thread to make it easier for everyone to follow along with all of the other posts.

 

[neverendingproject]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

Woodonglass my apologies. I didnt even think about changing the title and just updating my original post. I will keep this in mind going forward and I apologize again.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

No need to apologize just wanted to make you aware so you could get the MAXIMUM help from the members here on iBoats for your project

 

[neverendingproject]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

Does anyone have any suggestions for what tool to use to remove the deck pieces closest to the sides? I have seen other posts where people have accidently cut through the hull and I would like to avoid that if possible.

 

[neverendingproject]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

Another question that I have is what on the console and bow needs to be removed before I try to remove the cap?

 

[rickryder]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

Use a 4 1/2" angle grinder with a cut off wheel and take your time while cutting....

For cap removal.....steering cable,engine controls and anything else you find attached to cap and the rest of the hull.....wires speedo tube etc.

 

[neverendingproject]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

Thanks Rick. I hope to start back up in a few weeks. This site is amazing and provides so much great information.

 

[Ericp2310]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

Do we have an update on this project? I am about to start the same work on my newly acquired 86 Four Winns 160 Freedom. It would be nice to hear or see what you have done up till now. I would def like to get some advice or direction for this project. Thanks.

 

[neverendingproject]

Re: 1986 Four Winns Freedom 160 Restoration Thread

I wish I had updates to report but I?m still waiting to get the engine and cap off. To get started I used a jig saw and crow bar to remove the majority of the decking between the console and bilge drain. Be sure to leave a few inches around the edges so you don?t accidently cut into the hull. To finish up these areas you can use a grinder and then you need to remove the foam which is probably soaked beneath it. More updates as time permits and more progress is made.