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Looking at purchasing a 1997 Four Winns with a Volvo Penta 4.3 I am very unfamiliar with inboards
That would be an I/B ..... (I/B = inboard/outboard)
of what to look for mechanically. Any suggestions of things to look for in this boat would be great. The boat itself is in great shape.
I would strongly suggest having a Marine Survey performed.
Depending on the Surveyor's credentials, he may be able to perform both a mechanical and a structural survey.
In some cases, you can ask the owner if he/she will share in the expense..... and...... you may be able to set this up so that the owner burdens the entire cost if the survey fails!
Either way, it is often money well spent!
Also, I would NEVER suggest buying a boat without having first done what we call a "Sea Trial".
A successful sea trial should be done with the boat loaded as you would normally plan to load it as if you owned it.
Good luck, and let us know how it went.
Looking at purchasing a 1997 Four Winns with a Volvo Penta 4.3 I am very unfamiliar with inboards
That would be an I/B ..... (I/B = inboard/outboard)
It's just my opinion. But I find the volvo Penta to be very expensive on parts especially the drive.
Yes, we do pay for quality.
Would be ideally to find a mercruiser.
In my opinion, replacing the V/P with a Merc would be taking a step backwards!
..........