www.iFourWinns.com

Have been looking to upgrade for a bit now, and have always thought that SS series boats were out of my league (read price range) and not exactly what I was looking for, which is basically a larger boat that was sufficiently powered. However, a potential deal that might be in my price range (sorry aguyindallas ) has presented itself that has me seriously reconsidering this line of thought. I understand that SS boats have larger engines, go faster (at least somewhat) and in my opinion look really cool, but I have a couple questions/concerns for you SS series owners out there that I would greatly appreciate your expertise on.

Two major questions/concerns regarding an SS series boat
1) Low profile windshield: I typically drive sitting on the bolster seat and am above the windshield level anyways, however... does the SS windshield give you any wind/spray protection at all? Has anyone found this to be a detriment to you boating experience?

2) Thru-hull exhaust... from my understanding you are able to turn this "on" or "off" to be either super-freaking-awesome loud, or somewhat less loud. Is this a good description? With the "quieter" option engaged are you able to hold a normal conversation at idle or at a slow cruising speed? Even our little 3.0 in the H180 got pretty loud at times, mostly because it was working pretty hard to move us around... but once again... a little curious what people have to say about this issue.

Any other major issues/concerns you guys would like to share about the difference between a stock FW and an SS series? As always, thank you in advance!

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP

The low profile windscreen obviously isnt as effective as a regular sized one. With that said, it still does a decent job. I drive standing up most of the time and only get wet when its real rough outside....but so does everyone else in the boat and to be honest, the regular windscreen wouldnt make it better.

The exhaust...you can absolutely carry on a conversation at lower speeds without issue. It doesnt seal of 100 percent...but about 90 percent of the sound when its "off".

Oh...and on my boat...you are REAL close to a deal at what you posted....whatever you do...best of luck!

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Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

Did you find one local that was for sale? I've only seen a couple on the water around here.

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-Rob.


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

Good observation. The SS models are not very popular here in the Great Lakes region. Most people around here when they
want a go fast boat, usually get something that can handle Lake Michigan, and actually does go fast. But those boats are
for a much different crowd with deeper pockets than most people who just like the "looks" of a gofast. The SS is a good
inland lake boat.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

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Walt B
"Debt-Charged"
Black '07 H210SS
6.2L Bravo One turning a 21P HIFive
Wakeboard Tower with Perfect Pass Stargazer version
Missouri River; Kansas City, Mo.

BadgerRPH,

You won't be disappointed, The low windshield doesn't bother me at all, On my old Four Winns I use to sit on top of the seat because the windshield use to interfere with my driving.

The Sound is a nice feature to the boat, It is a major head turner. When I fire it up I usually get people walking over to the dock to ask what I've got under the hood. The sound only seems to bother Sail boaters I find, but there on a different page anyways.

My family and neighbors tell me that they can hear me coming into the marina from about 3 km's away with the silence off. NOT BAD.

I do Love the looks and the performance of the SS, for a not over the top boat on my bank account.
I do think your heading in the right path. When I do upgrade mine, it will be FW Cruiser of at lest 30 feet.
So yes it's a fun boat and does what you need it to do with a little wow factor.

P.S. When I was at the Toronto Boat show this past January I thought there was a major price difference from last year, in a good way. Not to sure if that's because the Canadian dollar is basically at par or if it's due to the new company that owns FW

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2007 Four Winns H210 SS
1996 16' Lund (fishing boat)
2008 Ford Expedition Max Limited

Now Capnmorgan - i'm thinking your not caring much for the SS boats.....but, i don't see one in your profile so you aint been called:) You buy a boat to match your need and use...what I use a boat for would not be suited for a 28 foot Monterey. Anyway, he brings up a good point - a Bowrider style boat of any make is not intended for big wave water. You would be amazed at the amount of water one wave will dump over the bow. If the BR fits your usage then the SS is a good one.

THe windshield is fine for typical use....you will get a little more spray if you catch it right, but the wind blockage is fine. i usually stand or lean against the seat anyway so i can see better. Like having a sport window on a Harley - they work, just not as good as the full size. THe speed of the SS is more of a function of the setup, so the SS is not better or worse than the Frenzy in that regard. Just different accessories in a package is all. The exhaust is plenty quiet, but like mentioned - check out local laws for thru hull exhaust before making that purchase - little extra HP is nice along with rumble. The decalls have limited life on any boat/car. not sure if standard equipment but the remote oil filter setup thatwas on mine is nice to have

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http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o71 ... wqm355.jpg


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Thanks everyone for the input. Glad to hear that most people don't think the low-profile windshield is to big of a deal. We are probably going to go take a look at the boat in the next week or two here. I will definitely take a good hard look at the decals. The boat sounds like it is in real nice shape and only has ~60 hours on it for a 2008... not too shabby! Will keep you guys posted as we go.

Rob- the boat's in IA... I agree, have not seen too many SS's in the area. Probably a combination of a few things like Cap'n was saying...

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP

Good luck. I've only seen one black one on Nagawicka towards the end of summer, so you would be pretty easy to spot.

Maybe I'll actually see you on the water next summer instead of passing each other on the road .

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-Rob.


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

Interesting its in IA. I drove to IA. from east side of WI to pick up my 07 200SS when I was looking for one as well.

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1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

I bought my 200 SS in 09 and I have loved every minute of it, remember these are boats and things go wrong, all boats, all brands, the best you can do is educate yourself and ask questions, I love my Horzon and would only trade it for a 24 foot Yamaha jet that had reverse.

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Mike
2007 Horizon 200 SS
5.0 GXi SX drive.