www.iFourWinns.com

When I was discussing a couple longer trips my dealer sold me a set of brackets that fit over the pistons that move when you trim the drive.

Basically you cut them a touch shorter than the opening, insert them over the piston and trim down till their tight allegedly taking the pressure out of the picture for towing.

Do you guys find these effective, or do you recommend anything else or nothing?

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2008 Four Winns 224 Funship 5.0 GXI/DP Black w/ Tower
2007 GMC Crew Cab Short Bed / Bose Ed.
2007 Fourwinns H180 (SOLD)

"There are no stupid questions, only stupid people"

A whole lot of people with a lot more experience than me wouldn't have them. This comes up about once a year on one forum or another.

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

Thanks Mike, I read over a couple old posts. Looks like I probably donated 12 bucks to the guys. I cut mine and put them on and lowered the drive a bit. They don't snap or really contact the rods so I'm not worried about damage. I'll probably use them since I got them for these two trips then lose them anyway. If anybody really "needs" to change my mind either way let me know. Otherwise I'm down a moderately priced steak for the knowledge.

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2008 Four Winns 224 Funship 5.0 GXI/DP Black w/ Tower
2007 GMC Crew Cab Short Bed / Bose Ed.
2007 Fourwinns H180 (SOLD)

"There are no stupid questions, only stupid people"

Frankly, I like any idea that has the potential to save me $$$ - even moreso when it involves miniscule investment of coin & effort.
I asked my dealer about them and he suggested that they were originally used with FWs a number of years back during shipping when they had a few issues with the drives getting bashed - I think because there was a batch with faulty seals or something though he wasn't specific Merc or Volvo. I know I have seen that both have a part number for them. He said it hasn't been an issue for years and he didn't know anyone who used them or anyone who has wrecked thier drive without it being operator error.
But again, what is the harm? They cost like $20 and its one more thing that you don't have to worry about when trailering. I'm thinking I will get a set for trailering & storage time just to take the load off the rams - to prevent myself in excitement dragging my drive across the garage floor first chance in spring. I know what I'm capable of.

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2008 Four Winns 210 5.7 GI/SX
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Crew
1966 Fed-Up Wife

I don't think there's any harm in them at all. I will say that if your boat's in storage, you really ought to just put the drive down if practical. It's better for the bellows and I also like the fact that it protects the rams from any accidental harm.

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