Question for H260 owners

flaMtneer · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:58 am

I'm considering a used H260. It's got a VP 5.7L Gxi DP. I'd like comments from H260 owners with experience with this power package. Any issues with it being underpowered? Tubes? 8+ adults/teens, etc.

Thanks!

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2011 9:41 am

I've got the 7.4 Gsi (385 HP) and LOVE IT. 12 adults on board and we got out of the hole nicely and had a great time. You're not going to get that we the 5.7L. It all depends on what you want from your boat. If you are just happy cruising at 3000 RPM and not looking to pull much or want high performance #s it will be fine. What year is the boat?

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

I have that engine in my 242SL which weighs about the same as the H260. Its not underpowered. I've had 8 people onboard including 2 kids under 5. No problems getting on plane or with the hole shot.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2011 4:36 pm

For a 260, I would insist on a big block.

flaMtneer · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:32 pm

Thanks for the replies. It's a 2006 - and I'm just luke-warm on it...not sure I want to go that big. Guess we've got conflicting opinions... :lol:

I did a lake demo in an SL262 w/ a 5.7L Gxi DP a couple summers ago just because I thought it would never be enough motor and I was really surprised at the performance - much better than I expected...Now saying that..I would never want to go smaller than what's in my boat and at the time it was the largest available.
Mike - in general I agree about the big block, but I've found that actually finding them is difficult. Most newer boats seem powered about one size too small.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2011 8:42 pm

That's probably because the people who have them aren't about to part with them.

The 5.7 is a great engine. Plenty for a 240 IMO, and "enough" for most uses in a 260. I'm just saying that in a 260, I would always feel like I made a compromise with a 5.7.

Flying Sushi · **Posted:** Mon Nov 21, 2011 9:23 pm

5.7 GXi DP would be ok as long as you do not carry 8+ people all the time... Engine will work little harder.... you can always get F4 props to get better hol shot than of F5 but slower at top... You will feel 5.7 is ok until you ride on a 260 with 8.1 for 260.... 260 with 8.1 has F6 props and that is all you need.
Have Fun with shopping..... take a time and get right one for you......

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:29 pm

flaMtneer wrote:

and I'm just luke-warm on it...not sure I want to go that big.

Yes you do. Once you get past the 21 foot bowrider, the 260 or 310 is the only way to go. It is so nice to be able to stretch out and not be on top of everyone.

Yes, you can prop the 5.7 with an F4 set to get the out of the hole performance. You'll like the boat with the 5.7 but LOVE it with the big blocks.

230 Mike · **Posted:** Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:29 pm

Oh, I don't know... there are a few pretty happy 240 people here. :mrgreen:

ric · **Posted:** Tue Nov 22, 2011 10:59 pm

If I were to purchase a new runabout style boat, it would be a SL262.

My neighbor has a 2007ish 24ft Regal deck boat docked next to mine. Doesn't have much more interior then my H180. The only feature it has that I wish I had, was a portipoti. Otherwise? The features suck up all the added space (sink, head, etc). Space wise for people it equals a 20ft bowrider without the "sunpad" style.

Go 26ft or bigger if you need to entertain more then 4 adults. You never heard of anyone complaining their boat was too big.

flaMtneer · **Posted:** Wed Nov 23, 2011 9:33 am

Like I said above, we demoed an SL262 here in Orlando a couple years ago..it had a 5.7Gxi/DP. I was impressed with the performance, but we actually thought the boat felt too big - it was a great boat, though. I'd be interested in the 242 if there were any around - the FW dealers in the area are gone and I think the closest now is in Destin!

We've been looking off and on for a couple years, but we haven't been able to find anything that's better than what we've currently got - or at least enough better to justify the money. The ones that have been the right size have nearly all been 5.0L...you would think it's been a buyers market, but there isn't really much inventory...maybe I'm too picky haha.

The last 2 seasons have really been maintenance nightmares - to the point that this summer we had issues on 4 or 5 trips in a row...we think we've got them all fixed but until I get 20 hours or so trouble free I won't feel confident...so anyway we're looking again 'cause I keep think as the kids get bigger, the boat gets older and maybe it really is time for a upgrade.

pet575 · **Posted:** Wed Nov 23, 2011 10:24 am

St. Louis Dave wrote:

flaMtneer wrote:

and I'm just luke-warm on it...not sure I want to go that big.

Yes you do. Once you get past the 21 foot bowrider, the 260 or 310 is the only way to go. It is so nice to be able to stretch out and not be on top of everyone.

As a 220 owner, sometimes it is fun to be on top of one another. Even in a boat, too. :arrow:

ric · **Posted:** Wed Nov 23, 2011 10:38 am

Yeah the Orlando FW dealer is long gone, you gotta SFL now to see em. I haven't had any issues though, if I need something FW specific that's what the internet is for (stickers), otherwise for all my mechanical needs Boat Tune off Goldenrod treats me VERY good. They sold me the new trailer for $750, half off.

I've been around other brands (regal, bayliner, sea ray, tahoe, etc) and I'm pretty much sticking with Four Winns. I demo'd a 260 Sundancer a few weeks ago (early 2000s model) and it was SMALL compared to a 238 Four Winns. I hated it. I'm 6'1 and it was like stuffing me in the trunk of a car. Very bad layout where even the 238 has some size to it and I fit.

I have not found another boat on the market that compares to an SL series Four Winns. Heck, even the best locally available brand Regal, their 2012 lineup of bow riders is a mix between 1990s and mid 2005 style Four Winns. They can't touch the new 11/12 Four Winns (and want just as much $$).

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Wed Nov 23, 2011 10:41 am

blue dragon · **Joined:** Tue Jul 12, 2011 5:01 pm **Posts:** 792

ric wrote:

I have not found another boat on the market that compares to an SL series Four Winns. Heck, even the best locally available brand Regal, their 2012 lineup of bow riders is a mix between 1990s and mid 2005 style Four Winns. They can't touch the new 11/12 Four Winns (and want just as much $$).

It really is good use of the space in the SL.

www.iFourWinns.com

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