7 Most-Common Problems With Four Winns Boats (Explained)

Four Winns is a US company that has been around since 1962. It produces a variety of boat lines, like towboats, cruiser yachts, runabouts, and more.

If you’re in the market for a Four Winns boat, you’re probably wondering about the most common problems that owners face.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the issues that have been reported and try to explain what might be causing them.

RELATED: Are Four Winns Boats Reliable?

While we cover as many reported problems as possible, I must preclude that most reviews and comments on this brand are positive.

Hull blistering

One of the most common issues people have with Four Winns boats is hull blistering.

This is when the gel coat or paint on the hull starts to form bubbles and peel off.

Hull blistering results from several factors, including poor quality control during the manufacturing, improper storage of the boat during winter, and using the wrong kind of cleaners on the hull.

To prevent hull blistering, take the time to have your boat serviced and stored during the off-season. You should also be careful about using harsh cleaners or chemicals on the hull.

Throttle Problems

A few complaints stated that despite the boat running well overall, there were issues with gears or throttle going into neutral. This may have been a beginner boater problem as it was mostly reported in early model years such as 1992.

As a result, a boater would have to jerk hard or pull back on the throttle to get the gear to pop out.

Unfortunately, this action may cause the boat to go into reverse. Another temporary boater solution involved changing the shift cable that was getting kinked.

If you are having throttle problems, the first thing you should do is check the owner’s manual.

Four Winns have addressed this problem in newer models by adding a “safety switch” that must be engaged before the engine starts. This is to prevent people from accidentally engaging the throttle while the boat is not in motion.

Fuel Gauge Issues

Some owners have also complained about fuel gauge issues. In some cases, the gauge would show that the tank was full when it was actually empty. Other times, the gauge would fluctuate or show an inaccurate reading.

Possible causes of this problem include a faulty unit, loose wiring, or bad ground.

If you’re experiencing fuel gauge issues, the first thing you should check is the wiring and connections. If everything looks good, then you may need to replace the sending unit.

Bilge Pump Problems

The bilge pump is responsible for removing water from the bilge area of the boat. This area is where water can collect from rain, waves, or leaks.

A bilge pump problem is usually caused by a bad float switch or a clogged bilge. The float switch tells the pump when to turn on and off, so if it’s not working, the bilge pump won’t be able to do its job.

A clogged bilge can also prevent the bilge pump from working correctly. This is usually caused by debris or sludge built up over time.

Four Winns have a warranty for their bilge pumps, so if you’re having problems, you should contact the company to see if you can get a replacement.

Battery Issues

Some people have also had problems with their batteries draining or dying prematurely. There are a few possible causes of this, including leaving lights on, overcharging the battery, or not using it often enough.

To prevent battery issues, you should make sure to turn off all lights and electronics when you’re not using them.

You should also charge the battery regularly, even if you’re not using the boat.

Propeller Problems

Some Four Winns users have mentioned propeller problems. It can be caused by hitting something in the water, using the wrong propeller, or not maintaining the propeller properly.

If you hit something while you’re driving, it’s vital to inspect the propeller for damage.

If there is any damage, you should replace the propeller.

You should also use the correct size and type of propeller for your boat.

Blower Fan Issue

One reported issue with Four Winns boats concerns a problem with the blower fan. The blower fan is responsible for circulating air in the boat’s engine compartment.

Some people have complained that the blower fan is not strong enough, or died prematurely.

One possible solution to this problem is to replace the blower fan.

Another solution is to clean the engine compartment, which will help the fan to circulate air more effectively.

General Pros and Cons for Four Winns Boats

As mentioned earlier, Four Winns is a highly rated brand that produces high-quality boats. People are fans of Four Winns due to the company’s commitment to customer service and its use of high-quality materials.

The Four Winns boats are generally very reliable and great for activities such as fishing, skiing, and wakeboarding.

However, as with any boat, there are a few potential problems that you should be aware of.

Pros

• High-quality construction
• Stylish and modern designs
• Wide variety of models to choose from
• A good reputation
• Comfortable sleeping quarters in many models

Cons

• Some reports of fuel gauge and battery issues
• Bilge pump problems
• The blower fan might not be strong enough for some people

As you can see, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to Four Winns boats. If you’re in the market for a new boat, Four Winns is a great option to consider.

What Do The Reviews Say?

One review praises the below deck luxury of the Vista 275 series. The enhanced space is an engineering upgrade from the previously confined space cruisers complained of.

An excited reviewer on iBoats.com stated:

“WOW!! This boat has more options than any 22 ft boat we have ever stocked! If you are looking for a boat that can take the family wakeboarding and not break the bank, this is the one!”

Another review mentions oil pressure:

“I have 2000 Four Winns bowrider. It has a 5.0 Volvo Penta SX. I am getting low oil pressure when I left off the throttle. It doesn’t happen all the time, but if I am at cruising speed for a bit then slow to an idle the oil pressure drops and the alarm goes off. “

What’s the Resale Value on Four Winns Boats?

The resale value on Four Winns boats is very good. Because they are such a well-known and reliable brand, their boats hold their value very well.

You can expect to get a good price for your Four Winns boat if you decide to sell it in the future.

Let’s look at Vista 275, for example.
A 2015 model from this brand costs $114,715 and resells for about $77,250!

The cost of a Four Winns boat will vary depending on the model and year. The price gap is huge from low to high end.

According to www.boattrader.com, you can expect to pay anywhere from $6,328 to $402,774 for a Four Winns boat.

How To Maintain Your Four Winns Boat

The typical Four Winns boat will last years with proper care and maintenance.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your boat in good condition:

1. Clean the boat regularly. It will help to prevent corrosion and keep the boat looking its best.
2. Wax the boat to protect the finish.
3. Inspect the boat regularly for any damage or leaks.
4. Change the oil and filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Maintain the luxury elements by regularly cleaning and polishing them.
6. Check the batteries and electrical system regularly. If you handle the batteries directly, be careful with the wires as they can be brittle.
7. If you trailer your boat, inspect the trailer regularly and ensure all the lights are working.

With proper care, a Four Winns boat will provide you with many years of enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Four Winns is a great option if you’re looking for a high-quality and reliable boat. These boats are well-constructed and designed to last.

While there are a few potential problems that you might encounter, the pros outweigh the cons.

The resale value on Four Winns boats is good, so you can expect a competitive price if you decide to sell as long as you take care of it. While you have a Four Winns in your possession, you can sleep in comfort below deck or enjoy sports such as wakeboarding with family and friends.

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