Buying a boat

[brunizzy]

I have the opportunity to buy a 1987 Four Winns 215 Sundowner with a Mercruiser 5.0L and Alpha One. It's a 21' Cuddy with the 200Hp 5.0L engine, and it has a stainless 18p prop. Anyone with knowledge of these boats care to tell me if this is a good setup? The owner said it's a 45 mph boat, but i'm not sure if i believe him. The boat is in great shape, but i'm still skeptical about performance. Anyone know how these boats perform? Thanks

 

[the vision]

Re: Buying a boat

Sea trial test drive. You will see how it handles and if it will run 45 mph. If he won't let you try it walk away.

 

[DuckHunterJon]

Re: Buying a boat

+1 - that's a 24 year old boat. At that age, it doesn't matter what name is on the side, it's all about how it's been maintained/stored/used. Go for a test drive and see what your impressions are. If you aren't familiar with boats, see if you can convince a friend to tag along. For me, it woudn't take much convincing (what's that - you want me to go with you, get a free boat ride, help you spend your money, and you'll buy me a beer afterward - OK).

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Buying a boat

Sounds like it has the potential to be a great boat. Your biggest concern on an older fiberglass boat is rot in the wooden components of the hull. Deck, transom, stringers. ANY soft spots in the deck could (and usually are) be an indicator of more serious rot below. If everything is solid, go for it.

 

[444]

Re: Buying a boat

I think that boat would struggle to hit 45mph, but it is possible. Like said, water test is the only way. Also are you sure you want a cuddy cabin boat? You give up a lot of deck space vs a comparable bow rider.

 

[brunizzy]

Re: Buying a boat

I have a bowrider right now, and it would be nice to have the cuddy because of the shelter it provides if needed. I have a 6 month old son that will be boating with me, and we would use it if the sun is going down and it's getting a little chilly during the ride back to the dock.

 

[Joshua Nichols]

Re: Buying a boat

Four Winns makes a good boat.. Even back in the day.. Look real good for rot.. Go for a ride and take your GPS..

How much?