www.iFourWinns.com

Hey guys, appreciate all the insite. I didnt come here to initiate a controversial argument. If I did I apologize. I really like the Four Winns product and I'm hopeful I can come to terms on this H180 I'm negotiating on.

While I'm thinking about it........It seems most 18 foot boats seem to benefit from the addition of Smart tabs(trim tabs). Is this a common upgrade to the H180 or are they not required on the Four Winns hull?

Craig

I think Ricky Realistic is a better name. In fact, I would say kudos to the dealer for being honest about the warranty.

FYI, your warranty work was covered (and still is) by Genmar. May have even been eaten by your dealer to keep you happy assuming your dealer has deep pockets. Until Platinum Equity takes formal ownership, it's still run by the old company.

The CEO of Platinum Equity was banging his own brothers wife. How's that for loyalty? The decision to cover remaining warranty work for prior model years will be based on cost. Perhaps someone can find a balance sheet from the bankruptcy hearing to see how much liability is there. The paid $70M so what ever the amount of warranty work is become a fraction of that cost.

The kind of rationalizing and deflecting by some posters makes me understand why our economic system is in the toilet. You have the data to tell you to use caution but choose to ignore it.

Four Winns may cover the warranty work, they may not. Right now we don't know. Tread lightly.

_________________
2003 Four Winns Horizon 220 5.0 GXi/SX

You need an eye exam.

_________________
One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Hey Craig!!....Nice boat!! Hope you get it! Don't bother with the trim tabs...(so I'm told).......

I'm ducking and leaving...... things are gittin nasty.....

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2010 H190 4.3VP
Tow Vehicle:
2007 F150
Previous boats:
2009 H180 3.0VP
1996 Horizon QX 3.0VP

Looks like the OP picked another brand.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Starcraft or FW?

That's like comparing a Kia to a Lexus.

Totally different boats. budget vs luxury? WOW.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Folks,

I can assure you that in the 18' class boats comparing a Starcraft to a Four Winns is actually much closer than you might imagine. The Starcraft has a one-piece upper hull providing a great seamless look thats all fiberglass. This boat is powered by a 4.3 MPI 220hp Mercruiser package. Kia to lexus? That may be true comparing the larger vessels but comparing an H180 to the Starcraft 1800 is actually much closer.






Craig

WOW, thats a carbon copy of my 2009. Paid $19,000 for mine with matching colored trailer, swim platform, cover, etc. The 2009 has the Mercruiser tho. I had a 1998 17' Bayliner which I loved but this 4 winns is such a superior boat in workmanship and detail. All stainless steel and no plastic. Removable carpet is great and turns on a dime. The only thing I don't like is the bow wander at wake speed. Actually worse than the Bayliner.

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Jim
2009 H180, Mercruiser 4.3/190 HP, Alpha 1
2001 Silverado
Ironwood, Michigan

Craigmri, thank you for coming back to the forum.

Though I love my boat and don't regret any aspect of my purchase it's good to hear from you and your story. From time to time I have thought about the "fun" things that you can do with the Challenger that are impossible to recreate with a traditional prop drive. A guy on my lake has the exact same 2009 Challenger 180 that I was looking to buy and we both eye each others boats when we pass. While unfortunate for you, your experience has re-affirmed that I made the right choice in purchasing the FW over the BRP.
Thanks for your honesty and hopefully others will learn from your experience.

Jeff

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2009 H180 3.0 Volvo Penta

Jeff,

Its a shame about the Seadoos. The designs are great and performance(when everything is right) is remarkable to say the least. But in the end the package isnt robust enough. You have to be hypersensitive about sucking stuff up(seaweed, tow ropes etc..), the quality of the gelcoat is a joke as the Utopia and Challenger 180 I owned both suffered spider cracks all over the boat(both boats at about a year old). I have to say though that BRP stood behind their warranty and paid out thousands and thousands on each boat for various repairs. Finally, the jet boats are high strung and quite loud at anything over idle speed.

To reply to the guppy guy, relax man, I wasnt knocking Four Winns. I actually almost purchased one. I just couldn't walk away from an opportunity to buy a new 18' Starcraft with the 4.3 MPI 220hp on Galvanized trailer for $16,000. I promise you, while going 56 MPH I didnt feel like I "Settled".

Guys, for the last three years I purchased boats in the dead of winter and resold them in-season. I may just do the same with this boat if I can make money. If I do I may be back looking at another Four Winns....You just never know.

Craig