Best Four Winns Boat Models (Ranked)

Best Four Winns Boat Models (Ranked)
Four Winns has built family runabouts, bowriders, and deck boats in Cadillac, Michigan since 1962, earning a reputation for soft-riding hulls, generous freeboard, and well-finished interiors that hold up on busy inland lakes and protected coastal water. This ranking is aimed at the buyer weighing a Four Winns against a Sea Ray, Chaparral, or Bayliner, and it judges each model on ride quality, build and gelcoat durability, engine options and reliability, layout versatility, and resale value on the used market.
Whether you want a tow boat for the kids, a flagship cruiser with a cabin, or the newest electric-forward Horizon, there is a Four Winns here that fits the slip and the budget.
Direct Answer
The best overall Four Winns is the Four Winns H290 at roughly $185,000 new, a large bowrider that pairs a smooth deep-V hull with twin-engine muscle and a cabin berth. The best value is the Four Winns Horizon 180/H190 at around $45,000 new (and far less used), a versatile sterndrive bowrider that does tow sports, cruising, and swimming for a fraction of the flagship price.
Match the boat to your water and survey any used hull for stringer and transom moisture before buying.
How We Ranked
- Ride quality — Four Winns' Stable-Vee and deep-V hulls define the brand; the boats that ride driest and softest in chop earn the most points.
- Build and durability — gelcoat finish, stringer-grid integrity, hardware quality, and how the hull holds up over a decade of use.
- Powertrain options — availability of reliable Volvo Penta and Mercury sterndrives or Mercury outboards, plus the new electric-ready Horizon.
- Layout versatility — seating, storage, swim platform, and whether the boat covers tow sports, cruising, and entertaining.
- Resale and ownership cost — used demand, parts availability, and how steeply each model depreciates.
1. 2024 Four Winns H290 🏆 BEST OVERALL
The H290 is the high point of the Horizon bowrider line and the boat that best captures what Four Winns does well: a big, soft-riding deep-V hull with a roomy cockpit, a usable cabin, and enough power to pull skiers all day. At about 29 feet 6 inches with a 9-foot beam, it carries up to 14 people and rides like a much larger boat in open water.
The standard layout includes a forward console berth with a portable head, a wet bar, and a wide aft sun pad over the engine.
Power comes from twin Volvo Penta V8 sterndrives in the 380 to 430 horsepower range, giving a 50-plus mph top end and confident handling at the dock. Build quality is the best in the lineup, with a hand-laid hull, vacuum-bagged components, and a durable gelcoat that resists chalking.
Expect a new price near $185,000 well-equipped; clean used examples hold value strongly.
- Price: ~$185,000
- Pros: Excellent dry ride, twin-engine power, cabin berth, top-tier finish
- Cons: Costly to buy and fuel; needs a big trailer or a slip
Verdict: The Four Winns to own if budget allows — the most capable all-rounder in the range.
2. 2023 Four Winns Horizon 180/H190 💎 BEST VALUE
The entry Horizon 180 (recently rebadged H190) is the smart-money Four Winns. At about 18 to 19 feet with a trailerable 8-foot beam, it delivers the brand's clean ride and tidy finish at the lowest cost of entry. It seats eight to nine people, tows tubes and skiers, and slips behind a mid-size SUV without drama.
A single Volvo Penta or Mercury 4.5L sterndrive of 200 to 250 horsepower is plenty for this hull, returning easy cruising and good fuel economy. New, it runs about $45,000 with a trailer; well-kept used boats can be found in the $20,000 to $30,000 range, making this the easiest way into the brand.
Watch for sterndrive bellows and gimbal-bearing wear on older units.
- Price: ~$45,000
- Pros: Affordable, trailerable, easy to handle, low running cost
- Cons: Smaller cockpit; sterndrive maintenance adds up over time
Verdict: The best-value Four Winns and a great first family boat.
3. 2022 Four Winns HD4 Deck Boat
The HD4 is Four Winns' compact deck boat, trading the pointed bow of a bowrider for a wide, squared-off forward section that adds seating and floor space. At roughly 21 feet with a beam near 8 feet 6 inches, it carries up to 11 people and feels far roomier than its length suggests, which makes it a favorite for entertaining and casual cruising.
