Four Winns vs. Caravelle

[jajones24]

I'm in the process of looking for a new boat and have it narrowed down to two brands: A Four Winns 180 Freedom SS & Caravelle Bowrider 187. <br /><br />Two questions: <br /><br />1. Does anyone have any feedback on which (if either) is a better made boat? They are roughly the same price.<br /><br />2. We also looked at a Four Winns 180 Horizon which has a 4.3GXi engine (225 hp). For skiing purposes, is it worth spending $4000 extra for the extra HP? The Four Winns 180 Freedom has a 4.3 GL (190 hp).<br /><br />Any input on either issue is greatly appreciated!!

 

[wazzu98]

Re: Four Winns vs. Caravelle

Not sure about the Caravelle, however I just purchased a 1988 180 Horizon with a simliar engine to the one you described. The boat has held up well in the last 15 years and I would recommend a Four Winns to anyone based on the few times I have taken mine out.<br /><br />As far as the extra HP, I'm not sure if you need it. How many people do you plan on pulling at once and how many people/much gear will be in the boat during ski time?

 

[KCook]

Re: Four Winns vs. Caravelle

The '03 Four Winns Freedom that I looked at did not show anything like the workmanship for a Four Winns Horizon. Or a Caravelle. But the Caravelle name does not carry nearly as much weight as Four Winns, so this is not an easy choice. Whether the Horizon is worth the additional $4k is also a personal call. Upgrades are very important to some buyers. You might be able to find an Ebbtide for less difference than that $4k. Just as nice as the Four Winns Horizon. Of course the ideal approach would be to let test drives decide it. Simply buy the one that handles the nicest.<br /><br />Here are some more threads on these boats -<br /><br /> Four Winns <br /><br /> First Time out with new boat noticed issues? <br /><br /> New Caravelle <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Chiman]

Re: Four Winns vs. Caravelle

I have a 1996 Four Winns 190 Horizon with a 265 hp 5.7 liter V8 and I have been extremely happy with it. I do not know anything about the Caravelle. I use it primarily for skiing and wakeboarding and am impressed with the power. I mention that in reference to your engine choices. I am about 210 lbs. and it pulls me out of the water on a slalom ski with no problem. My brother is about the same size and it will pull both of us up on slaloms at the same time with little delay. I am probably going to sell it in the next month or so because I have started wakeboarding and want to get something new with wakeboard cage, ballast system, etc. I also, just like everyone else, would just like to have a new boat. I am looking at a 2003 Moomba Mobius with a 310 hp Indmar engine. Does anyone have any opinions?