www.iFourWinns.com

You have many, many other choices. You just have to decide how much patience you have. There are even more 230's out there, with great power packages. Sometimes you have to wait for them, sometimes you have to travel and/or have them shipped. All are options. My observation has been that those who hold out for what they know they truly want, eventually get it, and at a great price. Those who have to buy "right now," end up compromising to the point of regret, and paying more than they needed to.

As to sitting for so long - since I own the same boat (with a bigger engine), I can tell you I'd pass it by based on the engine alone. But, if you insist on looking deeper, the long storage all depends on how it was prepped, whether the interior stayed dry, whether it sat out in the sun unwaxed that whole time, etc. It wouldn't necessarily be a terrible thing for it to sit that long. The batteries probably aren't in great shape.

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

Hey Future... what kind of experience do you have with boats? I'm afraid that you're going to fall in love with something now that you'll be discouraged with later. I mentioned earlier that the 5.0 is a great motor... but like 230 Mike I probably wouldn't have looked at my boat either had it been a 5.0 (note that my boat is a 220 not a 230 which is 500-600 lbs lighter)... but that's just me. It's such a big dollar purchase... unless you're nearly stealing it, you may want to shop a bit more. Can't comment on the Chaparral without knowing more info on it. If you need to drive to get another boat then go ahead and deal over the net... find one... pack your kids up and make it a fun trip! They'll be excited to make the trek where ever it leads to get their new boat!
Regarding the 2 1/2 year storage... is there more to the story? Has the dealer had it that long and simply couldn't sell? Did the previous owner simply stop boating or ?? If your boating season is winding down then I would want the warranty to run through maybe June or July of next year. At that point you'll have a few more hours on it to determine whether any problems come up due to lack of use. If it was properly put away you shouldn't run into any problems... but I'd be a little leary.

Maybe someone with the combo will chime in and give us there thoughts...

Perhaps you want to share the asking price?? That might get us all on board and say "buy it tonight!"

Best wishes!!

_________________
Current: 2006 H200 5.0 GXI SX Blue/White
Previous: 2003 H220 VP 5.7 Gi DP
Black/White

How about making a low offer on these? All they can do is say no.

This one has Merc's 5.7L and dual prop Bravo 3.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006- ... n-97273891

This one sounds like it has a VP 5.7Gi, not sure which drive.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2005- ... n-96987319

Or, can you go smaller?
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2004- ... zon-370729

Also, if you're going to be in salt water, you need to be particular about the trailer it comes with. A painted steel trailer and salt water don't mix.

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

This forum is incredible!
My previous boat was a 18.5 Sea Ray with a 4.3l I/O that we sold about 5 years ago, the 230 seems to be the perfect size for us now. I am inpatient, there is no question, but I have been looking for about 2 months now which narrowed it down to this FW and the 2008 Chap with 5.7 320HP with a lot of options, BUT 10k higher than the FW. The bottom line price on the FW is 20k, that includes winterization, startup and slip for next year. I love the drive of the Chap and it was night and day from the FW, however (and I didn't go into detail about this previously) my first drive in the 230 FW was with the single prop. It was an absolute dog and something wasn't running right. The dealer went to work and found that the boat had 2 extra quarts of oil, changed plugs, etc. AND switched the bottom half of the outdrive to the dual prop. They called Tuesday and said the boat runs like it was new and that I will be very pleased with the drive now, so I'm giving it another shot. The switch to the dual prop shot the price up from 18k to 20k, after some negotiating. There is no trailer which is what I want, buy and store at the marina.

The 20k price point is good for me, I don't want to take out any type of loan for a boat at this time. I think I'm trying to justify the underpower issue (which I'm realizing is a mistake based on all the feedback on this board) by thinking that I'm not looking for speed, the kids will be tubing, etc. With my personality, I fairly certain that in 2-3 years I'd be looking to trade to a newer boat, I guess this underpower issue may limit potential buyers and trade in value. It just looks great though!!!! Thank you for all the feedback and please keep it coming. My d-day is tomorrow so any help is appreciated.
Mike

Also-what does everyone think about the Mercruiser 350MAG Bravo 3, (300 HP) as compared to the VP? I don't mean to start a new debate, but general comments would be great (I haven't totally written off the current 230 with the 5.0, but it will have to be amazing for me to consider at this point, not likely). I like this boat below on boat trader:
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006-Four-Winns-240-Horizon-97273891

First of all, I'll caveat everything I write below with it's really easy to spend someone else's money. Buying a boat can be a frustrating process, but you really should have fun with it. I looked for about a year, then eventually found what I wanted 500 miles away. Here's a couple of points to keep in mind (my opinions only):



Never give yourself a d-day. If a deal doesn't happen, more will come along. Surprisingly, I had 3 boats sold out from under me earlier this winter/spring before I found mine. Patience truly is a virtue.



