1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

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RVguy99

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Mar 29, 2011
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Hello all,

I posted a couple days ago about a 1996 Horizon 200 which turned out to be a piece of junk. Tomorrow I am going to look at a 1997 FW RX 18' bowrider. It has a new engine (2006) and is being professionally cleaned, serviced, and inspected (with documentation) at a local marina. The new engine was apparently due to improper winterization by a marina in Fall of 2005.

My question is this. I can't find anything out about these late 90's Four Winns. I have no idea what the difference is between the RX, QX, and Horizon series. Is this a good boat? What, other than the normal items you check on every boat, is a important thing to look for on these in particular?

He says it is immaculate, like new condition, garage kept, etc, etc. I've heard all that before. But the price is very good and I'm the first person who gets to see it, so I'm optimistic about this one. It has the 4.3l Volvo/Penta, FWIW.
 
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RVguy99

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Messages
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Re: 1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

Very funny. It's a 1997. And I spent an hour googling it, with not much success.
 
RotaryRacer

RotaryRacer

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Re: 1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

I just wrote up some stuff on the history of the 17 and 18 foot boats that Four Winns built over the years. Take a look at some of my recent posts.

In brief the RX was introduced in 1997 and in my opinion marked a real significant shift for Four Winns. This was the first year that all of their boats had full fiberglass cockpit liners. There is still wood in the substructure, however, the design of the post 1997 boats combined with the build quality on these boats makes them much, much more durable than the previous generations.

My 2004 is basically the same boat (with an outboard) as the 1997 RX. The hull was in production through 2005 although it had a couple of names over those years.

Four Winns is one of only a few builders that has all of their old product information online. It is a great resource:

http://www.fourwinns.com/service/past_product

Click on the past catalogs or past specs link on the left side of the page to find information about the boat you are interested in.
 
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RVguy99

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Joined
Mar 29, 2011
Messages
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Re: 1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

RotaryRacer said:
I just wrote up some stuff on the history of the 17 and 18 foot boats that Four Winns built over the years. Take a look at some of my recent posts.

In brief the QX was introduced in 1997 and in my opinion marked a real significant shift for Four Winns. This was the first year that all of their boats had full fiberglass cockpit liners. There is still wood in the substructure, however, the design of the post 1997 boats combined with the build quality on these boats makes them much, much more durable than the previous generations.

My 2004 is basically the same boat (with an outboard) as the 1997 QX. The hull was in production through 2005 although it had a couple of names over those years.

Four Winns is one of only a few builders that has all of their old product information online. It is a great resource:

http://www.fourwinns.com/service/past_product

Click on the past catalogs or past specs link on the left side of the page to find information about the boat you are interested in.
Click to expand...

Thanks Rotoracer. This one is an RX per my understanding. Does that mean it also has the full fiberglass liner? I read many of your recent posts and was not able to tell for sure. It sounds like the RX is the lowest end model you could get in 1997? Is this a good boat to consider or should I be looking for a different model, or something newer? Thanks again,
 
RotaryRacer

RotaryRacer

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Re: 1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

RVguy99 said:
Thanks Rotoracer. This one is an RX per my understanding. Does that mean it also has the full fiberglass liner? I read many of your recent posts and was not able to tell for sure. It sounds like the RX is the lowest end model you could get in 1997? Is this a good boat to consider or should I be looking for a different model, or something newer? Thanks again,
Click to expand...

I missed typed....I put QX where I meant to put RX in my post. (now edited)

The RX is the 18' boat.

The QX is the 16'-6" boat.
 
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RVguy99

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Re: 1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

Thanks everyone. That was all quite helpful. I bought the boat today, great deal, and even better condition. Full inspection from a local boat place, I'm a happy camper!

Is it summer yet?
 
RotaryRacer

RotaryRacer

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Re: 1997 Four Winns RX 18' Questions

RVguy99 said:
Thanks everyone. That was all quite helpful. I bought the boat today, great deal, and even better condition. Full inspection from a local boat place, I'm a happy camper!

Is it summer yet?
Click to expand...


Congrats. I hope you enjoy your "new" boat.

Now you got to get some pictures, so we can all see how nice it is...
 
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