www.iFourWinns.com

As a first time boat 'buyer'.

1) Had heard of the brand name and associated it with quality and longevity (volvo too) There's a lot of FW around where I live too.
2) Found a two year old H180 $2K less than the equiv. Searay and bought it private party avoiding sales tax in GA
3) Depreciation vs new boat or entry level such as Bayliner

Things that didn't effect my decision:

1) Local dealer (I DIY)
2) Getting Parts (I online)
3) Just HAD to have a FW

Have been very happy with the boat so far. In 2-3 years I'll probably upgrade. If its another runabout, I'll look at FW but will still consider Chaparral, Searay, Glastron, and Regal. Likely will buy a inboard V-drive ski boat though such as a Moomba, Tige, or Malibu.

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-2006 H180 VP3.0 SS 21p

Great topic Cougar!

As you tell from my signature, we have had our share of cruisers. Last year at the boat show we shopped EVERY brand. We were not even really in the market for a new boat, we knew we just weren't in love with our SR 340. We really didn't get a choice on picking her out since our 320 had the hole in it from the factory.

While looking at, Larson, Monterrey, Sea Ray, Chaparral,Maxum, Bayliner, Regal, etc. We got to the Four Winns and were wowed by the appearance (over all design) Before we went down below we immediately checked to see if the "Must Have" screen door was in place and to our delight it was there. Then we looked into the head and saw the separate shower area. Those two items were non-negotiable for our next purchase in any brand we looked at. We were blown away by how luxurious the accommodations were as well.
Went back up to the cockpit and sat there and found the helm to be very comfortable and inviting. The vinyl on the seats felt different than other brands, thicker, more luxurious. Come to find out it actually is thicker and more luxurious. It is a selling point the factory rep at the actual show we bought our boat at pointed this fact out.

Then we started asking the salesman about price and standards and options. We were literally blown away by the fact that the MSRP on this boat we were looking at included everything we wanted and was about 50 THOUSAND dollars less than a comparably equipped SR that didn't include a screen door (And the SR 350 was just redone for 2008 and they still didn't put one in!)

After living with the boat for 1 complete season we came away with this:

Great looks
Great ergonomics
Very Seaworthy (Real bad storm last year)
Excellent Value for your dollar
Build quality that far and away exceeds Sea Ray, the self-proclaimed industry leader in quality. After initial issues from delivery we experienced no further issues that usually developed with our Sea Ray.

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2008 Four Winns V358 (T 6.2L Merc Bravo III's with DTS and SeaCore)
2006 Sea Ray 340DA
2006 Sea Ray 320DA
2005 Maxum 3100 SE

We bought our Four Winns because it matched the truck. Seriousely, we mostly bought it on looks and reputation. It was my first new boat and first IO. We went to a couple of boat shows were we could see all the 20-22 footers side by side and Four Winns definitely was one up. I also did quite a bit of looking online and at NADA values and resale prices. Again Four Winns came out on top hands down with one exception. The Sea Rays seemed to sell a lot quicker than the Four Winns. A lot of foks buy the Sea Ray on name only it seems. The boats don't appear to be built as well. Seem to have more recurring problems year over year and do not come with anything other than mercury. While I have nothing against Mercury I do prefer to have a choice. Anyway, top reasons:

1. Volvo - Penta
2. Nicer ergonomics
3. Better graphics
4. Pop Up cleats
5. the most important reason = The admirals choice.

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2005 Four Winns Horizon 200

Reason 1: Son fell asleep on the way to lake. We took a little extra drive around the lake area towing old boat, came across the 210 for sale on a lot. Love at first sight. We also tested out a Funship 204 and a Sea Ray 220 but the FW won out.

- The 210 was "sexier" than the Funship per my wife.
- Sea Ray was asking about $6k more

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2005 Horizon 210, 5.7L Volvo