www.iFourWinns.com

Alright, so we've had the new to us 2008 H200SS out twice this season so far and I have a couple quick questions for the experts...

1) The boat has the 5.7L VP w/ the SX drive and the OEM VP stainless steel prop, it is a 14 3/4", 21 pitch 3 blade prop. The boat seems to be running real nice, and is a WORLD of difference from my previous 180 w/ the 3.0. However, both times I've been out I've only been able to reach 46-47 MPH via GPS, which seems quite slow for this boat/engine combination. From the research I had done prior to purchasing I had expected mid to upper 50's from this boat. Top speed is definitely not the only thing I'm after, but I was curious what you guys had to say about this. The boat is still running on gas from last year, but I can't believe that this would make that much difference. Hoping that this isn't a sign that there is a serious problem with the engine. Like I said, it seems to be running great. Starts right up, no weird noises or anything.

2) The previously owner was a guy that owned a warehouse and therefore never had it winterized, also only had about 60 hours on the engine. The only maintenance records he had were an oil change/20 hr check from the end of the 2009 season. Therefore, I am planning on getting some maintenance done to bring things up to speed. I am going to change the gear lube, and engine oil. I am probably going to attempt an impeller change, but if I get in over my head I will have a local guy do it. I'm also planning on taking it in to get the outdrive pulled, alignment inspected, etc. Any other maintenance items you guys would suggest? Change fuel filter perhaps?

3) Regarding the oil change above... I am completely embarrassed to admit it, but I have looked probably a dozen different times and can not find my oil filter Can anyone help an obvious newbie out on where to find it on an 2008 5.7 VP??

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP

Also make sure it has the right anodes. If you're in fresh water only, they should be magnesium, salt water should be zinc. The boat was probably delivered originally with aluminum and there's a good chance they were never changed.

If you have the drive pulled have the shop do a careful bellows inspection. It should be fine at that age, but it's always a good thing to check. Other than that it sounds like you're doing well on getting the maintenance up to speed.

I'm not sure what the top speed should be, but those numbers are on the FW website for each year/hull/engine & drive combination.

The impeller isn't very hard as long as you have good access to the pump housing (not sure how that is on the 200).

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

As far as the speed - there are many things that affect top end speed such as load distribution, trim, weight, altitude, water conditions and salt v fresh - so thats hard to address. Mine tops at around 60 but doesnt go there much at all. That is not GPS though so isn't as accurate as your reading and i have never read the pitch/size of the prop.

You can get more top-end but will sacrifice hole shot typically by prop swapping. Oil filter on mine is up top on the port side, but i have a remote oil filter set up. If you don't have this then it will be port side on the lower rear portion of the motor - typically, look at the engine and it will be on the worst possible section you can imagine having to reach - once you imagine that spot - its right there. If you plan on swapping oil yourself from now on - invest in the remote set up ---- makes it quick and easy and worth every bit of the cost.

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


08' H210SS
VP 5.7Gi

Isn't the oil filter remote kit standard on the recent boats? I have it, but never asked for it and it wasn't on the list of options as far as I can remember.

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

(#1 and part of #2) Tough to take shots in the dark when it comes to your top speed, but I'd start with a fresh tank of gas before evaluating the engine's performance. Not sure I'd go with the fuel filter replacement theory just yet, but you might remove it and dump its contents into a clear glass container and see if there isn't some water in there (it will separate out after just a few minutes). If it seems to start right up and run great outside of not quite hitting the top speed I'd probably look in another direction.

Have you checked all of your plug wires to make sure they are securely connected on each end?

In the meantime, see if you can't figure out the diameter and pitch for the prop you have on there right now as well as whether it is aluminum or stainless and is a 3, 4 or 5 blade setup. If the guy you bought it from was a wakeboarder, was into pulling people for watersports, or frequently had a full boatload of people then there is a chance he might have propped down to get better holeshot. This would also knock down your top end speed.

(2) Along the same lines as (1), I'd get some additive into the gas in case there is some water in the tank from last season's gas. Even if he said he stabilized it, a can or two of SeaFoam (depending on how many gallons of gas are in the tank) wouldn't hurt the gas that is currently in there. Also, check your hydraulic hose connections-both inside the engine area and outside on your outdrive. The worst time to find out you have a leak or loose fitting is with the outdrive all the way down and the boat on the trailer and ready to pull out of the water at the ramp after a long day on the water.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

Fuel filter is an easy change and you can check to see if there is water in the fuel (once off, pour the contents of the fuel filter in a clear jar). Also, fill the fuel filter with fuel before reinstalling.

Like Mike said, impeller is easy if the access is easy. My pump is on the front of the engine with tons of room. You just have to loosen the belts and hoses and 4 screws.

Check the belts, inexpensive to replace and piece of mind.

As with Mike, check the bellows (black accordian looking items) when pulling the stern drive. Water gets in and your gimbal bearing can get damaged. If you have the zerk fitting on the outside of the drive, you can grease it prior to getting the stern drive pulled.

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2010 Sea Hunt Triton 220 "Big Whiskey"
2003 FW Freedom 180 Volvo Penta 4.3GL/SX-M "It'll Do Four Now" (Sold)
2012 Avalanche LTZ 4X4

I doubt the prop is stock. The top speeds.shown at the FW site are based on the stock (typically aluminum) prop. Check the website to find stock pitch and diameter prop. I tend to agree with the.comment above that previous owner was going for more holeshot.

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Thanks for all the input guys. I will definitely keep those things in mind when I'm bringing the maintenance up to speed in the coming weeks. As I said above, the prop is a stainless steel 3 blade 14 3/4" w/ 21" pitch. Per FW's website this is the stock prop and should result in a top speed of 55-58 MPH. I'll fill her up with a fresh tank of gas and check the plugs before I take it out next time. I'm also planning on keeping a closer eye on the tach to make sure my WOT RPM's are within expected range. Now if we could just get rid of these 40 degree highs around here... it's supposed to be boating season!

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP

Also, looked at the old product information and it says that the remote oil filter should be standard on my engine. Can anyone give me a detailed explanation of where this should be then. Like I said in my original post, I have looked a BUNCH of times and cannot find it...

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2008 H200SS w/ 5.7L VP Gi
2009 GMC Yukon

Former Boat:
2008 H180 w/ 3.0L VP

So you did. Sorry I missed that. Getting a good WOT tach reading would probably be a big help.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

That would have been my question to see what RPMs you're running at.

I'm impressed that you've gotten out a couple of times already, with how bad the weather has been. We were looking to head to Pewaukee on Saturday afternoon, but the weather again looks bad.

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-Rob.


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

We have an 09 200SS, Merc 5.0 MPI alpha drive with stock (Vengeance) 21 pitch prop. Top speed with 3 adults 3 kids 3/4 fuel, hot humid day was 50-51 GPS. Top speed with 1/4 tank of fuel, me & the kid, 50 degree day was 54-55 GPS. Runs right to the Four Winns speed chart. Hope this helps. Happy boating.

Yep.

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

On my 2008 Volvo 5.7, it has the cartridge style filter. Take the top off and remove the filter. Put new filter in and tighten the top back down... Hope that helps

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Tanker Toad
NKAWTG..N!!
2008 H220 SS
2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4
2010 Tahoe LT 4x4

You guys have those weird-looking orange engines.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)