www.iFourWinns.com

So I recently sold my small Bayliner and I'm looking to upgrade for something I can take on Lake Erie and still trailer and I've decided on a larger Four Winns.

I'm comparing a 2004 230 Horizon with the Valvo 5.0 DP listed at 28G vs. a 2008 H240 w/ Volvo Penta 5.0 GXi/SX 270 hp listed at 38G .

Both are equipped with the same options.

Any help or suggestions. I'm torn!!!

I would give you my 2C…. I would not get a 240 with 5.0L especially with SX (single prop) drive.. I would skip with this 08 240….. 2004(230) and 2008(240) has same body and only small details are sorted out on 08 model If you can work price on this 04 you would be OK since it has a DP (dual prop) drive… I still look for 240 with 5.7 DP if I was you....

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

+1 Totally agree. I would never get the H230/240 without at least a 5.7. I have the DP and highly recommend. You will want at least this much power--especially on Lake Erie. The body design is exactly the same--so I would go for the biggest engine in the best condition at the best price. It is a great boat (I'm bias)! Good luck!

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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

+1 again. Those two boats are identical (other than year-year trim updates) and both are underpowered. If you want a 230/240, don't settle for less than the Volvo 5.7Gi with Duoprop drive, or the Mercruiser 300MAG with Bravo 3 drive. You'll be very happy with either of those packages.

For big water, don't rule out a 250/260 with an 8.1 either.

See? Now you have something different to be torn over. Welcome to the forum.

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

Thanks for the feedback, you guys all made it even harder on me! I found one with abother 2004 w/ Merc 350 bravo 3 very close by at $29,900, does that seam pretty high? And just my luck no trailer with this one so I will have to order that separate. Wish luck on making a good deal!

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Dan


06 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP

OH by the way. Norris Lake is where I plan on taking this boat every year. GREAT PLACE!!!!!!!

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Dan


06 H260 VP 8.1Gi DP

Agree on the underpower comment and the 260 comment. If you can find one, a early 260 with a big block is running in the $25K range. Perfect for your boating needs

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

I have to say I agree, and look around and don't rush. I looked for 4 months before coming across the 2001 Horizon 260 I got. It has the VP 7.4 with DP-SM. I picked it up for $15k. I had to drive a little ways for it, but it was worth every bit of that drive.

If you are using Craigslist to look, use the program Craigspal, as it allows searches of multiple locations, even states at once, instead of searching each location by itself. Happy hunting, and good luck finding the right boat.

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2001 Horizon 260
VP 7.4 / DP-SM

I would say a 2004 with no trailer should be closer to $20K than $30K. I would keep looking. There are typcially a lot of choices out there since the body style is the same from 2003 - forward. Happy shopping!

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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

You guys will all get a kick out of this, No thanks to everybody that replied I started looking into the 260 Horizon now. Hahaha. I'm working out the pricing and i'm on the fence for the price. Its a 2006 and has the 8.1L, Bravo 3, and Trim Tabs. Owner counter offered too 38K w/ trailer, I didn't want to spend more then 35K, it's in great shape, is it worth the extra splurge?

Just looking for some feedback if you would like to reply.

Just doing a quick search on Craigslist, I was able to find 230/240s in that price range. You have to decide if it is the right boat for you and if so, is it worth the money. Good luck, looks like a great boat.

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2001 Horizon 260
VP 7.4 / DP-SM

Only you can determine it's "worth" to you, but assuming similar hours & condition to a properly powered 240, and assuming you have enough vehicle to tow it, that might be a better boat for bigger water.

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

Seems to me that closer to $35K sounds right, but agree that many factors come into play when deciding on the right boat for you and the right price. I love the power on this boat. You will have plenty of power and the extra 2 feet won't be bad either. I looked at one before I bought my H230 and was ready to pull the trigger. The only thing that stopped me was the towing factor. The H260 with that power is a heavy boat. Good luck!

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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

It is up to you to justify....... Price is right range.... The boat will give you and your family a smile.... I am picking up my 260 from storage tomorrow......I am smiling...

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

My 260 is the first boat I have owned that I don't have 2 footitus with. Sure I would LOVE a 310, but sure don't need it. We put a boat full of friends in our 260 and play all day without any issue. If you can swing the 260 AND it works with your tow veichle, than go for it. You will be happy with a 230/240 and love it, but will you be always wishing for more?




welcome to the 260 club

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP