www.iFourWinns.com

THINKING ABOUT BUYING A 2005 HORIZON 280. I NOTICED THAT THE MODEL IS NOT IN PRODUCTION ANYMORE. ANY NEGATIVES OR POSITIVES ABOUT THE MODEL? IT HAS 135 HOURS, TWIN I/O'S 5.0 ENGINES. VERY CLEAN BOAT. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

2005 280? I wasn't aware such a thing existed.

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

They did make a 280H. Same hull as the 285 Sundowner. The Horizon was later re-badged ,sort of, as the 310 Horizon.

I would rather have 5.7L GXi's in it than 5.0L, but it will still top out at WOT low to mid 50's. Not bad, but if you are pulling skiers, the bigger engines would be better. Remember the boat with twins weighs over 7,000 lbs.

Also, does the boat have Mercriuiser or Volvo power ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Now I'm going to have to dig out my 2005 catalog...

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

Found my 2005 brochure; big bowrider, just over 30' with the swim platform. (which they painted to match the hull colour, rather than leaving it all white and an obvious "add on" like on my Sundowner.

Graham

Engine Model:5.0GXI Volvo's
Horsepower:270
Engine Hours:133
Propulsion Type:TWIN I/O
Hull Material:FIBERGLASS REINFORCED
Fuel Type:GAS
Fuel:130
Holding:9
Water:20

Asking price is $39,900. Seems reasonable to me. Wish it were less though. I talked to a Sea Ray dealer today and he said that Four Winns went bankrupt and the resale value for a Four Winns is down dramatically because of it. He also said they won't even take a four winns in on a trade. I know he's a Sea Ray dealer but I hope hes wrong.

The parent company that used to own Four Winns did go bankrupt (Genmar). The Four Winns brand has since been purchased by Platinum Equity and they are seemingly standing behind the brand. They are investing in new product and are supporting existing product. There was barely a hiccup at the factory and they are building more boats now than they had for some time.

The bull about the resale value being down does NOT seem to be true. I have not seen any noticeable difference in the prices that Four Winns are trading for vs. before the Genmar bankruptcy. That Sea Ray salesman was just feeding you a line of bull to try and make his brand more appealing to you.

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Current Operational Boats:
'04-Four Winns 180 Freedom 150 HP Evinrude
'72-Chris Craft Commander 31 Sedan Twin-350Qs

Here's my new found take on large bowriders.....

This one is too big to trailer easily. It can be done but not practical for day trips.
The head compartment is a joke.....too small only useful for garden gnomes.
There's no where to get out of the weather....
They're big to maneuver for water sports (and use mucho gas)....
20% of the time you will have more than your family on board....No need for all the space they provide
My recommendation
Try and find a large weekender style boat such as a Sundowner 285. It will offer a head that useable, a good shelter down below, nice cockpit space etc.....

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Like this, but price is iffy.
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/boa/2195259149.html

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

That's exactly what i'm talking about Cap'n! That boat is fully loaded and would make for a real nice ride out on Lake Ontario.

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Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

I do agree, I never really saw the alure to the big bowrider/dayboats. But they were and are made, so somebody must like them.

If there was a an "open" boat that was near 30 feet I had to have, I would prefer something that did have a small cuddy to get out of the weather, and with a head that was actually useable. Like these.

Four Winns H310


Monterey 328 SS


I would still prefer a full cuddy though.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

While there seems to be some bias about big bowriders, they have a niche.
I wish our 24 was 26 or 28, and have ZERO interest in a cabin boat. We often have 10-12 people on board, and try that with your small cruiser. My boat will still pop onto plane with 12 onboard. (the benefits of a decent 5.7L and a duoprop, with real trim tabs) When venturing a couple miles offshore into the Atlantic our 24 is OK but a 26 or 28 would be nice. We also might hop over to the Bahama's with a 28. They have their place, and as a boater who has boated and trailered for many years. I would have no issues with towing, launching, retrieving, or any of that. Don't be bised into a cabin cruiser just because someone says they don't see why large bowriders exist. Do try to carefully evaluate what your needs will be and better yet try to go out on someone elses boat and see for yourself.

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DaleG -- West Palm Beach FL
2003 240Horizon -- 5.7Gi -Duoprop

I like large bowriders. Think of it as a combo boat. If I had a lot more money and a boat dock, I would own a small wakeboard/ski boat and a pontoon/party barge. Since I do not I needed a boat that give me the best of both boats that I can also trailer.... Also I do not need a sleeper since we usually only boat during the day and at any time we are close to the marina or friends houses (small lake) if we need the head

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2003 Horizon 240 With 5.7 Volvo Penta

It's all about what YOU intend to use it for. That's the best part in that there is probably a boat out there that suits your boating style.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

its all about your intended use like said. i personally dont care to be on water at night. i know my limitations and my boat isnt rigged for it. if that was my thing i would get a cabin cruiser. maybe one day when kiddo is grown but for now day boating and sleepin in rv is our thing.

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


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi