www.iFourWinns.com

That one is almost $15 cheaper at Defender:

http://www.defender.com/category.jsp?path=-1|135|320543&id=747115

The dual tone version might be nice. Think I'll dig around for the make and model of the stock horn.

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Well, the stock horn FW installs is the Fiamm 519 series. I understand Fiamm is right across the street from FW in Cadillac, MI. Their website doesn't have much info on these horns, but it does have pics of the covers and a wav file so you can hear what they sound like (of couse we already know what they sound like). Contrary to my belief, the description below indicates that the horns do meet C.G. specs. Sure don't seem like you could hear them a 1/2 mile away, but I guess sound carries over water.

http://www.fiammamerica.com/Product.asp?ProductID=281

Most of the aftermarket drop in style horns have oval covers, but the Fiamm is round. {Correction the Fiamm's are oval too } Wonder if the hole size is standard? I suppose adding a second horn is an option if the hole size is non-standard, the Fiamm horn might not seem as wimpy x2. FW says they should cost about $25 from a dealer.

Here's the specs from their catalog:

519 Series Hidden Horn
Easy to install
Pre-installed gasket
5-year UV rating
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our Hidden Horns blend neatly with today‘s cleaner, sleeker boat designs. Only the attractive grills in black, white or stainless steel are visible. Made with top-of-the-line materials and workmanship, these USA manufactured horns will provide years of trouble free operation and the best sound quality available in the market. All FIAMM Marine horns meet or exceed ABYC, NMMA and Coast Guard requirements and are NMMA type accepted.

Part No.(Boxed)Description
5190011 Horn w/ SB White Grill
5190111 Horn w/ Panama White Grill
5190211 Horn w/ White-White Grill
5190311 Horn w/ Fishwhite Grill
5190411 Horn w/ Black Grill
5190511 Horn w/ Stainless Steel Grill

WORLD’S LARGEST HORN FACTORY 1550 Leeson AvenueCadillac, Michigan 49601 Telephone/231.775.2900 Fax/231.775.4402 http://www.fiammamerica.com Cadillac, Michigan

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Great information, Jim. I knew the stock horn had to be CG certified - I'm pretty sure FW wouldn't do something that blatantly illegal - but it sure sounds like crap.

So are you saying your stock horn is round? Mine's oval.

_________________


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

I couldn't remember - and I interpreted the pics at Fiamm as though the covers were laying flat and the pic was taken at an angle.

http://www.fiammamerica.com/GetProductImage.asp?ProductID=282

Your post made me dig through old pics to make sure.



Yup, oval.

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

I'm thinking seriously about giving that dual tone version from Defender a try.

EDIT: Well, Defender's site appears to be FUBAR right now. So I tried to call our local Boater's World store - only to find out they're apparently OOB. I didn't know that.

EDIT Again: Done. MarineEngine.com, $52.90 shipped for the dual tone version. We'll see.

_________________


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

Mike, here's a couple pics from the inside. Had to go through the cutout in the anchor locker to get them.





Might be a direct swap.

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Thanks Jim, the pics might be a big help. I'm hoping/assuming it'll be a direct swap.

_________________


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

Mike, did you order the Ongaro Marine 10055 dual horn? If so, it looks like they are dual in the sense that they are two separate horns one toned low the other high, rather than a single horn with dual tones. Defender's site made it appear it was a single horn.

http://pdf.nauticexpo.com/pdf/ongaro-marine/ongaro-marine-ltd-catalog-2007/23330-83-_2.html

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Yep. I haven't seen a single site that made it clear it was two separate horns. Oh, well!

_________________


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

Nothing a good drill can't cure. I'm toying with the idea of adding a second horn anyway. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll want to honk at someone on the starboard side.

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

If I can't find a drop-in, I probably just won't mess with it... yet.

_________________


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

They showed up today. Yeah, dual units, and based on your pictures, Jim, I don't think they're a direct swap anyway. They're nice units, but I'm waiting on an RMA .

_________________


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

Bummer! I just discovered the Ongaro site has a sound byte for those, and those dual units sound pretty nice! http://ongaromarine.com/

What's different about the way the Ongaro's mount? I take it your boat is in storage, so you didn't do a direct comparison. I ask as I'm trying to determine if the Ongaro single is still a contender for a drop in replacement. Did it include a mounting template?

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

I had tried to listen to those sound bytes, but they won't play for me for some reason (didn't spend any time messing with it). I do think these would be a nice upgrade.

You're right, I haven't looked at the boat. And I could be wrong about it being drop-in - that plastic clip that appears to be used on the Fiamm may be throwing me on this point. The Ongaros have a stainless housing with integral mounting flange, with mounting holes on 4" centers (which I think is the stock dimension also). There's a drilling template included which involves hole-sawing adjacent 1.75" holes, cutting out the waste in between, and drilling the two mounting holes. I can scan that template for you if it would help. For myself, I've always drawn the "DIY line" at cutting holes in my hull and am not sure I want to change that for the sake of the horn.

The actual sound opening on these is approximately 3/4" x 2", so if a person had access from inside the hull they might be able to mount them with a smaller opening (less cutting perhaps).

I dunno, maybe I'll think about this for a few days .

_________________


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

Ok, managed to get templates emailed from both Fiam and Ongaro.

The Fiamm template calls for two 2 1/2" holes with centers 1 1/2" apart. Cutting lines between the tops of the holes (the waste between) is required. Mounting holes for the grill are 4 1/2" apart on center.

And as you mention Ongaro template calls for two 1 3/4" holes with centers 1 3/4" apart. Again, cutting lines between the tops of the holes is required. Mounting holes for the grill are 4" apart on center.

Looks like the Ongaro drop in horns are similar but use a smaller cutout. Bottom line, the Ongaro grill size of 4 7/8" x 2 3/8" is not tall enough to cover the Fiamm cutout.

Too bad, I really like the all stainless construction, and sound of those Ongaro dual horns. I spoke with their customer service rep about the possibility of them widening their market by making a larger grill, or providing a SS mounting bezel, but this idea seemed to fall on deaf ears.

The Ongaro website really cuts into AFI/Marinco brand horns claiming rust issues, and leaking seals. I suppose that one advantage of Fiamm horns is their plastic construction and lifetime warranty - the all stainless Ongaro horns have a 5 year warranty, and the AFI horns have only a one year warranty.

Have to keep looking I guess .

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2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP