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2021 Four Winns H4

The H4 handles superbly and looks good while doing so.

Calling any boat model iconic risks hyperbole, but Horizon bowriders have defined the Four Winns brand for a generation. So it’s with some caution that Groupe Beneteau Americas charts a new course for its runabout line, seeking to elevate the series with some fresh design while retaining the Four Winns DNA. The name is changing to H Series, and the 2022 line will include a 20-foot H1, a 22-foot H2, and this 23-foot-11-inch H4 model, each offered with sterndrive or outboard power. The current Horizon 260, 290 and 350 models will stay in the line for now.

Four Winns H4 running on the lake
The Stable-Vee hull delivers a smooth and efficient ride. Courtesy Four Winns

The H4 rides a newly designed hull with an 18-degree deadrise at the transom, significantly shallower than the 20-degree deadrise of the Horizon 230 model it is replacing. The new vertical stem gives the boat a strong, contemporary look in the water. Stand astern and observe that the beam pinches slightly abaft its widest point in a smooth line through the boarding platform. The hull retains the Four Winns Stable-Vee performance and functionality—to plane off quickly and with minimal bow rise. Powered by a 280 hp Volvo Penta Duoprop sterndrive propulsion system, our test boat planed in less than 6 seconds with a full tank of fuel and four people aboard, and we never lost sight of the horizon. The ride through a stiff lake chop was fine, but we did note some drumming of this hull through that chop. Handling is outstanding, and with twin contra-rotating props, we could execute an aggressive 180-degree maneuver without trimming down.

Four Winns H4 bow seating
Bow seating is 17-inches deep. Courtesy Four Winns
Four Winns H4 helm
A Simrad GO7XS touchscreen presents all instrumentation. Courtesy Four Winns

The signature bucket seats are retained, and the cockpit has a typical wraparound bench seat with sun pad over the engine. We like the secure 17 inches of depth in the bow seats. The upholstery is executed mostly in a single color, with new textures including a honeycomb stitch pattern in the contrasting inwale pockets.

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Four Winns H4 storage
Stowage is plentiful on the H4. Courtesy Four Winns
Four Winns H4 cockpit seating
Wraparound seating makes entertaining easy. Courtesy Four Winns

A Simrad GO7XS touchscreen presents all instrumentation, with a duplicate Simrad for navigation as an option ($1,420). Rather than a shocking revolution, this is a well-considered evolution of a favorite family runabout.

Four Winns H4 overhead
A comfy sun pad is found over the engine. Courtesy Four Winns

How We Tested

  • Engine: Volvo Penta V6-280C 280 hp
  • Drive/Prop: Duoprop sterndrive/FH5 24-pitch stainless-steel propset
  • Gear Ratio: 2.32:1 Fuel Load: 52 gal. Crew Weight: 700 lb.

High Points

  • Aggressively priced.
  • Exclusive single lever to rotate and adjust bucket seats fore and aft is easy to reach and works like a charm.
  • Four Winns Stable-Vee hull performs well at speed and delivers efficiency and stability.
  • Hatch gutters drain with tubing to a low point in the bilge, which keeps gear and equipment free from drips.

Low Points

  • Carpet-lined stowage below the bow seats is a potential mildew problem.
  • Volvo Penta throttle response is abrupt in the midrange.

Toughest Competitor

The 24-foot-6-inch Chaparral 248 SSX (base $120,240 with 280 hp Volvo Penta Duoprop and trailer) is equipped with dual Simrad displays, a convertible sun-pad lounge, and the smooth-riding Chaparral Extended V-Plane running surface.

Pricing and Specs

Price: $97,863 (base with test power and trailer)
LOA: 23’11”
Beam: 8’5″
Draft: 3’0″
Displacement: 2,685 lb.
Transom Deadrise: 18 degrees
Fuel Capacity: 52 gal.
Max Horsepower: 350
Available Power: Single MerCruiser or Volvo Penta sterndrive to 350 hp

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Four Winns H4 performance data chart
Four Winns H4 Certified Test Results Boating Magazine

Four Winns – Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; fourwinns.com

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