www.iFourWinns.com

I've only got 4 speakers?
I have big doubts about tabs on the 230 having much benefit... but others might disagree. I'd also have concerns about tie-down strap clearance.
Are you having bearing issues, or just "time to do it?"

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

I'll play in reviving this oldie but goodie. . .

Completed Mods:
1) Replaced anchor light with LED light. Benefit: The original light was broke when I bought the boat.
2) Added a spare battery powered LED anchor light with a c-clamp attachment for the wakeboard tower. Benefit: a) I've read some states require anchor light to be mounted from highest fixed position on the boat, but cannot find that ruling for Iowa, Illinois or Missouri where I do most of my boating, and b) I can't tell you the number of times I've gone to pull out an anchor light and the bulb was blown or something else wrong. Anchor lights seem to be my boating nemisis. Either way, I'm covered on all bases now.
3) Mounted a second fire extinguisher. Benefit: I thought the original wasn't big enough to put out a match.
4) Added "million color" LED lighting under helm and rear cubbies, complete with remote control to adjust brightness and color. Benefit: It looks awesome!
5) Added white LED lighting in engine compartment. Benefit: Ability to see in engine compartment after dark, and it looks awesome!
6) Changed helm lights to red LEDs. Benefit: Long lasting bulbs, cool, and it looks awesome!
7) Replaced original depth finder with Faria depth finder with air & water temp. Benefit: It's neat to have, but now the kids want to know how cold the water is before they jump in.

On the list:
1) Speaker upgrade
2) Boat Buckles for the trailer
3) Replace trailer lights with LEDs

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

I have trim tabs on my H250. The best way to describe them is I love the fact they are there, but I rarely use them. My boat's power plant could pull a small mountain up on plane, so I have yet to need them to get the boat out of the water regardless of load or pull. Occassionally I will get a list if I have some heavyweights in the boat. Rather than ask people to change seats, I'll even the ride out with the tabs.

I have a friend with a 26' Rinker with a 496ci motor who does a lot of watersports. He told me the most slalom skiiers he can pull out of the water is 6. Once the river cooperates and gives us some decent watersports water (probably not this year), I'm going to have to try 7 just to best him. I may have to use the tabs in this situation if the H250 can't do it on pure brute muscle, but I'm positive my boat can get it done.

All that being said, if I didn't have them, I wouldn't spend the money to add them to my H250 unless I won the lottery had cash burning a hole in my pocket. I just don't use them enough to justify spending that kind of money. However, your H230 might be a different story.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

I use trim tab a lot since we typically boat on rough water….. They are nice to have… I installed trim tabs on our old H240 and they made a huge difference since the boat had a SX (single prop) drive. I do not belive you will "need" for DP but they are nice to have and I feel they are worth for the investment of around $800 installed…..

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

First off--sorry for reviving such an old post. Someone made a new comment and I didn't realize this was over a year old. That said--I do like comparing notes with everyone.

Thanks for all the comments on the trim tabs. We boat on Lake Norris--which can have its rough moments. I have also noticed that my boat tends to list towards the starboard side. I am guessing having both my batteries, amp, and sub on the starboard side are contributing to that. Lastly, when we go out with just our family (4 of us), then tendency has been for my wife to sit in the back and the two teenagers like to sit in the bow. The boat doesn't seem to handle well at all in this seating configuration. I am think the tabs could help with all this.

It may be worth the investment for me. I hope to keep this boat for awhile (though I do like the H260 with the 8.1L). A boating friend of ours is a boat part salesman and should be able to hook us up with the parts at cost. He thinks he could get them installed for $300-500. We'll see. Something to obsess about over the winter. Thanks all!

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

If I could get them done for those $$ I'd do it too, assuming they wouldn't interfere with trailering. As to the starboard list, that's a common problem with this model when dual batteries are installed on the starboard side. Everyone I've known who had a recent 230/240 with dual batteries has eventually moved them to port; you should consider doing that IMO, regardless of whether you do the tabs.

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

Probably a good idea on moving the batteries--I agree. They are a real pain to get to where they are--particularly with the Captains Call exhaust.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

Completed:
Minor Stereo upgrade (replaced Tape deck with AM/FM/CD with iPod input)
iPod mount
Replaced rear speakers w/new ones (old ones didn't work at all so anything was better)
Bimini
Added trailering legs for bimini
Spare tire with mount
Replaced trailer jack
New GPS/Fishfinder - mostly used for depth, water temp and speed best addition yet.
4 blade prop (14x20)

Planned:
Trying to keep upgrades to a minimum for potential upgrade.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX