buying a horizon

mibagge · **Joined:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:24 am **Posts:** 15

Hello, I'm going to p/u a 2006 four winns horizon210 next sat. Paying 20500 I feel a little overpriced but this thing is imaculate! It has a 5.0 gsxi any feedback?

Walt · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:54 am

Just ran NADA on a "bare" 2006 210. came up with $17250. Maybe a little more with options, but I think you could go a little lower.

IMO a 5.0 on a 21' boat is too underpowered. I did test drive one before my purchase in '07 and with just me, the salesperson and 1/2 tank gas, it was a pooch. Make sure you take the fam along (for the total number of peeps you plan on using) and it has more than 1/2 gas/gear weight, then test drive and decide for your self.

ric · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:08 am

That's about 5k overpriced it doesn't matter the options, unless it's flawless showroom condition with a bunch of upgrades.

Check out what's available locally..

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/2888339822.html

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/2867672669.html

http://orlando.craigslist.org/bod/2830764674.html

SundayDinner · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:42 am

I'd agree that's probably a tad overpriced, maybe 2-3K. You'll love the boat, though. So much storage in that boat for its size. I miss the dashboard cooler on my Horizon so much!!!! Unless you're going to be doing a lot of skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, I think you'll find that the 5.0L is enough.

Walt · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:51 am

That's another good point. During a test drive, don't be afraid to do what you would normally do. Whether it's lounging with the fam or tubing/skiing. Bring along all the stuff you would to see that it fits. During my test drives I brought my wakeboard to check out storage compartments. Also bring a GPS to check performace. If you are comparing multiple boats, write down everything! Much easier to compare later with a little reference. All that stuff matters.

Again, the 5.0 "may" be ok for you, but I have a 6.2 in the same boat. More power is always better. I agree slightly overpriced. Check around and compare other boats available too. Also a very good idea to have another dealer/mechanic that you trust take a look at it.

Good luck!

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:56 am

You will be fine with the 5.0l in that boat for most boating. Bigger engine never hurts,but not a deal breaker. Don't compare salty boats to a freshwater equivalent. The fw boat will usually command a higher price. And is worth the higher price.

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 12:01 pm

I do like the GSI for the 5.0 your boat is offering so it is the higher performance motor, BUT still underpowered IMO. Also, Salt boats can't compare for fresh water.

LouC · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 12:47 pm

I don't understand why boat companies even use the 5.0 vs the 5.7, how much more can GM charge them for the 5.7, a hundred bucks? Silly.
I'd always advise a water test so you can make your own decision, based on how it feels to you. I have a little 4.3 in my 20' Horizon but because it has a 4 bbl carb it feels fast enough to me. But if my last boat had a 5.7 maybe it wouldn't. That's why you should wait till you can do a water test. The 4.3 in my boat is VERY economical, it's amazing how long a full tank lasts me and with on the water gas already at 5 bucks a gallon, I'm fine with the smaller engine.

Salt vs fresh, fresh water boats should always fetch a better price. If it's a salt boat and does not have full closed cooling, look at the exhaust system very carefully, at 5 years you may need to replace at least the risers and maybe also the manifolds. I've done it, easy job but the parts do cost some money. The fittings on many fresh water style boats do not hold up that well in salt. Neither does the wiring. The one good thing about salt water is it does not rot wood like fresh water does. The bacteria that eats wood does not live well in salt water, so rotten transoms are less likely believe it or not.

RotaryRacer · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 1:34 pm

ric wrote:

That's about 5k overpriced it doesn't matter the options, unless it's flawless showroom condition with a bunch of upgrades.

Check out what's available locally..

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/2888339822.html

http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/2867672669.html

http://orlando.craigslist.org/bod/2830764674.html

Not only are you wrong, your "examples" prove it.

The closest comparison is the 2004. No matter which way you slice it that boat is 2 model years older than the one the OP is asking about. The other ones are even less comparable.

Also, boat prices are far more regional than most other things. Unless we know where the boat is located, what is the point of pulling up craigslists ads for anywhere else? The world doesn't revolve around Orlando.

ric · **Posted:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 11:12 pm

Well, it happens to be where I live so that's where I search. Four Winns are an unknown brand here since the dealer left many years ago. Sea Ray and Bayliner are both local companies and fetch the dough. Prices for them here are substantially lower then up there in the Great Lakes. Cheaper to a point where it's worth shipping. All fresh water boats too, the ocean is too rough for bowriders.

mibagge · **Joined:** Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:24 am **Posts:** 15

I was not at all concerned about the hp, I am coming out of a 20' stingray with a 4.3 190. The 5.0 puts out 270 hp. I neglected to mention that this is a lake boat from nh, very short seasons. I have never seen a boat so clean. From what I see in the NADA, I am paying about 8 or 900 over value. This boat has many options. I paid less for my stingray in'97, just don't have 40k for a new one LOL

RotaryRacer · **Posted:** Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:54 am

mibagge,

It sounds like a really nice boat. Welcome aboard by the way.

St. Louis Dave · **Posted:** Mon Mar 12, 2012 7:50 am

if YOU like it, BUY IT! We're just a bunch of folks who wish we could get our hulls wet. Congrats and Welcome!

Walt · **Posted:** Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:11 pm

Yeah... What he said! You're the one paying the bills AND playing. Make YOU happy (and the admiral).

Cap'n Morgan · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:03 am

ric wrote:

Well, it happens to be where I live so that's where I search. Four Winns are an unknown brand here since the dealer left many years ago.

Maybe in Orlando, but Four Winns is hardly unknown in the state of Florida. The dealer in Destin has a factory Four Winns showroom . If you can, read this post from before your time as a FW owner.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6677

Quote:

Four Winns, announced in late September that Destin, Fla.-based Legendary Marine is its "premier demonstration dealer." Legendary Marine has four locations in the Florida Panhandle and Alabama,

I will probably take a drive up to Destin from Ft. Meyers in May when we are down there, and look at the new cruisers first hand, as our local dealer does not stock any new models but bowriders.

www.iFourWinns.com

buying a horizon

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