Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

[jrolland]

Ok so this is the deal I have a 98 Triumph Daytona that I listed on craigslist. I got an email the other day froma guy willing to trade his 1994 Four Winns Freedom 170 with a 1998 Johnson 140 HP O/B. He says the boat has been well cared for and he has all the records of repairs for the boat. I am really tempted to take the boat but I am not 100% sold on the boat yet. Please if anyone has some input on the boat with any good or bad info I would really appreciate it. It is in the water now and I am going to take it for a ride tomorrow. Here is the craigslist ad for it. http://nh.craigslist.org/bar/1160992569.html

Also some pics he sent me.

 

[75reinell]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I love my four winns. It is the best handling and smoothest boat I have ever owned. Mine is a 1988 Horizon 200.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Great boat and good motor.

I am looking for a boat just about like that for myself right now. That hull is probably one of the best O/B powered pleasure/bow rider boat designs ever. That bench all the way accross the back and decent amount of swim platform on either side of the motor is hard to find in any other boat.

About the only thing that would make that boat better is if it had a brand new E-Tec hanging on it instead of the Johnson. I guess having brand new vinyl on the interior would be nice also.

 

[MikDee]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

It Looks Good, But I'd be weary, it sounds overpowered!? I doubt the fact that a 17' boat could be rated for a 140hp outboard on the "manufacturers outboard capacity plate"? If it is, I'd jump on it, as long as there's nothing wrong with it

 

[jrolland]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

It Looks Good, But I'd be weary, it sounds overpowered!? I doubt the fact that a 17' boat could be rated for a 140hp outboard on the "manufacturers outboard capacity plate"? If it is, I'd jump on it, as long as there's nothing wrong with it

I looked up the specs on the boat and it did come with a Johnson or Evinrude OB just like the one currently on it. So needless to say I am not concerned about it being over powered but thanks for the concern.

It sounds like so far this is a pretty good boat. Anyone one else have any input?

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I'm aware that Four Winns are solid boats, but why trade a newer boat for an older one?

Just curious.

I like the layout of that boat, very similar to my Glastron

Mine is a 17', and runs great with a 75HP Yammy. Isn't 140HP overkill?

Anyway, that Four Winns is a very nice boat!

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I'm aware that Four Winns are solid boats, but why trade a newer boat for an older one?

Just curious.

I like the layout of that boat, very similar to my Glastron

Mine is a 17', and runs great with a 75HP Yammy. Isn't 140HP overkill?

Anyway, that Four Winns is a very nice boat!

A triumph daytona is a motorcycle. I'd say you are way ahead in trade value on that as well. The Daytona was never a very popular bike for some reason, I always thought they were a very nice looking bike, but not the superbike they wanted it to be. Certainly doesn't have the cult following that the speed triples enjoy...or the new 675 (Daytona)

Ian

 

[Nico2112]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

A triumph daytona is a motorcycle.

Do I feel stupid or what

My bad; then yes, my vote is in, Trade it

Ian, would you like trading your Glastron for mine's?

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Do I feel stupid or what

My bad; then yes, my vote is in, Trade it

Ian, would you like trading your Glastron for mine's?

Heh, I think the shipping costs would equal another boat.

Ian

 

[MikDee]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I looked up the specs on the boat and it did come with a Johnson or Evinrude OB just like the one currently on it. So needless to say I am not concerned about it being over powered but thanks for the concern.

It sounds like so far this is a pretty good boat. Anyone one else have any input?

I'm all for maximum speed, & power myself, But, If the boat has more horsepower on it, then the maximum recommended on the USCG plate, then you probably won't be able to get it insured, so heaven forbid, in an accident you personally would be liable for any lawsuits. Plus, if the marine patrol, or USCG, pull you over for a spot check, you would be in big trouble.

Plus I would find it really scary, if the transom ripped off at speed from being over powered! Either way, it's your call, Good Luck!

