www.iFourWinns.com

Hi all,

For our first boat, we decided to go inexpensive to see how much we actually end up using it. My buddy has sworn by Four Winns for years, but we really just
happened on this one. It is testement to FW quality and durability and I have quickly fallen in love!
We've had it out only twice so far an the South Sacramento Delta, but looking forward to next spring/summer!
And already looking at newer models (although I really like the look of this old girl!)


[img][IMG]http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac322/oldfw/Ournewboat.jpg[/img][/img]

It's nice to have a site like this with all the experience online.

Mike

Welcome to the board. That boat (and trailer!) appear to be in outstanding condition.

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

Welcome Mike!

No need to surround 'img' info from Photobucket with the img code (the outer set of brackets)...

[img][IMG]http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac322/oldfw/Ournewboat.jpg[/img][/img]

Just paste it as you copy it from Photobucket...



Looking forward to more pix!

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Previously:
2008 V358/Volvo 5.7 GXi Inboards

Thanks guys! They really are in good shape. Picture does not show some faily minor scratches here and there, but overall, really not bad.
Since that photo, we've had the gel-coat buffed and interior completely cleaned. Came out really good.

Nice

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1997 225 SD 5.7 VP Aqua/White

Good looking boat. What make/model/year is she and what does she have in it?

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

It's an '87 210 Horizon with the 350 Mercruiser. Not sure the hp.
Runs really good. Was running around 48mph at WOT with just the wife and I. Was pushing around 5k rpm at that though, so I might look into another prop.
It's got a 4-blade 20 pitch (not sure the dia.)
I haven't had a full load on, nor done any wakeboarding/skiing yet though. And I'm happy cruising at 35-40 when I need to get somewhere.

Very Nice boat! I like the flames. I have the same boat with the same engine. Model 260 Mercruiser, 260 horsepower, Alpha one drive. After changing around a few props, I settled on a 19 pitch, 3 blade stainless prop which gives me a good hole shot and top speed of 45 MPH on the GPS @ 4400 RPM. Next season I plan to tinker with the engine and get the speed to 50 MPH @ 4800 RPM.
You and I are lucky because the (260) 350 CI. engine was the biggest they offered for the Horizon this year. Also it was the last year for Mercruiser and Fourwinns--I think OMC or some parent company bought FW and used only OMC engines. OMC are good set-ups but have been out of business for some time and parts are expensive.
One other interesting note is from the bow rail down---its a Liberator!!!!----Same hull as the 211
Enjoy and good luck---Chris

I may have mis read your post, but just to clarify, you can still today have a choice of Mercruiser or Volvo Penta engine/drive combinations in many Four Winns boats, including the H210.

From the FW website H210 Engine Options:

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Hey Chris,
Thanks for the added info. Good information. It's funny; I'm still perusing this site to glean as much info as I can and just yesterday I came across your post from a while back with all the photos of your restoration. Amazing job!!
I still need to do some clean up of wiring, replace the bow rails, pull/clean and oil teak....not sure how far I'll take it, but I really like this old, roomy boat!
The picture I posted was before we had it detailed/buffed.
I'll post more when I get a bit more done to it.
I'd like to get a stainless prop. Do you have any comment regarding 3 vs 4 blade? And whether to stick with 20 or go to 19 pitch?

Thanks again,

Mike

True, I was thinking in terms of the older FW Boats---Thanks for pointing that out.

Mike, sounds to me like its set up just right, especially if you are into wake/water skiing.
I'm no expert, but the way I figure it--Your max RPM for that engine is around 4800 RPM @ WOT. With a light load (your wife and yourself) , you are just at that point. Add a full tank and a few big guys and that RPM number will drop a bit but still be in the proper range. A 19 pitch will increase WOT RPM, above the recommended max. If you increase pitch, you might gain top speed but the hole shot will suffer. Although not as efficient, that 4 blade prop will have a nice bite and really pull the skiers out of the water.
Go to the Iboats forum for Mercruiser 260 I/O info and info on props.
http://forums.iboats.com

You are not kidding , To this day I'm impressed with the room this boat has. I'm 6' 2" and I can completely stretch out on the bow seats!! Even the seats next to the dog house are a nice size--I sit there very comfortably. Did you know your front jump seat is adjustable?!!
Post more pics when you can. Any questions , just ask
Chris

Thanks again Chris!
Sounds good regarding prop. I'll leave it alone and see how it does next season.
Can hardly wait!
More photos then....