I think I found it...

[eeboater]

Well, I think I have found the boat I'm going to go with. Originally I was thinking about a 1993 17' Larson with a 3.0 Merc. But I just ran across a 1987 Four Winns 170 Horizon yesterday and I fell in love. It is in above average shape. It has a 260 Merc V8. <br /><br />Anyone have any experience with this boat & engine? Good choice or no? Now, I just need to finalize my downpayment... <br /><br /> <br /><br />Sean

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: I think I found it...

17 footer with a 260 in it? Yeeeee-ha!

 

[POINTER94]

Re: I think I found it...

Both boats are solid. The 260 will cost you a ton more to run than the 3.0l. What are you going to use it for. a 260 in a 17ft sounds like overkill x2. Max should be a 4.3l 6cylinder. I would be more inclined to go with the Larson based superficially.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: I think I found it...

My old 73 Larson 17’ cam with a 302 Ford. I ended up installing a 351winsor. It still only would do 50mph WOT. Not so fast.

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: I think I found it...

Sean:<br /><br />The above responses are excellent and you should weigh them all befroe buying. But don't take too long the summer is running out and boat season is short in Wisconsin. Just my 2 cents worth, but the Four Winds does sound a little OVER-powered. Was that converted?

 

[eeboater]

Re: I think I found it...

mkeuhnl,<br /><br />You know, you've got me thinking now. It looks like it came with that motor -- I may be way off base. But either they did a SUPERB job swapping out the motor, and outdrive, or it came with it. Everything says 260 Merc on it including the outdrive. Is there a way I can find out if it is a swapped motor?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Sean

 

[eeboater]

Re: I think I found it...

P.S.<br /><br />Am I missing something -- 1987 Four Winns 170 Horizon is a 17' boat... right?!<br /><br />Sean

 

[Tufan]

Re: I think I found it...

I think that boat is over powered a bit, see man/ specs. Biggest engine they give you as option is 190 HP.<br /><br /> http://www.fourwinns.com/line_prod.cfm?family=sportboat&model=170H

 

[Tufan]

Re: I think I found it...

hope we did not burse the bubble...?<br />by the way!

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: I think I found it...

Sean<br /><br />If that is the case then I would grab the four winns. I have known people that have owned four winns and liked them very much. Skipper Buds is a dealer so you have a close factory repair place for it should something weird happens. They both are very good boats but that 260 will prove more effective if you ski or tube....<br /><br />Are you buying from a private party or dealer?<br /><br />If a dealer ask for a warranty.<br /><br />Also, take the boat out for a test drive before you buy.

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: I think I found it...

Ghost ridder<br /><br />I think this is a used boat. Has Four winns ever offered a 260 ?

 

[eeboater]

Re: I think I found it...

Thats what I was thinking -- did they ever put a 260 in an 1987 Four Winns 170 Horizon?<br /><br />This boat is actually located at Competition Sports and Marine. I was at skipper buds today and found out they've been selling Four Winns for a long time. I got the Shpeel on Four Winns how they've been winning awards and stuff for years. So I'm pretty comfortable with buying a Four Winns. I won't be if its a different motor.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Sean

 

[quantumleap]

Re: I think I found it...

Go with the bigger motor as long as it's not overpowered/unsafe. I had a 3.0 in a 17 footer and it was a dog with more than two people on board.

 

[Tufan]

Re: I think I found it...

mkuehnl <br /><br />I dont know, I looked at their web site - does not give you much info regarding old models...

 

[mkuehnl]

Re: I think I found it...

Ghostrider<br /><br />I used your link and wasn't able to find anything on the older models. Sea Ray does have the original brochures of their early models - I just assumed that Four Winns would also....

 

[John Carpenter]

Re: I think I found it...

I am looking at a copy of the ABOS Marine Blue Book. In 1987 the 170 Horizon was offered with three engine options, showing hp. ratings of 130, 175, & 205....the latter two I assume were the 4.3L Chevy. The engine you have is, apparently a replacement. Nothing wrong with that.<br /><br />A good friend has the exact same boat with the 4.3L & he wishes he had the V-8. With a full load of people and gear it is a little slow out of the hole. Other than that it is a well made boat that he has been happy with.

 

[roscoe]

Re: I think I found it...

over powered??? whats that??

 

[Link]

Re: I think I found it...

Originally posted by roscoe:<br /> over powered??? whats that??

LOL <br /><br />Used to sell Fourwinds and they are a very well made boat! (back in 1990 anyway) When we were selling them the biggest motor was a V6 4.3L ??<br /><br />But that doesn't mean one wasn't customed ordered with a V8! Copy down the ID number and email it Fourwinds. They will be able to let you know.<br /><br />Good company (At least it was 14 years ago) <br /><br />Link

 

[oldgreybeard]

Re: I think I found it...

I have a 1986 19 ft horizon and love the boat. Mine has a 230 Hp and it is a nice match for the boat. If I have 3 or 4 adults in the boat getting a skiier up on a single will be be tough but not impossible. The 260 would be nice under those circumstances. I am a beleiver to go with the most power your boat can safely handle. You do not have to use it but it is there if needed. The four winns is a quality boat in my opinion and hold up very well.

 

[eeboater]

Re: I think I found it...

OK, Intrigue has set in. I'm going to go check it out again over my lunch hour today -- I'll let you guys know what I find out.<br /><br />Sean