Power is typically a Mercury or Volvo Penta sterndrive from 250 to 320 horsepower, enough to plane quickly with a full load. The deck-boat hull is stable at rest, ideal for swimming and rafting up, though it pounds a bit more than the deep-V bowriders in a chop. New pricing sits near $70,000.
- Price: ~$70,000
- Pros: Huge usable space, stable at rest, family-friendly
- Cons: Firmer ride in waves than the deep-V boats
Verdict: The pick for buyers who prioritize space and lounging over open-water ride.
4. 2024 Four Winns H230
The H230 is the mid-size sweet spot of the Horizon line, a 23-foot bowrider with an 8-foot 6-inch beam that balances trailerability against open-water comfort. It seats up to 12 and offers a console with an optional portable head, making day trips with a full crew comfortable.
A single Volvo Penta V8 sterndrive of 300 to 380 horsepower gives strong acceleration for tow sports and a relaxed cruise. The hull is a true deep-V, so it tracks well and stays drier than most rivals in this length. Build quality matches the larger boats. Expect a new price around $95,000 to $110,000, with steady used demand.
- Price: ~$100,000
- Pros: Deep-V ride in a trailerable size, strong tow performance
- Cons: Single-engine handling less precise than twin H290
Verdict: The best size-to-capability balance in the current lineup.
5. 2021 Four Winns Vista 275
The Vista 275 is Four Winns' express cruiser, built for owners who want overnight capability. At about 29 feet overall with the swim platform and a 9-foot beam, it offers an enclosed cabin with a V-berth, a mid-cabin berth, a galley, and an enclosed head with a shower, sleeping four comfortably.
Power is usually a single or twin Volvo Penta sterndrive setup in the 300 to 760 combined horsepower range. The Vista's heavier cruising hull soaks up chop nicely and is well suited to larger lakes and protected coastal runs. New, these listed near $130,000; used examples now sell in the $45,000 to $80,000 band depending on age and engines.
- Price: ~$130,000 new (used far less)
- Pros: Real overnight cabin, comfortable cruising hull, enclosed head
- Cons: Heavier and thirstier; older units need cabin and canvas inspection
Verdict: The choice for weekenders who want to sleep aboard.
6. 2023 Four Winns TH36 (Outboard)
The TH36 marks Four Winns' move into large outboard-powered dayboats. At roughly 36 feet with a wide beam over 11 feet, it is a premium platform with quad outboard options, a console cabin with a berth and head, and resort-grade seating front and aft.
Power is typically triple or quad Mercury Verado outboards totaling 1,200 to 1,800 horsepower, delivering high speed and easy maintenance access compared with sterndrives. This is a six-figure flagship; new pricing runs $400,000-plus well-equipped. It is a serious boat for buyers stepping up from a bowrider who want offshore-capable range and presence.
- Price: ~$400,000+
- Pros: Big outboard power, offshore capability, luxurious layout
- Cons: Expensive to buy, fuel, and dock
Verdict: The flagship for buyers who want the largest, fastest Four Winns.
7. 2018 Four Winns S265
The S265 is a popular used-market large bowrider, a 26-foot boat with an 8-foot 6-inch beam that seats up to 13. It bridges day-boat fun and light cruising, with a console berth, a wet bar, and a generous swim platform for watersports and swimming.
Power was offered as single or twin Volvo Penta sterndrives, commonly 300 to 760 combined horsepower. The deep-V hull rides well, and the boat's broad availability used makes it easy to find and compare. Expect used prices in the $40,000 to $65,000 range.
Inspect the sterndrive bellows, transom assembly, and upholstery, which are the usual age-related wear points.
- Price: ~$45,000-$65,000 used
- Pros: Roomy, versatile, plentiful on the used market
- Cons: Sterndrive upkeep; older canvas and seats may need refresh
Verdict: A strong used buy for families wanting size without flagship pricing.
8. 2019 Four Winns HD220 RS
The HD220 RS is the larger deck boat in the HD series, a 22-foot model with a beam near 8 feet 6 inches that carries up to 12 people. The RS surf-and-wake variant adds ballast and a tower, making it a credible budget alternative to dedicated wake boats for casual riders.
Power is a Volvo Penta or Mercury sterndrive of 270 to 350 horsepower. The wide deck-boat layout offers exceptional seating and storage, and the stable hull is great for swimming. New pricing was near $75,000; clean used boats sell in the $40,000 to $55,000 range. As with all deck boats, the trade-off is a firmer ride in open chop.
