www.iFourWinns.com

I bought a 1994 Horizon 180se with the 5.0L Cobra and 14 1/4 x 21" SS prop last year. It's in like-new condition, and is the perfect size for my family. However, it seems to want to porpoise at most mid-range speeds, where I like to drive. I've heard that this is a common problem for Four Winns.

Is there a way to solve this?

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1994 Horizon 180, 5.0l carb.

How much drive trim are you using ? Too much trim is a common cause of porpoising. My 170 takes very little trim. Too much and it will porpoise.

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Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Very little trim, actually and it goes away over about 3700RPMs. I was wondering if a "Doelfin" or similar thing would help although one shouldn't have to use one on this size of boat with lots of HP.

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1994 Horizon 180, 5.0l carb.

I have a 2004 180 Horizon. This was my complaint since the first day i had it in the water. I've learned to keep the trim down to avoid porpoising.

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2004 180 4.3GL

Trimming down helps, but doesn't eliminate the problem. Has anyone tried a hydrofoil/Doelfin/StingRay, etc?

The boat gets on plane quickly, but after that the shortcomings of the hull show up quickly, and I'd like to try and fix it before getting rid of the boat!

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1994 Horizon 180, 5.0l carb.

Don't know anything about them, but just wanted to add a link for you.

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product ... 07&aID=23A

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2007 200 Horizon- 4.3GXi/SX 225hp
2007 Tahoe LT

I've never heard that this is a problem with any particular builder. Are you sure the transom isn't hooked?

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Thanks for the Overton's link, MdR.

Mike,
The transom is like new (no hook) but I've been told that this is a common problem with Four Winns boats that have hulls that extend back past the transom and past the outdrive (stepped pods) . They plane very well but are very trim sensitive and tend to porpoise at cruising speeds. I've tried weight distribution changes, but it's not a great day when all riders have to move around in order to correct the "slap"!

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1994 Horizon 180, 5.0l carb.

Sure thing. Hope you figure whats going on...never a fun thing to be beaten up on the water.

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2007 200 Horizon- 4.3GXi/SX 225hp
2007 Tahoe LT

It would be common on any boat that has had it's transom hanging off the bunks for a few years. It does sound to me like it may be hooked, but of course I haven't put a straight edge against it.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

A hook has the oppisite effect. It makes you plow. Have you trimmed your drive down out of the water making sure you are getting 6 degree of rake out of it?

Trimmed my drive *down* out of the water? I don't understand.

I realize a hook will initially make the boat plow. If you then trim up to conteract that, the bow will rise, but then be forced back down if there's a hook. This is one way to achieve porpoising.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

A hook act just like dragging tabs. Which plows the bow depending on the degree of the hook. Porpoising is caused by bow lift.

Trimming the drive down and looking at it out of the water is a way to tell if you trim indicator is working properly. I worked on boats that show full down but in real life was 1/4 up.

OK. My trim works great, requires a small amount to bring RPM's and speed up to max. I don't porpoise and I know several 180 owners that have never said anything about it. In nearly two years on several boating boards I've never heard anything about it with 180's. That's all I know. Well, that and the fact that a hooked transom causes a boat to plow initially, and then rise as the operator trims up trying to overcome the plow - only to be pushed back down by the hook... it's a cycle, you see. Some call it porpoising.

Good luck.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Thanks to all:

I've ghecked the trim with the boat out of the water - it's OK. The hull is straight - no hook. I'm using a 14 1/4 x 21" SS Viper prop, and just to eliminate all of the possibles, I'll try the 14 1/4 x 21" Aluminum.

Will keep you posted!

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1994 Horizon 180, 5.0l carb.