www.iFourWinns.com

Hello all - I have decided to purchase a boat since I will get back to the states with some summer remaining. I read through a ton of bowrider information and settled on a Four Winns, largely due to the information in this forum. My local dealer has a left over 2008 190 H for sale that is very nice looking, but with this being my first boat I am a little nervous about getting "taken". I have seen what I think is the same boat for as low as 19k online but he wants a little over 24k out the door. I realize that it only matters if I feel it is a good price but we all want to know we got a good deal on the things we purchase, right? So I am just asking those of you with boat purchasing experience to offer any advice that you may have. I hope that is ok given that I am not an "owner" just yet. Thanks for help...look forward to hearing from you!

James

Firstly Welcome to the board, secondly I was asking all sorts of questions for about a year before I actually took possession of the boat so don't sweat on that issue. The 190 is a good all round boat which has a very good build quality compared to the other brands out there. Most people here would agree, when I say go and check the other brands out first, and you will most likely come to the same out come all of us have come to " buy the Four Winns". I own a H180 and am really happy with it but the 190 does have advantages over mine. Most importantly buy what suits your needs, not what someone else likes.
Hope this helps

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Ardy
Adelaide South Australia
Red H180 3.0 Merc

Thanks! I am overseas so all of my research has been limited to online stuff. I have read reviews, viewed video tests, read through many forums and based on that I think Four Winns is the brand we want. My wife has been involved in the search as well from the states and the Four Winns is her favorite. So I think I have settled on the boat. Now I am just looking for some tips on the details of purchasing. Anything like common loan terms and rates or how much (if any) I can reasonably expect a dealer to come of a price...or do they typically "throw in items" such as vests, lines, anchors, etc. I know most, if not all, of what I am asking depends on circumstance but hearing what others have done may help in my situation. Thanks again for the welcome...

James

Here's my usual preface...I'm no expert....From what I have seen lately, a lot of people are getting 25-30% of MSRP which is considered a pretty good deal. I would price out the boat with options on the FW site and see if you fall into that range. IMO, the price seems a bit high still. By all means ask the dealer for all the extras, anchor, CG equipment (life vests, fire extinghisher, etc), dock lines, fenders, etc. I'm on my 2nd boat (both used FW's) and kept a lot of stuff from my first boat. It still amazes me how much of that stuff I had to purchase. It adds up quick. My admiral reminds me everytime reviewing the finances You'll quickly learn what BOAT stands for....It's the gift that keeps on taking. We view boating as our entertainment and budget it as such.

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'99 Horizon 200

I concur, the price seems high, especially in this economy. I wouldn't pay over $20K out the door for a H190. Think of it this way, you could spend $20K for a fully loaded 22' Bayliner with a much larger power-plant, although, who would ever buy a Bayliner? Anywho, go to other boating websites to price compare (ie http://www.boats.com, http://www.iboats.com, etc.).

Good luck!

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2008 H220 Frenzy - 5.7L VP SX Drive
2013 Tahoe LTZ Tow Vehicle (admiral's ride)
2011 Ford F150 XLT Ecoboost Tow Vehicle

Margins on the smaller boats are much thinner than the new boats... If you can get between 25-30% off, that's a smoking deal!

Find a dealer with great service... and don't forget about getting all the little stuff. Most dealers will either throw all the safety gear in or give you a good discount.

Good luck! H190 is a great first boat!

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

I just bought a 2007 hold over from my dealer. it was a 2007 200H I paid 23,500. there are some great deals out there so just check around. I live up in Vermont and EVERYTHING is more expensive, hell even the Hookers have a finders fee........ I crack me up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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2007
200H
5.0L volvo Penta
Vermont

Thanks everyone... I am doing things through email and that is difficult. Maybe I should send the wife in to deal.....hmmm. Oh, I started out looking at Bayliners... but then I saw the FW and never really looked back.

My advice would be this. Continue with your research. Ask for everything you want and I mean everything. You may be suprised at what they'll throw in, but if you don't ask you won't get it. Especially things like covers, spare tires and the like. Be comfortable with the deal, so you'll feel good about it later while your paying for it.

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2008 H210SS VP 5.7 Gi/SX
2011 Ford F150 FX4 EB

Wouldn't dream of a Bayliner instead of a FW....

My H190 is great, and would not hesitate a second to buy another (if I had the money of course!!). Figure out exactly what options you want, price it out on the FW web site, then armed with this information start shopping... When I bought mine, the best price I got was from a dealer 700 miles away, but the local guy eventually matched it.

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Alec

2006 Horizon 190
VP 4.3GL/SX, Sunsport

Shop around and don't be afraid to tell a dealer your shopping for the best price and will travel to get it. In April of 08' I got over 25% off, plus the 6 yr.extended, and $1000.00 factory rebate for in stock only boats all on a custom ordered boat. If you show them you know what you want and are serious about getting it they will work so righteous deals.

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Mike
Smithville, MO
08' Hayabusa, 2011 Subaru Outback, 03' Infiniti G-35 S.C.