Four Winns is known among deck boat lovers as a name you can trust. The company started out as a family-owned business and has since grown into one of the world's largest manufacturers of fiberglass recreational products. Despite all that has changed in the marine industry, one thing has remained constant: at Four Winns, boating is (still) a family business. They boast the employees at Four Winns, many of whom have been with the company for 10, 15, 20 years or even more, as their most precious asset. Every boat built, every program offered is designed with employee passion and the desire to deliver every Four Winns customer an exciting and worry-free day on the water.
Style And Grace
Four Winns has achieved a sense of effortless class and style throughout its lineup. Looking closer at its deck boats, you'll see fluid lines, subtle accents and loads of amenities, designed to help your weekend at the lake be the best it can be.
The F224
Four Winns' F224 Deck Boat stands out on the water as it glides effortlessly across the waves, thanks to its patented Stable-Vee hull design. Right away you'll notice the rear swim platform, which extends the full width of the boat, allowing swimmers to get on and off with ease.
Notable standards for the F224 include six stainless steel cleats, bow and stern eyes, bow rails and a bow scuff plate, adding a touch of shiny class to the boat. A dedicated locker for the anchor also doubles as hide-away stowage for the boarding ladder. No more trying to squeeze the anchor into the ski locker, which is the case with many deck boat floorplans. The walk-through transom also boasts plenty of additional storage for water toys or wet towels and life jackets.
On the exterior, you'll see a gelcoat scheme with tapered waterline stripe, in your choice of seven colors, as well as standard docking lights. The gelcoat is premium, two-tone, and a narrow band, available in classic navy, true red, rattan, sea glass, steel gray, jet black or all-white.
A rigid white vinyl rub rail with stainless steel insert provides some protection from dock dings or high winds while trying to fill up.
For washing down after a swim, enjoy a shower at the bow and aft, and the non-skid step pads are standard to prevent slipping.
At The Stern
In addition to the shower at the rear of the F224, you'll see the impressive swim platform, as well as an easy access boarding ladder, complete with wide-step pads and an angled design to give more reach than your average ladder. This is great for kids or others who may be uncomfortable coming out of the water and back into the boat on their own.
A forward swim platform gives even more options to the waterbugs, and the telescoping ladder gives the same level of comfort as the stern ladder.
Moving forward in the boat, the windshield has a nice walk-thru setup, often called a season extender because it allows you to stave off the cold fall air that hits you at 45 miles per hour, thus extending the season a little longer before being forced to trailer the boat until spring.
Interior
Aquaflex vinyl is featured throughout the interior, and it seems everything is stainless steel, from the assist handles to the eight cup holders. Snap-in carpet makes cleaning a breeze, and blue courtesy lights add a cool atmosphere during your nighttime cruises.
For big gatherings, a 36-quart removable cooler is available for drinks, carrot sticks, cake, or whatever strikes your fancy, and there's an additional ice chest beneath the bow seat, making this the ultimate party deck boat.
The enclosed head is roomy, and includes a sink, overhead lighting and an opening port light with screen for ventilation. The bow area features removable seats for additional storage, a refreshment station and a U-shaped configuration for better conversation. The in-floor finished ski locker is large enough for skis, kneeboards or wakeboards.
The Helm
As the driver, you'll note the compass, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, speedometer, tachometer (with hour meter), as well as temperature and trim gauges, are all at your fingertips and easy-to-read. The steering wheel tilts and is the deluxe model from Four Winns. Power steering, including power trim and tilt, gives you the control you need, while the engineers used sealed connectors and tin coating to enhance corrosion resistance. The entire setup is routed through a PVC conduit in floor.
For anglers, there's a depth sounder with a shallow water alarm as well as water and air temperature indicators.
The helm features toggle style and rotary knobs, as well as stainless steel push button. The upholstery on the captain's chair is rich, hand-fitted and top-stitched for extra comfort.
For the tech savvy among us, there's a receptacle/charger for your iPod or MP3 player, as well as for other 12-volt devices. With GPS devices on most Smartphones these days, you don't want to be lost on the water without the ability to find your way home because your Droid is dead.
Your tunes will sound great thanks to the Sony stereo (AM/FM/CD) and speaker setup, and if your fellow water buddies don't enjoy U2 quite as much as you do, too bad for them.
Beyond The Stern
And as if all this wasn't enough, the F224 comes with a custom-matched Sure-Load trailer (with disc brakes and swing-away tongue) and includes fixed stern tie downs and integrated step pads for easier access when loading and unloading.
LED lighting not only gives added visibility, but it is submersible, meaning you don't have to worry about ruining anything if you back into the water a little too far at the launch ramp.
This trailer is built tough, with welded tube construction (11-gauge) and a welded winch post.
The F224 has an MSRP of $58,276 with Volvo Penta 5.7 GiC/SX 300hp engine and the Sure-Load trailer described above. To learn more about Four Winns or the F224 deck boat, visit www.fourwinns.com.
