190 horizon drive tucked in or not

robguitar5150 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:13 am **Posts:** 9

Hi everybody. I am currently in the process of looking for a bigger boat. My current boat is an 18' glastron outboard. Even though it's 18' long, the last foot or so is just built in swim platforms that are molded into the back of the hull. So handling wise, I consider it to be more like a 17' boat. I am looking at 19 to 21' bowriders. I like four winns alot. My uncle has a 96 200 horizon that he bought new and I have spent alot of time on, nice boat. Currently, I am finding a few 190 horizons in the 1998 to 2000 year range around. Some of them have the outdrive tucked in about a 12" to 18" or so and on some the drive is hardly tucked in at all. I have read alot about the stable vee hull and I understand the basics of the design. I am wondering what the difference in handling is. Will the 19' boat with the drive tucked in handle more like an 18' boat with large trim tabs? One of the reasons for going to a longer hull is so it can bridge the waves better and not drop down in between them. I feel like for that reason, I should go with the boat that has the drive further out, but I wanted to get some opinions first. What do you guys think?
I tried to post pics of each one, but it's my first time doing this so I don't know if it worked
http://images3.boattrader.com/resize/1/61/41/5146141_20150707114644024_1_LARGE.jpg?w=640&h=480&t=1196938
http://images.craigslist.org/00B0B_6pLVrBuoPfU_600x450.jpg

BartsPlace · **Posted:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 12:16 pm

I assume that you're talking about the "extended running surface" versions of the Stable-V hulls. Most larger (~19' and up) Horizons have them. They do make the boat handle a bit "larger." I find they also reduce the need for trim tabs - at least on my H220. They help keep the bow down / raise the stern while climbing on plane.

Many other manufacturers have created their own versions. I've ridden in a few of them. Some are more successful than others. So far, I prefer the ride of my own boat over most others (of the same size, etc).

Good luck with your search/purchase!

robguitar5150 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:13 am **Posts:** 9

Thanks for the reply bartsplace. The thing that I found a little confusing, is that the boats in the 2 pics I posted are both 190's. One is a 98 and the other is a 99. The 99 is the one with the drive set in further. Also, the 99 has the 4.3 v6 and the 98 has the 5.0 v8. I thought maybe that was part of it, with the v6 being a shorter motor, it can be set in further. Just wondering if there is a difference in handling with the 2 set ups.

Toddely · **Posted:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 7:58 pm

robguitar5150 wrote:

Thanks for the reply bartsplace. The thing that I found a little confusing, is that the boats in the 2 pics I posted are both 190's. One is a 98 and the other is a 99. The 99 is the one with the drive set in further. Also, the 99 has the 4.3 v6 and the 98 has the 5.0 v8. I thought maybe that was part of it, with the v6 being a shorter motor, it can be set in further. Just wondering if there is a difference in handling with the 2 set ups.

How do you know its a 98 and a 99, I have a 97 and mine looks exactly like the first one, minus the oxidation and no shine. lol just curious.

GottWhat · **Posted:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:49 pm

My Cobalt 246 has the "extended running surface" as well. I think they do make a difference as I do not have trim tabs nor have I felt that the boat needs them.

You can see them here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW6H1moqabk

robguitar5150 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:13 am **Posts:** 9

Toddely wrote:

robguitar5150 wrote:

Thanks for the reply bartsplace. The thing that I found a little confusing, is that the boats in the 2 pics I posted are both 190's. One is a 98 and the other is a 99. The 99 is the one with the drive set in further. Also, the 99 has the 4.3 v6 and the 98 has the 5.0 v8. I thought maybe that was part of it, with the v6 being a shorter motor, it can be set in further. Just wondering if there is a difference in handling with the 2 set ups.

How do you know its a 98 and a 99, I have a 97 and mine looks exactly like the first one, minus the oxidation and no shine. lol just curious.

I know the years because the 2 boats I showed in the pics are for sale

rpengr · **Posted:** Tue Jul 28, 2015 8:19 am

The Set-in Transom has nothing to do with the engine size. Only the model / model year. You can look at it two ways:

1. If the length was measured from the set-in transom instead of the back of the extended running surface boxes, then the boat would be a shorter measurement. So this is one way for the builders to create a "bigger" boat without too much increase in cost.

2. The set-in transom has the following advantages: It pushes the center of gravity of the engine and drive farther forward, which improves handling and ride. The somewhat hidden drive is less obtrusive to your swim platform activities. It is also quieter from the cockpit.

(Both are true)

robguitar5150 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:13 am **Posts:** 9

rpengr wrote:

The Set-in Transom has nothing to do with the engine size. Only the model / model year. You can look at it two ways:

1. If the length was measured from the set-in transom instead of the back of the extended running surface boxes, then the boat would be a shorter measurement. So this is one way for the builders to create a "bigger" boat without too much increase in cost.

2. The set-in transom has the following advantages: It pushes the center of gravity of the engine and drive farther forward, which improves handling and ride. The somewhat hidden drive is less obtrusive to your swim platform activities. It is also quieter from the cockpit.

(Both are true)

I guess Four Winns was just tweaking the design from year to year. So then I guess the question is, all other things being equal, which boat would you choose?

BartsPlace · **Posted:** Wed Jul 29, 2015 5:18 pm

If you do a lot of activities off of the back of the boat, I'd pick the most recessed design every time. I constantly have a bunch of kids swimming, jumping, and shoving each other off of the back of the boat. I'd be much more nervous with an exposed drive back there.

Beyond that specific point, I agree whole-heartedly with the comments made about other benefits to moving the engine forward (better ride, quicker planing, etc).

Hope that helps!

robguitar5150 · **Joined:** Mon Jul 27, 2015 8:13 am **Posts:** 9

Thanks for the input guys. We bought the one with the tucked in drive. We are the proud owners of a 1999 190 Horizon! Can't wait to get it out on the water!

BartsPlace · **Posted:** Wed Aug 05, 2015 2:05 pm

Congrats!

www.iFourWinns.com

190 horizon drive tucked in or not

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