- Price: ~$45,000-$55,000 used
- Pros: Tons of space, optional wake features, stable platform
- Cons: Not a true wake boat; rougher ride in waves
Verdict: A versatile deck boat for families that also want light wake fun.
9. 2016 Four Winns H310
The H310 was the largest bowrider Four Winns offered for years, a 31-foot boat with a 9-foot 6-inch beam seating up to 15. It is essentially a cruiser-sized day boat, with a console cabin, a full wet bar, and an enormous cockpit suited to large groups and serious entertaining.
It was powered by twin Volvo Penta V8 sterndrives in the 640 to 760 combined horsepower range, giving strong performance for its size. On the used market it represents a lot of boat for the money, often listing in the $70,000 to $110,000 range. Buyers should budget for twin-engine maintenance and confirm the trailer or slip can handle the length and weight.
- Price: ~$70,000-$110,000 used
- Pros: Massive cockpit, twin-engine power, big-boat ride
- Cons: High running costs; needs significant docking and trailering
Verdict: The used pick for buyers who want the biggest Four Winns bowrider.
10. 2024 Four Winns H2e (Electric)
The H2e is Four Winns' all-electric bowrider, built on the Horizon 22 platform in partnership with Vision Marine Technologies. At about 22 feet, it pairs a familiar Four Winns hull with an electric outboard producing the equivalent of roughly 180 horsepower, delivering quiet, wake-friendly cruising and zero local emissions.
Range and top speed are modest compared with gas models, so this boat suits calm lakes and shorter outings rather than long-range cruising. Pricing is premium for the technology, commonly near $150,000. It earns a place here as the most forward-looking Four Winns and a real option for buyers on electric-only or low-noise lakes.
- Price: ~$150,000
- Pros: Silent operation, no fuel, smooth low-speed handling
- Cons: Limited range and speed; high purchase price
Verdict: The pick for quiet, emission-free boating on restricted lakes.
How to Choose
What to Look For
- Hull and structure: On any used Four Winns, check the stringer grid and transom for soft spots or moisture, and inspect the gelcoat for stress cracks around the windshield and cleats.
- Powertrain: For sterndrive boats, confirm bellows, gimbal bearing, and outdrive condition; for outboard models, ask for engine hours and service records.
- Trailer and survey: Verify the trailer matches the boat's weight and budget for a professional marine survey on boats over about $30,000.
- Resale: Horizon bowriders and the Vista cruisers hold demand best; niche electric and very large models depreciate faster.
FAQ
Are Four Winns boats good quality? Yes. Four Winns is regarded as a solid mid-to-upper-tier builder with soft-riding deep-V hulls, good fit and finish, and durable gelcoat. They generally rank above value brands like Bayliner and compete closely with Chaparral and Sea Ray.
What is the best Four Winns for a family? The H230 or H290 bowriders are ideal for families wanting one boat for tow sports, cruising, and swimming. For the lowest cost of entry, the Horizon 180/H190 covers the same uses in a smaller, trailerable package.
Does Four Winns make an electric boat? Yes. The H2e, developed with Vision Marine Technologies, is an all-electric version of the Horizon 22 with an electric outboard. It suits calm lakes and quiet-zone waters but offers less range and speed than gas models.
How much does a Four Winns cost? New Four Winns boats range from about $45,000 for the entry Horizon 180/H190 to over $400,000 for the TH36 outboard flagship. Used bowriders and deck boats commonly sell between $20,000 and $110,000 depending on size, age, and engines.
Bottom Line
The Four Winns H290 is the best overall pick, combining a soft deep-V ride, twin-engine power, and a usable cabin in one flagship bowrider. For buyers watching the budget, the Horizon 180/H190 is the best value, delivering the brand's clean ride and finish at the lowest cost of entry.
Match the model to your water, survey any used hull carefully, and Four Winns rewards owners with comfort and lasting resale.
Sources
- Discover Boating — boat-type and buying guides
- Boat Trader — new and used Four Winns listings and pricing
- NADA Guides / J.D. Power — used boat valuations
- Boating Magazine — Four Winns model reviews and sea trials
- BoatUS — marine survey and ownership cost guidance
- Volvo Penta and Mercury Marine — engine specifications
- Vision Marine Technologies — H2e electric powertrain details
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