www.iFourWinns.com

Is anyone in this Forum close to Milton WI and take a ride with Robert on his boat? We have a bunch of Volvo Penta SX drive owner but very few Merc especially Bravo1 drive ….. The most of H220 has a DP or Bravo III so Bravo I is a rare.. Bravo 1 drive is know as very prop sensitive drive so you might get a 2nd opinion from other Horizon owner on how the boat react…..
I would definitely seek other dealer to get their opinion as well. FW would even talk to your local Merc dears so I would recomend to get 2nd opinion from other FW or Merc dealers.

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08 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP.....Previous
2013 Crownline E6 Merc 8.2MAG BIIIX, DTS/SC

When we bought the boat in late 2007, as a demo, with 30 hours on it, I made the mistake of thinking all I had to worry about were any cosmetic issues the boat might have, or any missing equipment. Although the vinyl is already starting to crack on the helm seatback, at the time there were no cosmetic issues. So, no it did not do it on the sea trial, as there wasn't one. But the dealership did state quite clearly that any problems found in the spring of 2008 would be remedied.

The issue only arises when towing someone. Is it that is it has more drag or resistance? With two men on board, the boat performed acceptably with their new prop they sent to remedy the problem. Obviously they knew and know there is a problem if they sent me a new Stainless Steel prop. I had the originonal prop inspected, and it was not 'uncupped' like they said it was. So I have two identical props, both 19 pitch , both showing the same behavior, as one would expect.

And the only reason I even think about entering the legal system we have is because as my boat depreciates, it is still unfixed, by an unwilling/unable dealership, and a manufacturer that wishes to stop trying after 1 attempt. If they attempted once, they obviously aknowledged that there is a problem. I just want a new fresh set of eyes to look at the issue, as the dealership has basically thrown their hands up saying that they can't figure it out (or don't want to spend the time on a warranty, less paying issue). I look at all the suggestions listed, and I appreciate them all, and am trying each one I haven't already. But come on, it should not be this difficult to get a NEW boat to work as advertised! Talk about customer satisfaction???

I would not in any way take that action as an indication that they've acknowledged a problem. It may have been a painless way to "try something" to see if it would make any difference to you.

I do agree in general about your sentiments regarding quality control and the amount of mfr. support in relation to the cost of a new boat. However, FW is no worse than anyone else IMO, and better than many.

Anyway, rather than deciding to never darken FW's door again, I respectfully recommend you consider a different lesson - to not buy another boat without a sea trial. Of course we'll never know how Sea Ray would've handled the situation if this was their boat, but it's entirely possible that you'd be fighting the same battle with them.

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

I have to agree with you about much. What really bothers me is that a 1983 20' SeaRay with a 260 HP Merc I/O never had a problem pulling people. It was a stump puller. I am simply going to try the addition to the antiventilation plate. I don't understand why a lighter, supposedly better designed hull, and more HP, plus fuel injection on a boat can cause such a disaster. I am hoping my prop friends, and the people who have suggested that the Bravo 1 is sensitive in this particular application to RPM, load, etc. are correct. I will see if that 'fixes' the issue, and then I will work on finding a nice "V" drive equipped inboard, and never have a ventilation problem again. Sorry, I just feel like FourWinns has put the K in quality, just like Government Motors always did, and we see where they are today... We will see, plain and simple. Just a pretty darn expensive lesson...

that's what it is right there...

Should've gotten Volvo Penta.


Good luck with getting things worked out...

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

I'll just say it once more and then I promise I'll drop it - I would find a different FW dealer and ask them to have one of their experienced people go out on the boat with you. Since they aren't "your" dealer, maybe offer them some money for the trouble. You might be able to make some progress and develop a good relationship with the dealer at the same time.

I once had some pizzas delivered to my dealer on the next business day after they stayed late - on a Friday - of a holiday weekend - to take care of an issue for me. I truly appreciated what they did for me, and it was the only way I could think of to express my appreciation to everyone involved.

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

Yep, I'd be willing to do a side-by-side comparison (although I have a Volvo).

One thing I think may be going on here, since it was stated that the problem only occurs when towing a tube, is that it may be more related to the drag that is being put on the boat from the tube rather than the performance of the boat itself. Typically when pulling a tube, I've found that the stern digs more into the water when compared with running at 3k not pulling anything. Also, there is significantly more lean when making a hard turn when pulling a tube when compared against no load.



This also sounds like a strong argument.

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-Rob.


Current boat: 2011 Yamaha AR210
Previous boat: 1998 Horizon RX 4.3GL SX