www.iFourWinns.com

My first post, and future Four Winns owner needing advice.

Trying to decide between
1) 2005 214 5.0 GXI - 59 hours - 90 day warranty included - $24k
2) 2011 224 5.7 GIC - 0 hours, brand new left over! - full warranty - $37k(retail is $59k)
Consider These facts. we live on a BIG Lake. Married with Two small kids 4 yrs and 14 mo.
Clearly two different price points, but I'm fortunate to be able to swing either, just want best bang for the buck. Leaning toward #2 because of better resale potential if we decide to upgrade in future.

Thanks In Advance for your opinions!

Welcome!

Out of interest, how are the water conditions on the lake that you will be boating on?

Erik

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

It's varies greatly. It's one of the biggest lakes in the Northeast and has every kind of condition you can think of. We live on a quiet no-wake cove. There are also " the broads", which can have some crazy six foot swells on occasion. We wouldn't spend much time in the broads though, especially on rough days. For what it's worth. A normal day for us would probably be four adults, two children, and gear. A few weekends each month we'd have 10 people on the boat. I'm kinda torn versus old/new and 5/5.7.

Have you had a boat before? Reason why I ask is if you are willing to spend $37 K, live on a big lake (I'm sure it gets rough on busy days) if you are willing to buy used, you could go bigger and avoid having to sell either one of those in 2 years. Either one of those would be fun to run but for 13K more I might be tempted to go brand new (never had a new boat, mine's kinda been re-born though ).

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

IMO...
Best option is to take the wife and kids to the show room (or where ever), pile into each of the boats, go through all the hatches, doors, compartments, etc with everyone in it and see if either would "fit" better than the other. I do not know if there are any significant differences (size/weight, cosmetic, or design) between the years you list. As far as performance, the 5.0 would be a pooch in comparison to the 5.7, BUT the HP to weigh ratio of the two listed would be fairly close.

If you are new to boating... definately go used! you will take about 2 seasons to learn to dock, on/off trailer, etc and get a few scrapes and bruises to show. And then about 2 or 3 seasons down start shopping for the next family boat.

In regards to price, the $37k for a $59k MSRP boat is about normal on "New"; $24k seems slightly high for an '05 depending on options, but again, low hours (source NADA.com).

Best of luck. I don't think either option will leave you disappointed.

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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.

Not new to boating, just to a deck boat. Grew up on a 18' Glastron and 22' Bentley Pontoon on a smaller lake. So we like a combo like a Funship. Wife and kids sat and climbed around both and enjoyed them. The size of both boats is identical, it's the engine, condition, and warranty that differ due to the six years difference in age.

I recently went through a similar exercise in decision making............although neither boat was new in my case..........I was looking at a the following...


2006 224
42 hours
Volvo Penta 5.0Gxi / SX 270 HP (5.0 single prop)
$26,000

or the


2005 214
110 hours
Volvo Penta 5.7 Gxi / DP (5.7 Dual Prop)
$25,000


I eventually bought the 2005 for 20K even........I have not driven or ridden on a 5.0 but I will tell you the 5.7 with duo props is wicked fun!.........


BTW...........the 214 and the 224 are EXACTLY the same boat.........same mold........for 2006 Four Winns changed the 214 into the 224 to more accurately describe the size.........


Buying new wasn't an option in my case as there are no Four Winns dealers even remotely close to me for warranty work......37K is a heck of a deal for a new boat with the 5.7 and I am assuming the duo prop outdrive with a new boat warranty!


Good luck with your decision.........

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2005 Four Winns Funship 214 VP 5.7/Duo Prop

Th 2011 5.7 does NOT have the duo prop.

The 5.7 with a single prop still gets up and boogies pretty well. I probably wouldn't get the 5.0 unless it had the Duoprop, though.

Will you be able to sea-trial them? My concern would be with the ride in bigger water - the Funship is OK, but kind of "slaps" into big chop, whereas a Horizon of similar size seems to cut through it better....

If you can take them for a spin, you should do so to make sure you like the way the boats feel.

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Neither have the duo-prop. I'm in New Hmpshire so the lakes are frozen. No test drives until May, and I don't think they'll be around by then! So I want to strike now. I really want the Funship due to the head and the seating and utility.

Well then, since money isn't a deciding factor, I'd go with the new one with the 5.7. Also make sure it has dual batteries.

They are fun and roomy- great family runabouts. I typically don't let folks use the potty unless it's an emergency since I'm the guy who has to clean it...

Good luck!

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2002 Funship 214
VP 5.7 GX Si
2003 Tahoe

Hey Evil Z..........

You know, if he buys the 2011.........he automatically gets that cool transom jump seat.......

I'm Just sayin!

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2005 Four Winns Funship 214 VP 5.7/Duo Prop

That's true, the jump seat is very cool!

Leoskeys,

Have you seen my post about adding that rear jump seat to my Funship?


http://www.smwebhead.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10789

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2005 Four Winns Funship 214 VP 5.7/Duo Prop

Nice! Speaking of added features. What are some "options" you would suggest adding to the stock boat. When I negotiate, it may be something I can throw in to the "deal" as the boat is being sold by my four winns dealer. Suggestions can be made for the 2005 or 2011 FS. Things I've read about That sound nice are the duo-prop, LED swim lights, camper top, etc....