98 Horizon 180 pull engine to change starter?

[Laneman25]

Looking at a 1998 Horizon 180 with Volvo Penta 4.3GL. Owner says starter is bad and he can't get to it. Does the engine really need to be pulled just to change a starter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

In many boats.....yes. boat builders care about making boats pretty for sale. Not easy for service

 

[Solarguy]

Looking at a 1998 Horizon 180 with Volvo Penta 4.3GL. Owner says starter is bad and he can't get to it. Does the engine really need to be pulled just to change a starter?

I have a 97 Horizon 180 and the previous owner had a new starter installed a couple years ago. Labor was $450, so it doesn’t sound Like they had to pull the engine. Theres a plastic separator on panel next to the battery that allows access to the starter area.

 

[Lou C]

That (removing interior panels) and sometimes removing the exhaust system on that side will give you access.

 

[ScottinAZ]

not quite the same, but the starter on my 1995 170 with the 4.3 was able to be done just by removing the doghouse, and shifting the fuel fill and breather hoses a bit. Still tight, still a PITA, but doable without pulling the engine. Hands the size of an infant with the grip strength of Chuck Norris also help.