Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

[Movin on Up]

I would like to get everyone's opinion on the two boats I am considering purchasing. I just sold an older 19' bowrider that I've had for the last 5 years, and am ready to get a bigger, newer, family friendly ski / play boat with more conveniences.

The two options are:

1) 2006 Crownline 230 LS 24' with a Mercruiser 6.2L FI and single prop. This boat has 55 hours and is in great shape. There is no bathroom or sink on this boat which I like, because I view these items to be not a good use of space.

2) 2006 Four Winns Horizon 240 with a Volvo Penta GXi 320 hp 5.7L FI and dual prop and 38 hours. This boat is in good shape as well but seems to have a few minor issues: latch on bathroom door doesn't catch, fiberglass on gas assist shocks on storage lockers has come apart from the locker doors, screws missing from windshield support, latch on bow windscreen door doesn't work.

Hulls and gelcoats are in equally good condition, price point is the same. Buying private party, so no dealer kickback to sway the opinion.

I'm looking for a boat with good performance (so I can hot rod a bit) and want to get a quality, long lasting boat that I can have fun with the wife and kids, and friends as well. We ski, tube, try to wakeboard, and anchor up and take naps!.....so looking for something that we can keep and have a good time with. (Last boat was in the family for 17 years and still looked great!)

Thanks for the help and I appreciate your feedback.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

Either of them sound pretty nice. I would put Crownline and Four Winns at the same level for quality, design, resale value etc. The Four Winns sounds like it has a few relatively minor issues. If those are not easily repairable I would be swayed toward the Crownline. I do however like the looks of the Four Winns much better.

FYI: Don't expect factory support from Crownline. The company is going to the auction block in a few days. It is unclear what will happen with the company. For that matter it isn't totally clear what will happen with Four Winns. Genmar, the parent company of Four Winns, is in chap 11 bankruptcy.

Neither of those issues would deter me from buying one of those boats though. They were both well made and should last for many, many years.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

i'd get the crownline....

post some pictures if you can

 

[Flying Sushi]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

The quality of boats is very similar between Four Winns and Crownline.
Those issues you mention for Four Winns are easily taken care of?. I take the original owner did not do a typical brand new boat adjustment?.. Maybe you can talk seller to bring it`s price down based on that? I would not get a single prop drive for size of 22? or above Bowrider so I would encourage getting a Dual Prop boat.
Prior to my current H260 (Horizon) we owned a 2006 Horizon 240 with a single prop drive?.. Bad move unless you want to be an expert on prop.
However, we love the boat everything elese other than that but we realized we want a Dual Prop boat so we ended up getting a brand new H260 with a Dual Prop Drive.
Either of current Four Winn or Crownline boats are not known for speed so if you are looking for ?Hot Roding? may be Baja is your best bet? They both are know for ride quality especially for Stable Vee on Four Winns so I would leave these classy Bowrider alone and just enjoy a family fun with water activities? If you are looking for a overall performance and styling, I feel Four Winns Horizon has a edge?.
Good Luck and see you on Water

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

Volvo Penta GXi 320 hp 5.7L FI and dual prop is a big factor, will get out of the hole faster, more low end torque for your water sports. just a far better drive system.

 

[sbbamafan]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

I agree with what tashasdaddy said - well, everything but the Florida / Tebow stuff...

 

[jacknbella]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

I also agree with TD. Volvo Penta stern drives are nearly bullet-proof. Of course, I'm a little biased too (since I own a Four Winns H220)...

 

[Thad]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

Gotta agree. The Volvo drive train is the ONLY way to go.
By far the best I have ever owned.

 

[Movin on Up]

Re: Crownline or Four Winns??? Help!

I really appreciate everyones feedback. I've thought long and hard about this one and most everything is pointing in the FW direction.

The volvo drive / dual prop has really been a deciding factor (and the FW has Captains Call exhaust....which satisfies the hot rodder in me!!).

Should have everything done this week and be out on the water by Saturday, considering no hiccups!

I'll post pics as soon as she's mine!!

Thanks again