Has anyone heard of good/bad things about this motor? The one I am looking at is a 2004. Any areas that I need to be aware of?
Thanks,
BgD
With an DFI motor, how it has been cared for and run is a huge factor in the longevity of the motor.
I have never owned a 'rude HO, but I am not too impressed with them from what I have seen on others boats. Strong motors, but it seems they like to blow up a bit more than I care for. But take my opinion lightly as I have never owned one.
Get it checked out by a good mechanic before you buy. At that age it is out of warranty and these suckers are expensive to repair.
Really only 2 kinds of motors out there.....those that have blown up, and those that will.
I found a boat that I can not pass up. It has this motor on it. The guy told me that it has a new lower unit and the motor has been rebuilt last summer. Said something about one of the cylinders was acting up. It is a far drive from here so I was hoping to get some advice as to anything that I can look for. I plan on taking it to a mechanic and for a test drive. Hopefully all of the cylinders are equal...
"Rebuilt last summer" - that does raise some red flags. It really depends on who did the work. If it was someone like Blackbirds - run and run away fast. Check the reputation of the person that rebuilt it. If it was rebuilt last summer - does it have a warranty? Some builders give 1 year warranties on rebuilds.
Good luck!!
I think his local marina did the work. Another thing that raises a flag to me is it has all new carpet and seats. I wouldn't think a 2004 would need all that. Small stress cracks I think are normal. A few scrapes on the bottom side which is normal.
I stand corrected, motor rebuilt in 2008 and runs good. New lower unit last July.
Sounds like it was rode hard. But it is a great deal...
I have a Cat with a 200HO. Runs very strong. Take the rig to a place of YOUR choosing and have it totally checked out.
I have chosen not to purchase the boat. I think I would be settling and not getting what I really want. Not a bad price though for a 2004 Champion 188 Elite $10,000. Even had the Maxxum Pro 80 on it. Just too far to drive and too much stuff has been replaced/fixed on this thing for me.
Thanks for your input as it helped in deciding.
BgD