www.iFourWinns.com

Hi, I'm new to Four Winns and would like to know the difference between a Sundowner 195 and the 205. I am looking at a used 1998 195 5.0l cobra next week and wondered if there was anything in particular I should look for.

Thanks

Welcome! Always glad to see (a potential) SD owner join up.

The biggest difference is really just the length (1-2 feet), through the years FW changed the name and length with the addition of swim platforms. The 205 became the 215, 225 became the 245, etc. As far as what to look for in a general "is this boat in good shape" way, need more details:

What size engine (your post said 5.0, but I think FW only offered the 4.3 for the 195).
What type drive.
Fresh water vs salt water use.
Was it a cruiser, or did the owner have a need for speed?
Trailered, or slipped?
Hours, tho not really as important as long as it has been cared for. For instance, a 1998 boat with 30 hours would probably be a dock/boatyard/trailer queen and need lots of work, as opposed to the same boat with 2-300 hours. That many hours show that the boat has been used and cared for.

Also, consider what YOU want the boat for. Are you looking for a family boat? Fishing? Towing tubes? If you are not sure about what to look for, get a survey done, if the owner balks at that, walk away.

_________________

1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

Fyi, the 195 became the 205/215. The 225 was always a 225 until it was discontinued. The 245 was a 235 then a 245.
Slight differences in the 195 cabin and cockpit from the 205. 1998 195 likely has the VDO gauge cluster, which can be
problematic. 1998 you mave have an OMC drive, or SX drive. SX would be preferred .

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

I wasn't 100% on the 225, but I figured with all the name/length changes FW did, I would get some of it right. I think 1995-96 was the last year for strictly OMC drives, by 1998 it should be the VP/SX.

_________________

1996 205 Sundowner DLX
5.0FL Volvo SX Cobra
Tow Veh: 2012 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X

How about a 1987 215 for $4K ?

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

My 1997 240 with the 7.4 GiDP is all Volvo. And this fall, it turned over 600 hours at Lake Powell
No problems at all. Except have now replaced both the high and low gas pumps. But thats all. (Knock on wood)