Reliability 1988 GT150

[lftdjeep426]

I have been looking recently in my area for an inexpensive boat/motor and hope that I have found one. It is a 1988 Four Winns Fish/Ski with a Johnson GT150 on it. Does this motor have a history of problems? Its only $2500 for everything but I don't want to get into a money pit either. My Dad has always owned Merc's and had great success, I did have an old Star Craft with a 75 Johnson (1976 model) and to my knowledge it still runs to this day. Totally different motor though.

I think my biggest problem will be finding someone to work on that old of a motor. If you guys have any suggestions I'll take em'. I haven't been to look/hear it run yet but from the pictures it looks to be in great shape. I don't know anything about Four Winns boats either. The motor supposively just got a tune-up a month ago including the carbs (what the add said) so either the guy is like everyone else and needs money or the boat wasn't running right and the tune-up didn't fix the problem.

Are there any obvious things to look out for other than leaks, cracked lines corrosion, etc. ?

Thanks ahead of time guys!

[ChampioNman]

Solid motors just about bullet proof. My only concern would be if it was a salt water boat and that would be with any motor used in salt. That motor was in production for a long time.

[lftdjeep426]

I plan on calling the guy here after I get off work. It is in the center of the state (2 hours from the ocean) and there are a number of lakes around him. Not to say that it has never seen the salt water but she might have had less of a chance. That has been my thought through this whole process, I'm from Oklahoma and saltwater and engines scare the heck out of me. Thats why I have only been looking in the center of the state. Like I say, if there is anything to look out for let me know. I'll post the link as long as no one tried to undercut me.

http://ocala.craigslist.org/boa/1247625204.html

[ChampioNman]

Good looking rig! I'm not it the market for one. See if he'll take you for a spin. Take the motor off the trailer bracket or motor toter and trim it down some. Put your foot on the skeg and put some weight on it and check for flex in the transom. You can still get parts for them no problem. If you have a compression gauge handy bring it with you and pull compression on it they should be all within 15% of each other. Check the steering cables for stiffness. Check the tires for dry rot.