1994 Four Winns Sundowner 5.0 Cobra HELP!

[Jrob80]

I am obviously new to the forum (first post) I am looking at getting a 1994 Four Winns 195 Sundowner powered by a 5.0 cobra OMC out drive.

A good friend of mine who has quite a bit of experience with boats said run away from this boat due to the OMC engine? For the most part everyone uses either a Mercruiser or Volvo Pinta engine around my neck of the woods (Central Nebraska). My wife and I really like the boat but now I am really nervous about purchasing. Any input on this would be great.

I have attached the craigslist for more information: http://lincoln.craigslist.org/boa/2420195072.html

Thanks for any help that can be provided.

 

[CobiaXL]

Re: 1994 Four Winns Sundowner 5.0 Cobra HELP!

Take your good friends advice and keep looking...Omc has been gone for quite sometime,yes you can find parts for a pretty penny..Most mechanics and marinas don't even work on OMC anymore,so if you don't plan on doing your own work,listen to your buddy.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 1994 Four Winns Sundowner 5.0 Cobra HELP!

I am obviously new to the forum (first post) I am looking at getting a 1994 Four Winns 195 Sundowner powered by a 5.0 cobra OMC out drive.

A good friend of mine who has quite a bit of experience with boats said run away from this boat due to the OMC engine? For the most part everyone uses either a Mercruiser or Volvo Pinta engine around my neck of the woods (Central Nebraska). My wife and I really like the boat but now I am really nervous about purchasing. Any input on this would be great.

I have attached the craigslist for more information: http://lincoln.craigslist.org/boa/2420195072.html

Thanks for any help that can be provided.

Howdy,


Welcome aboard!


Well,

It would depend on what year model that the engine and drive package actually IS.


If it's a 1993 5.0L OMC Cobra package, it would be the Dog-Clutch model. They're ok. But there's parts that are hard or impossible to find. (the company is out of business you know, more than 10 years!)

If it's a "94" model, It MAY be a Volvo Penta SX model making it fully supportable.

Four Winns (like ALL boat Mfrs) was really good at using "last years model" engine and drives in their boats.

Get the model number of the engine/drive package and look it up. http://epc.brp.com (email address not required)

$7500 will get you a pretty nice boat in this market.

I personally, would NOT buy anything with the letters OMC in the ad. BTDT (Been there, Done that!!) AND I have the T-shirt (AND the bruises) to prove it!!!!

 

[Jrob80]

Re: 1994 Four Winns Sundowner 5.0 Cobra HELP!

If it's a 1993 5.0L OMC Cobra package, it would be the Dog-Clutch model. They're ok. But there's parts that are hard or impossible to find. (the company is out of business you know, more than 10 years!)

If it's a "94" model, It MAY be a Volvo Penta SX model making it fully supportable.

Four Winns (like ALL boat Mfrs) was really good at using "last years model" engine and drives in their boats.

Get the model number of the engine/drive package and look it up. http://epc.brp.com (email address not required)

$7500 will get you a pretty nice boat in this market.

I personally, would NOT buy anything with the letters OMC in the ad. BTDT (Been there, Done that!!) AND I have the T-shirt (AND the bruises) to prove it!!!!

Thanks for the help I called Buzz's where the PO had it serviced which is somewhat local for me waiting for a tech to give me a call back, I am hoping they can give an idea how much they would be able to work on the boat if something went wrong.

I am suprised to hear you say $7500.00 would buy a pretty nice boat. I thought it was a little on the low end of things Buzz's has a pre-owned section and there isn't much on there for around $7500.00 it seems you have to be closer to $10k?

 

[07caddy]

Re: 1994 Four Winns Sundowner 5.0 Cobra HELP!

Run. Finding parts has not been fun.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 1994 Four Winns Sundowner 5.0 Cobra HELP!

I am suprised to hear you say $7500.00 would buy a pretty nice boat. I thought it was a little on the low end of things Buzz's has a pre-owned section and there isn't much on there for around $7500.00 it seems you have to be closer to $10k?

Hmm....Had a look at "Buzz's" used boats....... Pretty pricy!

Example, 1988 Bayliner with a dog-clutch Cobra for $8000? This guy is living in dreamland if he thinks an 88 OMC Cobra powered "anything" is worth that much!!!

As an aside, I found a 2000 Bayliner Capri (19.5' with a 3.0L Mercruiser) for $6500 on Craigslist. (Carter Lake)

97 Starliner (3.0L Merc) $6500 (Omaha)

Want a Hotrod? 1997 Wellcraft Scarab 22' - $10250 (Omaha, Ne.)

1997 Rinker Captiva 180 - $6900 (NW Omaha)

1996 Bayliner Capri and Shorelander Trailer - $6000 (Westside, Iowa)

1996 crownline 182 bowrider - $6500 (gretna)

yadayada.............


The list goes on.


I think the guy with the "94" Cobra "thinks" his boat is worth a lot more than it is.

On the other hand,

It it REALLY IS a 94 model OMC COBRA engine with electronic ignition......


Well then there's another problem if the ignition module fails.........it's got a retail price of over $1200 if you can find one (And it's considered OBSOLETE)


My suggestion?


Look for a boat with Mercruiser or 1996 or newer Volvo Penta SX engine and drive......


Also, plan on taking it to any dealer and have them "check it out" for you. Sometimes people selling boats around this time have something to hide (like a cracked block)


Good luck!!


Rick