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Four Winns sold the 170 Freedom as a package with a 140hp motor in 1994. The boat is therefore certainly rated for that power. In 1994 Four Winns was owned by OMC and you could either get a Cobra I/O or a Evinrude/Johnson outboar and that was it. They only sold pre-packaged boats.

It is rated for at least 140hp...no worries.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

You know I just looked at the pictures more closely. I'm starting to think that the boat has been a little more neglected than I would feel comfortable with.

A few things I observe:

1. The back rest vinyl on the rear bench if very sun damaged...to a point that it won't be comfortable to lean against.

2. There is a flip up cover missing from the storage area behind the rear bench. It could have been removed to allow for the ski pylon. Which means that the ski pylon would have been added aftermarket. I would check the anchorage point really close for strength if that is the case.

3. The dash area and some of the controls seem sun faded.

4. The ski locker lid is not typical Four Winns. It actually almost looks like pressure treated 5/4 deck boards. That makes me concerned that the original one rotted out due to neglect. If that rotted out how is the rest of the structure?

With those issues I would say the boat loses a lot of value.

In perfect showroom condition I would say that boat should fetch around $8k. In the current condition I would say it shouldn't bring much more the $5k. I can't look at the CL ad here at work so I don't know what the owner is asking.

 

[packman35]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I have a '93 Freedom 180. It is a foot longer but other than that the same. Max hp for mine was 130hp but FW did sell the 94 170 with a 140hp according to their website so you should be GTG on that. I do about 40mph with the 115hp on mine. 60+mph on that one which is a foot shorter and with a 140hp would scare the out of me!!!! But that is just me.

Some thoughts/observations.

The ski locker lid, fuel tank cover, and seat bases are the only wood parts exposed on my model. I assume this one would be the same. The ski locker lid was large and wide and flexed. Mine was rotted and I replaced it with new 3/4" PT but it still flexes. I can understand why he put 5/4 on there. I also had to replace the fuel cover as it was completely rotted. Be sure to check that.

The vinyl is "firm" but not hard on mine and the stitching is coming loose in several areas. Not a big fix to restich it if you are willing to put in the time.

I cannot speak for the missing cover on the back as mine does not have that.

My rig also suffers from what I will call sloppy ride quality. See my other posts on that subject: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=310913 That may or may not be a concern for you.

Other than that, I can't complain. The rig is pretty low slung and a little tightish (I'm a pretty big guy) but overall I cannot complain.

I paid $1700 for mine but it has a 115hp, is a year older, and needed a lot of work. Nothing structural though, all cosmetic.

Good luck and be sure to sea trial it before making your decision.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Just a note.

The 1994 170 Freedom is a completely different hull than the 1993 180 Freedom.

The "stable v" hull that showed up in 1994 is more stable in most situations. It was also obviously rated for more power.

 

[Cptkid570]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

How did the test ride go?

 

[MikDee]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Four Winns sold the 170 Freedom as a package with a 140hp motor in 1994. The boat is therefore certainly rated for that power. In 1994 Four Winns was owned by OMC and you could either get a Cobra I/O or a Evinrude/Johnson outboar and that was it. They only sold pre-packaged boats.

It is rated for at least 140hp...no worries.

Wow! NOW I WANT ONE!!!

 

[cbavier]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I love my Four winns 190 Horizon. Nearly 700 hours on the motor and probably 2,000 on the boat.

 

[deerslayer303]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Can't offer much input on the boat, But that engine is a GOOD One I had a Cris Craft fish and ski with one of those on it, they have lots of torque and are very reliable. My vote is do it.

Good Luck

 

[Action]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

I think that is a nice setup. Probably goes like stink. I think that you can expect some things to be missing, replaced, worn at a boat of that age, just have to make sure the normal problem areas are sound but otherwise, I am sure it would be a nice pkg to have.

 

[jrolland]

Re: Should I? 94 Four Winns Freedom 170

Thanks for all the input guys and yes a triumph daytona is a motorcycle in case there is any more confusion. Haha I did not go and look at it yet but hopefully will soon. I will let you all know how it goes.

Any input is appreciated so keep it coming! Oh and I got one more picture.