www.iFourWinns.com

I just purchased my first new boat. It is a 2008 H200 with a Volvo 5.0 GX engine. I have lots of boating experience on my father-in-laws boat, and have learned a lot from him (he used to be the commander for the minneapolis coast guard auxiliary). I will be picking up the boat in approximately 2 months, and I can hardly wait.
I have several questions, and was wondering if anyone can answer them.
1. I plan to trailer the boat. I was looking at the four winns trailer cover, but am deciding against buying one for the following reasons: - Made in China, took 3 weeks for four winns to find out that it is acrylic (which is what I want), and most improtantly, must tow with the bimini up (I want to tow with the bimini down). Do any of you know where I can get an acrylic trailer cover that will fit the H200 with the bimini down?
2. What is the maximum speed that I can drive the boat with the bimini in the open position?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Shan

Welcome to the forum!!! make sure you keep us updated on your boats progress and take pics when you can. How did you configure the boat? Colors/options?

The Four Winns trailer cover is actually a really nice unit. It is as good or better than what you'll find in boat shops. And being made for your boat specifically doesn't hurt. I wouldn't worry about towing with the bimini up. Although, I am not sure why you think it has to be up when this cover is on? I would think the cover has either cutouts or holes for the bimini - but you could tow with it up or down?

Towing with a bimini up -- it would be fine for any "safe speed" that you are towing your boat... 60-65 shouldn't be an issue if the bimini is folded up. Just try not to tow with the bimini extended and fully open - that puts alot of pressure on the mounting points.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

I've towed with the bimini up (not deployed of course) several times. It doesn't hurt anything, other than your gas mileage and every bug within a 10 mile radius will hit it. The canvas and the poles can be a mess to clean up after towing that way, which is the main reason I stopped doing it.

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

We pulled our H260 home from New Hampshire with the top up and never even thought about taking it down! It will sustain 50 mph forces when you're full out cruising so another 10-15 won't make that much difference. If you really want to tow with it down it is just a matter of pulling four pins and then stowing inside the boat under your cover. make sure to lash it down if you happen to tow without the covers though.

I have heard good things on the forum about the "trailering covers" I don't have one but they sound neat. It atleast gives you a fairly good cover that forms to the hull. I trailer with my mooring covers (bow and cockpit) in place if I am going anymore than 30 mins away. I do this to just try and keep the interior clean from dust. When I tow to my local ramp (3 miles) I usually leave all the covers at home. The covers are fairly effiicent at keeping out most rain if you raise the bow and help the water run off. anything that makes it through would collect in the bilge and get pumped out by your automatic bilge pump.

What are your intentions of using the cover? ie. trailering only or winter storage or keeping sap nad leaves from sitting on your main covers. Give us alittlle insight and we may be able to confuse you some more!!!!

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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

The factory trailer cover seems to be well made. Am I at the mercy of the local dealer to get one or is there an alternate source?

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2008 H210:
- Two tone Navy Blue, Silver and Yellow
- 5.0GXi/SX 270hp
2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 5.9 Laramie

C5'er... you are probably at the mercy of the local dealer to get a cover. I don't think FW pushes them out to suppliers.

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Anyone have ideas what the going price is for these?

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2008 H210:
- Two tone Navy Blue, Silver and Yellow
- 5.0GXi/SX 270hp
2006 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 5.9 Laramie

If you don't have the tower, simplicity should work. If you do, you're at the mercy of FW. I've answered many posts related to that, just search away, or PM me.

As far as the Bimini, my book says 40 mph extended, however I did 60 during the test drive without any damage, and couldn't even hear it flap.

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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.

Will the bimini still fold down with the FW trailer cover on? or do I have to tow with the bimini up (in the boot of course), I will only be using the cover for trailering. I do not have a wakeboard tower. I sometimes travel distances, and want the boat protected when I am away. The winter storage will be inside.