Bowriders in the 20-foot class are popular because they offer plenty of space on deck, can be used universally, can also be used for board sports and are also easy to trailer. They are therefore popular both at home and on holiday. The shipyard from Cadillac, Michigan, has been in the sports boat business since 1962 and currently offers four product lines with 14 models, almost all of which are bowriders.
The only exception is the shipyard's much-acclaimed new flagship, the TH36, a brand new power cat. Also noteworthy is the Surf line, which is specially designed for wakesurfing. The boats have a ballast water tank and a Forward Drive Z-drive.
Entry-level boat in the Horizon series
The Four Winns H1 is the entry-level boat in the Horizon series, which was launched in autumn 2021 with the H4. The H1 was launched a little later in March 2022. Characteristic features of the new line include elegant components such as angular, retractable cleats (optional), stainless steel drink holders, covers on grab rails and fine upholstery materials with a high-quality finish. Like almost all boats from the US shipyard, the H1 is available in a version for inboard and outboard engines. It is worth noting here that the variants have different decks in order to utilise the space efficiently. The inboard model tested is specified with a total weight of 1588 kilograms, which means that it weighs a good two tonnes including equipment and trailer and is therefore easily manageable for many SUVs.
Deck layout of the Four Winns H1
The way on board is via the bathing platform, for which an extension is also available. A large and stable bathing ladder is integrated. Sun worshippers will find a sun lounger measuring 2.14 × 0.84 metres, which also forms the engine compartment cover. The separate head cushion can also be locked at an angle or folded away completely, opening up the passageway into the cockpit on the port side. This is additionally secured below the sunbed by a stern door. A practical waste bin is integrated under the following cushion.
A boat for board sports enthusiasts
Once in the cockpit, an L-shaped seating area awaits us in the rear. A GRP or bamboo table can be added here on request. The backrest of the seat on the port side can be swivelled forwards or backwards and allows the co-driver to face forwards or backwards, which is ideal for watching board sports enthusiasts. If you want to be perfectly equipped for this, you should also order the wakeboard tower for 7884 euros. Wakeboard racks are also available. If you have no ambitions in this regard, you can also order a bimini top. For transporting water skis or wakeboards, there is also a large storage space under a floor flap that opens easily using a gas spring. There is plenty of storage space under almost every seat.
A well-padded bucket seat awaits the driver, the front section of which can be folded upwards. Positioned in this way, it offers a higher seating position and more legroom for travelling in a standing position. The adjustable steering wheel is also practical. The dashboard is simple and has two round instruments that provide all the necessary information and are easy to read. There is also space for a small plotter, which is included in the list of accessories. You won't find a compass, which has to be retrofitted. The way to the bow leads amidships through the split safety glass windscreen, which is held firmly in a very robust frame. The windscreen segment and the folding doors of the passageway protect the passengers in the cockpit well from the wind.
There is a U-shaped upholstered seating group in the front. If ordered, the table can also be fitted here. The upholstered inserts that transform the bow area into a 1.20 × 1.40 metre reclining area must be ordered separately. However, there are also two equipment packages with other useful items, which include the cushions as well as a non-slip carpet for buttoning in or the tarpaulin.
Bowrider equipment
The main battery switch is easily accessible under the rear seat. There is enough space in the engine compartment to install a second battery in addition to the starter battery.
A Mercruiser 4.5 L 200 ECT is permanently bolted to the test boat, which delivers the power to the water using an Alpha One and the Revolution 4 blade SST 19 P propeller mounted on the test boat. The more powerful 4.5 L 250 version is also available as an option. Alternatively, Volvo Penta V6-200, V6-250 or V6-280 can also be ordered. When accelerating from a standstill, it takes five seconds to reach a stable planing speed at 2800 rpm and 17.5 knots. After a total of 14 seconds, we reach top speed at 4850 rpm and 36 knots. The Four Winns H1 is therefore already very well equipped with the basic engine and has a very sporty character. If you are travelling at a very efficient cruising speed of 19.5 knots, you can expect an hourly consumption of 21 litres. This results in a range with the 121-litre tank of around 95 nautical miles if a 15% reserve remains on board. This means that the crew will have to visit the next refuelling station after just under five hours of operation.
At full throttle, this results in a journey time of two hours and a range of 61 nautical miles. The skipper makes fast full circles in both directions with a diameter of around three boat lengths.
Manoeuvres with the Four Winns H1
The boat is therefore very manoeuvrable. The hull with an 18-degree heel is stable in the water during all manoeuvres. Thanks to the 80 centimetre high sides in the cockpit, the crew always feels safe. Harbour manoeuvres also work well. Circles with a diameter of 1.5 boat lengths are possible forwards and 1.3 boat lengths backwards in both directions. A slight yaw is noticeable when travelling straight ahead at slow speed, but this can be corrected without any problems.
The low clearance height of just 1.1 metres is also practical. Bridges are therefore hardly an obstacle if the draught of 0.89 metres is also suitable. The workmanship is good, the materials make a high-quality impression and there were no recognisable defects in the assembly of the components. In terms of safety, the Four Winns H1 has the CE-required fire extinguishing system on board. An electric bilge pump ensures drainage; an additional manual bilge pump is not installed.
Technical data
- CE category: D/8
- Length over everything: 6,12 m
- Width: 2,54 m
- Displacement: 1588 kg
- Draught (bottom drive): 0,89 m
- Clearance height: 1,10 m
- Fuel tank: 121 l
- Max. motorisation: 209 kW (280 hp)
- Test motorisation: Mercruiser 4.5 L MPI; 200 with 147 kW (200 hp)
- Price: from 78 312 €
- Distribution test boat: bootepfister.com
Conclusion
The Four Winns H1 impresses with its universal application options and good handling characteristics. It is easy to transport to your holiday destination. There is plenty of space on board for trips with family and friends. The quality of materials and workmanship is of a high standard.
Advantages
- + Versatile in use
- + Good driving characteristics
Disadvantage
- - Compass and manual bilge pump are not standard
