Looking for used boat. I/O recomendations. Four Winns 214 Funship

WJL24

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2012
Messages
11
I recently sold my Stingray SBV205. Had 5.7 OMC Cobra. Looking for used boat with fuel injection and walk thru transom. I saw a nice 2005 Four Winns Funship 214 but am leery about the Volvo 5.0 GXi/SX.
Can any one shed on light on these? Are they reliable or should I keep looking for a Mercruiser powered boat which what I really thought would be best.
 

tpenfield

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Jul 18, 2011
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The engines are made from the same base engine, be it Merc or V-P, so you may not find one being any better than the other.. The big difference is maintenance and repair cost. Merc will be the better in most cases.
 

four winns 214

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Oct 25, 2008
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770
For 11 years, I have owned a 2002 Funship 214 with a V-P 5.0 GXiB with Duoprop drive. The engine, a GM block similar to Merc, has been nearly trouble free. The outdrive did need some work on the cone clutch that is part of the shift mechanism.

Four Winns fit/finish is below that of Sea Ray. The big swim platform is one of our favorite parts of the boat. With more than six onboard, the boat is underpowered with the 5.0.
 

WJL24

Cadet
Joined
Jun 9, 2012
Messages
11
Thanks for the insight. I regretted buying the OMC on my last boat with even though I had it 14 years. I think I'll look for a Merc and possibly a bigger motor. I also saw a nice Crownline with a 350 mag.
 
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