Introducing myself and my boat...

[Corryn]

Hello all. I've been reading the forums, but until today didn't have anything to post about. This evening I will be picking up my first boat, a 1981 Four Winns Marquise 160, 120hp. I'm excited and nervous, since my only experience with owning a boat so far has been a jet ski.

From what I know on examining it, I'll need a new drain plug, tune up and eventually some new trailer tires. The vinyl could use some cleaning, but in general the condition seems very good. The center of the floor was a little bouncy, but short of tearing up the carpet, I won't really know what's going on at this point. I offered 1300.00 and they accepted...from my research, I "think" this was a good deal?

Any suggestions, tips, hints would be greatly appreciated.

Corryn

 

[aussieflash]

Re: Introducing myself and my boat...

You will need a service manual first up.Dont run motor till fuel has been checked for water etc.
Nice looking boat and welcome aboard.
Paul.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Introducing myself and my boat...

Bouncy floor could mean a soggy deck. But you didn't pay very much and if it came with a trailer that would be a great deal if it were in western Canada.
Make sure you look carefully at any owner added electronics. The first boat I bought had a fire when I was on the water and I didn't have an extinguisher!

 

[Philster]

Re: Introducing myself and my boat...

Good luck.

The reality is that boats of that type and age have rotten structures. The floor is the least of the concerns. You need to get into it and figure out if the stringers, bulkheads and transom are shot.

If they are, it's a dangerous boat, but you are now in the right place to get help.

You have a boat and a project. Enjoy both.

 

[Corryn]

Re: Introducing myself and my boat...

Thanks for the welcome! I'm going to search for the manuals and things this weekend, and hopefully talk my brother the mechanic into doing some engine maintenance for me I have very little experience, but tend to fall on the cautious side and things seem to be in good order. The floor made me nervous...it was not squishy, just had a little bounce compared to the outer edges. This price did include the trailer, which also seems to be solid.

There are so many things that can go wrong...I just have to hope that the structure and mechanics are in the kind of condition I'm hoping for, considering the overall appearance indicated it was well taken care of over the years.