2002 Four Winns 260 Horizon???

JDW250 · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:33 pm

Most likely transposed numbers. I've scaled my 260, full of gas, and basic supplies (safety equipment, ropes, buoys, etc) on board and it weighed 7,200 lbs.

As you can see, the basic equipment alone adds up a lot of weight really quick. This needs to be factored in when determining your vehicles ability to tow your boat/trailer.

Also, I would hold out for the big block. Admittedly, I've never driven or ridden in a H260 with a 5.7L. However, a friend of mine bought a 2001 H260 with the 8.1L Duoprop several years ago. After the first time I skied behind that boat, I knew my next boat would have a big block and either a DP or BIII outdrive. I just can't say enough good things about that power package. I have ridden in a 24' Sea Ray Sundeck with a 5.7L. That thing was a dog compared to my FW. I know it's not apples to apples, but take this into account. Several years ago we took an overnight trip with eight boats where we traveled up the river ~100 miles. The boats ranged from 21' to 26', all open bow or cuddy runabouts. We all gassed up the next morning before leaving. 7 of the 8 boats were all within 5 to 10 gallons of one another. The 24' SR SD with the 5.7L used ~20 more gallons than the average of the other boats. Maybe it was that specific boat, but combined with my experience with the H260 with the 8.1L, it turned me off from ever dreaming of owning a boat that heavy with a 5.7L.

ric · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2012 7:55 pm

I just had 8 total full sized adults in my H180 with the 3.0 and a 21p prop. It was just too much weight, it wouldn't have mattered if I had a 5.7 it was just too small of a hull but the 3.0 kept it on plane @ 3800rpms amazingly.

When it comes to hauling weight, smaller "fuel efficient" engines use more gas compared to bigger ones if you have a boat load full of people. Now.. If it's just you and a lady friend, yes the smaller engine will get better GPH then a bigger one. I can boat all weekend with just me and a girl in my H180 with the 3.0 on 5 gallons of gas OR I can cruise around the lake for an hour with 5 people with 5 gallons. If you know you're hauling people, coolers, gear.. go big.

Paul I. · **Posted:** Tue Mar 13, 2012 8:18 pm

Volffas wrote:

I live in the Northern part of Kentucky, just south of Cincinnati, OH. The hills aren't too bad, and we would mostly keep the boat at a marina on the Ohio River. Occasionally we would like to head south to Norris Lake and Lake Cumberland and other big Lakes in south and western Kentucky. I think the truck could handle the hills fairly well. According to this website, http://www.fordf150.net/specs/05f150.php the towing capacity of my 5.7L would be 8,300 or 9,300 pounds depending on gear ratio, so it shouldn't be too big of a problem.

It sounds like a very nice boat, and I know Four Winns has a reputation of building good boats. I guess I was just curious to see if there were any known problems with that year model boat.

Thanks for all the good advice so far, and keep it coming!

I too have a F-150 with a 5.7 and YES you are right about the gear ratio. The other thing to, that nunber is based on a reg. cab. So if you have a extended cab it drops about 200-250lbs and more on a crew cab. I you need to go to the Ford web site the the right numbers. Also you want the tow package!! It will give you more cooling for the engine & transmission. All in all, you should not have a problem!

Xavid · **Posted:** Wed Mar 14, 2012 8:26 pm

Volffas wrote:

Thanks for the reply. Another question I had was about towing. I see you have a 1500, will that haul the boat around fairly easily? I have a 2005 Ford F150 4x4 with a 5.4L gas engine. It hauls our current boat pretty well, and this boat isn't too much heavier, so I'm not thinking it will not be too big of a change.

Thanks!

If you have a regular cab 2005 4X4 F150 (not Supercrew or Dupercab) then I see the tow rating at 7600. If that is the case I think you are risking it. I think it's commonly recommended to have a tow vehicle whose tow capacity is more than 20% greater than the actual weight you are towing. My 2005 H250 (which is really a 260) on the trailer with a quarter tank of fuel, no water, but loaded with usual jackets, etc. weighed 6400 lbs on the scales. Dry weight of boat is 4500. My Durango tow capacity is 8500 or so. It does ok, but I'd not go with any less and would prefer something with 10k capacity. If I am wrong about the tow capacity rating for your Ford I am sorry and just ignore me.

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2002 Four Winns 260 Horizon???

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