www.iFourWinns.com

I need some help! I am planning to buy the HP 260 - but I am having trouble settling on the engine. The options are MC 377 MPI/B3 (320hp) or the MC 8.2mpi/B3x (380 hp). Running the boat in GreenBay/Lake Michigan. Occasionally hauling around 5-10 while skiing. Both will have the dual prop.

Will the 380 make a difference in getting skiiers out of the water, or does the extra horse primarily assist at top speed? How significant is the gas mileage difference between the two?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!

JW-

First, welcome to the group. My guess is you probably needed to post this in the Horizon section, but I'll help you and maybe someone will move this for you.

BUY THE BIGGEST MOTOR YOU CAN AFFORD. These 260s are big boats and to truely enjoy your experience, don't skimp on the HP. I wouldn't dream of not having the big block in my boat. If your worried about fuel burn, buy a sailboat.

Post pictures when you get it!

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

+1 We had a saying in racing. "Go BIG, or go home".

You will notice a big difference with that many in a boat and trying to pull someone.
You would also not be very happy doing that with a small block.

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1992 Baja 38 Special Twin 502 Mags

03 Stingray 3.0
88 261 Liberator 460 King Cobras
95 Bayliner 1850 3.0
77 Fiber Form 20ft 350/385hp
70 Wescraft 1800 SS 455 Jet

Lead, Follow, or get the Hell out of the Way!

I would highly recommend the 8.2L. I honestly have never driven or ridden in an H260 (or equivalent sized boat) with the "base" engine. So I cannot truly comment on the difference. However, I can tell you how happy I am with my 8.1L and that I personally would not own a boat that big without the big block motor. It is true the B3 drive will make up for some of the sins of less power on the hole shot. But I'm a large guy (250 lbs), and my boat makes me feel like I'm 18 again when it yanks me out of the water on a slolum ski. And I don't have to tell all the passengers in the boat to get in the bow for me to get up. Also, you most likely won't notice the gas difference. FW posts specs for GPH and Avg Speed Ratings by RPM on their website. You can calculate out MPG for the two different engine options. The difference is you run less RPMs with the bigger motor at normal cruising speed. Now if you run WOT all day long, the bigger motor will definitely take a bite out of your pocketbook. But for my money, I'll take as much HP as I can afford in my boats, especially in a boat as large as an H260.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

Guess I don't really need to +3 this.................

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2011 Four Winns H260 Frenzy $ea Note
VP 8.1GXi/DP EVC 420HP
2007 Silverado 1500 CrewCab 4x4
Previous:
2002 Four Winns H200
5.0GXI 270HP

+4... enough said!

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

+5 No replacement for displacement bigger is better no matter what they say!

+6

I've never heard anyone on this forum complain they have too much power, and wish they had bought the smaller motor instead...

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport