Twin Big block OMC Liberator

[Liberator460x2]

Hi everyone,

I just picked up a 1990 Four Winns 261 Liberator and I am diving deep into its history while preserving the boat. Mechanically, it is fully intact and running well.

The HIN confirms this is sequence Hull #008 for the 1990 model year line.

What makes it incredibly unique is the factory build configuration:

• Power: Twin OMC King Cobra 460 big-blocks (Ford 7.5L) mated to cone gear king cobras
• Exterior Gelcoat: Custom Yellow and White two-tone
• Interior: Off-white vinyl with matching yellow and grey accents, complete with the dual power electric drop-down bolster seats (which still work perfectly).

Given the single-digit hull number, I am highly suspecting this was either a factory boat-show display piece or an advanced dealer-ordered showcase boat built right at the start of the 1990 run.

I know Four Winns built these flagships in Cadillac, MI. I wanted to see if any retired plant workers, rigging crew, or legacy dealers on here remember this specific build coming through the shop or showroom floor back in December of 1989?

Any insights on original dealer ordering guides, factory production habits for single-digit hulls, or memories of this yellow hull would be incredible. Thanks!

 

[Lou C]

Nice boat! That was their top of the line…I’ve had a Cobra powered boat for 24 years. I don’t think the drives used with the Ford 460 was the cone clutch; it was what was called the Baby King which had a normal Cobra upper gear housing and the bigger lower unit from the V8 Evinrude outboard. As with all Cobras, condition of the shift cable and its adjustment is critical. When set up correctly they shift really smoothly.

 

[Scott Danforth]

welcome aboard.