The $20k price point without a trailer really means you are looking to spend ~$25k with a trailer, correct? Keep in mind a good trailer won't be cheap, especially if you're looking for a saltwater trailer. Based on a quick search on Boattrader, the $20k price point with a trailer is going to put you in the model year 2000 (plus or minus a few years) range.



Do yourself a favor and do some research on boattrader (or any other similar site). Watch how the value drops on 10 year old runabouts. It doesn't seem to matter make or model, ~10 years seems to be a significant price drop point. Keep this in mind if you're looking at a 6-7 year old boat that you plan on trading in 2-3 years. That combined with the underpowered engine and you could take a decent hit. I bought a 5 year old boat this spring, but I plan on keeping it 10 years or more until my kids have moved on. Instead, if you're looking for a "starter" boat that you want to trade in a few years, maybe look for a clean late 90's boat to start with then work your way up from there.



I have no preference. I've owned both an found pros and cons in each. If you look hard enough you'll hear horror stories on both sides. Overall though, I think both are good drives assuming they've been well taken care of. I would stay away from OMC. I had some buddies that ran them in older boats and constantly seemed to have problems with them. That and I read on this site they can be hard to get parts for. In addition, for my money I would prefer a VP DP or Merc BIII drive for the size of boat you are looking at.

Once again, take your time. This isn't a race. I know this boating season is pretty much shot, but you're really getting into the right time to buy a boat. Even so, the right deal may not come along until next spring as it did with me.

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2005 FW Horizon 250
8.1L VP DP

+1 I couldn't agree more. Especially with end of season upon us--you will see a lot more over the next 6 weeks. Check out Craigslist too within a 500 mile radius. I had settled that I wanted the H230/240 last fall. I had at least 3 different options to buy. Made an offer on one and it fell through and then ended up with the one I have now which was even better. I know how it is to have "the fever", but just make sure it feels 100% right (or at least 95%) for you. Good luck! I look forward to hearing how things go.

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Norris Lake, Stardust Marina, Andersonville, TN
2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon 5.7L Volvo Gi/DP
2001 Maxum 1900SR 5.0L V8 (Sold)
2011 Nissan Armada Platnum

Just be patient, and DON'T SETTLE!!!! I spent 2 YEARS searching for my ride. As an asside, I test drove a 21' boat with a 5.0. With just me, 1 service guy, and half tank of gas, it was quite a pooch. Now, keep in mind, I have about 70 HP more than that, and am very happy. As far as Merc V Volvo, it's all about where you want it serviced, and who is local. I'm a Merc man, as well as most of the local service shops. Plus, Black looks much better on a Black boat!

Keep looking, you'll find it!

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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.

Walt... I bet your boat is an absolute BEAST with that 6.2 in your 210...

_________________
Current: 2006 H200 5.0 GXI SX Blue/White
Previous: 2003 H220 VP 5.7 Gi DP
Black/White

]

Well, I have the same hole-shot and top-end as a buddies 21' Cobalt, running the 320 HP Volvo and DP. However, that top-end is only 50 MPH, lightly loaded. It's the "bottom-end" that makes it the beast 2 skiers, two coolers, full gas, driver and 6 passengers. Not too shabby!

Honestly, the difference between the 350 Mag, and the 377 (6.2) is little more than sound. The 6.2L is a bit more throaty at idle, and seemed to have a little more "push" in the mid range.

I was one of those lucky F-ers that found exactly what they wanted at the right price and right time.

_________________
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.

I'm assuming you passed since we haven't seen pics yet?

_________________
Current: 2006 H200 5.0 GXI SX Blue/White
Previous: 2003 H220 VP 5.7 Gi DP
Black/White

Lots of variables there. Assuming that the shrink wrap was properly done, kept its integrity the entire time, and was either properly vented or moisture control measures of some kind were properly put in place I wouldn't really have all that much concern about the time sitting.

If I were buying a used boat, I'm changing all the fluids and the fuel/water separator so let's assume you're going to do that anyway. Only other real difference from the sit time is a potential draining of the gas tank if it is more than 3/4 full and/or the gas was not stabilized prior to storage. No stabilizer for that long could cause some potential problems initially in the fuel system that might give you a bit of a headache at the outset. BUT, they should be pretty easily correctable.

Assuming all the things I mentioned above have either been covered or will be covered without a problem, I think your bigger issue is whether that motor is big enough. I think it is borderline at best.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)