Looking for unbiased opinions, are Four Winns boats top quality or just so-so?

Question

I know they have a better name than Bayliner and the such, but, are they like the Ford Focus, the Nissan Altima, the Toyota Camry, the BMW or the Mercedes...of the boating world? I'm upgrading from current boat, 19' Four Winns Horizon, to something in the 24'-28' range, buying used and hoping to spend $15k or less. I've loved the boat I have but it's the first and only I've ever owned OR operated, not like I can go to the local dealer and spend the day trying them out... or can I??

Answer 1

www.nadaguides.com That's a good price guide> All boats are make a offer on> stay out of the intro low end boats>

Answer 2

I'm a sailboat person so I am probably not the best person to give an opinion on a power boat.  I think they are fine for day trips and fishing inshore and so on.  I would not be comfortable taking one very far off shore.  I think they don't ride well, and would not be fun if it got rough.  The main thing is if you are happy with it and if it meets your needs.

Answer 3

Four Winds is not the best boat around but its not the worst. For that style boat I would say the best are Cobalt followed by Sea Ray and Formula. The dealer where I keep my boat is a Cobalt/Pursuit dealer and they will give test rides on all models. remember you don't need the best if the other suits your needs. Its about what you want and can afford.

Answer 4

Four Winns are good boats. Though not the cadillac of boats they are good boats. Sea Ray is the cadillac of boats. yes you can test drive boats just like you can cars. If they dont let you then move on to the next dealer.

Answer 5

I have never heard anything negative about Four Winn's, so far as I know they are a good quality boat, not the best but certainly up their.

Answer 6

rumor has it that four winns was aquired when the old omc was purchased and effectively closed.  they used the brand to sell off the excess inventory.  Try to avoid a four winns with an old omc out drive.

Not a bad boat.

Answer 7

Four Winns, if you want to compare them as you did in your post, is like the Camry in your list.

Bayliner would be below a Focus.  

Sea Ray isn't much better than Four Winns....so let's say it's like a Mercury.  

Your top of the line for runabouts are Bryant and Cobalt.   Both are second to none, but Bryants cost much less, and are hand built.

Nothing wrong with a Four Winns at all.