Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

[maxum1997]

Hi I'm Tony and a newbie to this forum. I have some questions about a boat I am considering buying. It has a 454 King Cobra Setup and is currently at a boat broker. It has sat inside his showroom for the winter and when they went to sea trial it about 6 weeks ago it took water into the block so now it is getting a long block and I told him to call me when its running. Its really clean and only 451 hours on hull. I have spoke to 3 local mechanics and they say walk away from any OMC. The last being Wrights Marine in Tacoma, WA who does repowers. He says if I like the boat and the price is right drive it till it blows the OD and maybe repower for $15k with Volvo-Penta. Boat price $13500 including long block. Before buying I will get a marine survey done. Can I find enough parts if OD goes sideways, lower or upper and shift mechanism? Am I ok with the GMC 454 powerplant? Should the price of boat be considerably lower due to OMC parts scarcity? Any help would be appreciated. Last boat was a 1997 Maxum 2300SC with a Alpha One.

Many Thanks

Tony1993 245 Vista

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

Doesn't look like you've had any response to this.. Don't be afraid of the OMC Cobra outdrives. OMC didn't go out of business because of their sterndrives (EPA came knocking about the same time as the economy slowing down, not a good combination).

As with any nearly 20 year old boat, a strict pre-buy inspection is key. If not, be prepared to buy parts, but don't be afraid, the cobra replacements are no more expensive than the equivalent Volvo or Mercruiser bits. The Cobra drives are tough and will last a long time with proper maintenance.

It is CRITICAL that you keep the control cables maintained and adjusted and learn to properly engage the drive. The clutch is a dog gear (actually, per the old timers, the water is the "clutch"), so you have to FIRMLY engage the drive and you will be fine. If you hear a "chattering" noise when you shift, either you need to be more assertive, or the control cables need adjusted. The controls should move smoothly with minimal resistance.

Otherwise, a GM marine block is a GM marine block. About 12 bazillion have been built and they are pretty much bullet-proof. The rigging in these boats is first rate and I have yet to find a part that cannot be easily replaced on the standard aftermarket (not that I've had to replace many parts).

I have a 90 245 Vista and I LOVE it. Great boat, ages well, amazing hull design and is a breeze to drive. (looks good, too, but that might be too subjective).

Best,

Chris

 

[maxum1997]

Re: Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the good information. Some more red flags came up with that boat. The broker's mechanics were having some difficulty with the manifolds and did not have it running when I wanted to look at it so, I passed. He called me today and asked if I had bought a boat yet and I told him that as a matter of fact I did! I am looking at a 1994 258 Vista with the 454 and King Cobra O/D that was rebuilt this year. I just had the survey done and awaiting the results. This is actually a better deal, the other did not have a dingy. Since I started shopping I have been really impressed with the Four Winns.

Soon to be wet again!

Tony

 

[maxum1997]

Re: Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

Additionally, I believe the 1993 and later are the cone clutches based off of the the Volvo design and those parts are still in use in the SX and DP drives.

Tony

 

[Ducatinut]

Re: Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

Caution is always well advised. Four Winns are tough boats and generally well-respected, but neglect is tough on anything.

In regards to the OMC drives that you will find in these boats, read this:
http://www.hastings.org/~stuart/cobra/

I've found similar info on the King Cobra, but my understanding is that the drives are essentially the same, but with a cone clutch and thru hull exhaust.

If you can, find out who rebuilt the drive and check them out.. rebuilt is not always better (depending on who does it!).

Best,

Chris

 

[maxum1997]

Re: Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

Hi Chris and everyone who shared their knowledge with me,

I brought my 1994 Four Winns 258 Vista home yesterday. I am very excited to get this boat back on the water. I need to make some minor cosmetic adjustments for my liking and usual trailer maintenance, brake inspection, lights, and change out the manual winch to a Powerwinch RC 30. Previous owner only lifted into the bay from the Des Moines marina and I want to put it in Lake Washington here in Seattle, WA to see the Blue Angels during Seafair. 5000lb boat too much to crank at the boat ramp! The lake is also a good place to reaquaint myself to small craft operation again. I'm a little rusty since I sold my 1997 Maxum 2300SC in 2002. Hope to get atleast 20-30hrs or more before I lay up for the winter.

MANY THANKS,

Tony

 

[jmarine225]

1993 245 Vista questions

1993 245 Vista questions

anyone here have the 93 245 Vista? I just purchased one and have a few questions.

 

[Boatingchatuge]

Re: Thinking about 1993 245 Vista

I have a 245 Vista with a 94 Hull ID. Info back then is a little sketchy, so I think it may be the end run of the 93 model. Some things like zincs are hard to pin down to correct model. Mine has a 454 King Cobra. Fast, runs great, fun boat.