Newb boat owner at 49 YO

[Helibob1966]

First time boat owner, but had jet skis in the past. Looking forward to a long lasting correspondence with you fellow mariners.
Just picked up a 1990 Four Winns 200 Horizon with 94 hours on the meter, but needs a new deck. Hoping I can get some guidance on the restoration.
I am a Aircraft Mechanic with extensive experience with composite repairs, but need some help with the repairs. I'll post some pictures ASAP and hope you all will steer me in the right direction.

 

[tpenfield]

Welcome to iBoats . . .

We see that a lot . . . folks having a new-to-them boat needing a new deck . . . often turns out that the boat needs more than a new deck. Is the need for a new deck your assessment or something that was relayed during the buying process? 94 hours is not much for a 26 year old boat. do you know if the boat was in storage for quite some time, or is that a new motor / hour meter?

looking forward to the pictures.

 

[Helibob1966]

All original, motor and out drive is immaculate. Hasn't been in the water for 7 years, I'm prepared for the unexpected and welcome the challenge!!!

 

[Woodonglass]

What do you know about the boats storage and maintenance history??

 

[Helibob1966]

One owner as it appears on the trailer title, same address since 1992. It was actively used up until 2009 evident by the last registration. The maintenance is a mystery, but compression check is good. Will do the out drive tune up and go over the engine(5.7 OMC Cobra).

 

[pckeen]

If you are talking something cosmetic that is one thing. If your deck needs replacement because it has soft spots in it, the soft spots are usually a symptom of a larger problem (stringer rot).

 

[Helibob1966]

From what I can see, the stringers are encapsulated and appear to be in good shape, but I won't know until I remove the deck. If there is any rot on the stringers, it's going to be a busy winter. Either way, it will be better than factory when I'm done.

 

[Helibob1966]

I'm not too thrilled about putting carpet back down, any ideas? What about epoxy coating with non-skid added?

 

[redneck joe]

Make sure you read all of this. Your skill set tells me you will be fine but you need to know what you need to know

http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

 

[Helibob1966]

Thanks for the info!!! A good friend of mine worked for the leading boat shop here in town and has made me aware of this and he will help me address it. He was the one that recommended that I purchase the boat.

 

[redneck joe]

Good deal. As long as you know, i didnt....


So i take it you're a helicopter mechanic named bob and you will be 50 by the end of the year. I have a good boating friend that retired from that, he's mid 60s, and based on some of hos stories i will never get in a helicopter

 

[Bayou Dave]

Good deal. As long as you know, i didnt....


So i take it you're a helicopter mechanic named bob and you will be 50 by the end of the year. I have a good boating friend that retired from that, he's mid 60s, and based on some of hos stories i will never get in a helicopter

Hey Joe, Choppers are a blast to ride in. Back in the day I rode in many Huey's with the doors open, legs hanging out the side and hoping that centrifugal force kept me inside! If they fall you only have a couple hundred feet to go, not 35,000 feet at 600 mph.

 

[Helibob1966]

I have no problem getting in my helicopter. Very well maintained machine.