Chaparral 183 SS or Four Winns Horizon 190?

[Stinger]

I'm deciding between a Chap 183SS or a Winns Horizon 190. I've priced out two. Both have bow and cockpit covers, depth finders, hour meters, cd, bimini tops, standard features. All extras were factored in in both prices. The Chap has a Mercruiser 220hp V6 MPI (v8 not available on this model) and the Winns has a Volvo 220hp V8 carb. Both come with single axle trailers with retractable tongues and surge brakes. Chap priced out at $23,125 and Winns at $23,450. I got the Chap dealer to add an extra year warranty on the Mercruiser to compete with VP. The Winns is 3"'s longer and 4"'s wider. Also, Winns are constructed with 100% fiberglass, the Chap SS models have some wood. Which way should I go? I was originally looking at bigger models, but couldn't afford them due to building a new house.

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Chaparral 183 SS or Four Winns Horizon 190?

Are the engine stringers wood on the Four Wins?? Personal I think the Chap is a nicer looking boat.

 

[KCook]

Re: Chaparral 183 SS or Four Winns Horizon 190?

Repeat after me - V8 ... V8 ... V8 ... V8 ... V8 ... V8 ... V8 ... V8 ... V8<br /><br /> Kelly Cook

 

[bdesaul]

Re: Chaparral 183 SS or Four Winns Horizon 190?

I just ordered the Four Winns 190 - pretty much all the features you are thinking about. What sold me was I liked the extra LOA and beam - figured that would make a big difference on the water. My friend has the Chaparal 183SS and it seemed narrow. I am pretty sure that even the Four Winns 190 has wood/composite type stringers since that model is not a VEC boat. <br /><br />Also, Four Winns is doing free upgrade to V8 until March 31 - your dealer should have mentioned this to you?

 

[Boating Barbie]

Re: Chaparral 183 SS or Four Winns Horizon 190?

I was considering the same two models. After about 6 months of looking at both, I went with the Chaparral. In my opinion the Chap seemed sportier while the FW looks more like a family boat. Both had comparable interior and exterior features, except I preferred the dash layout and the passenger glove box/ice chest features of the Chaparral. Pricing research shows that Chaparral boats hold their value better than Four Winns, although I've heard better things about FW in the last few months than I have in years past.<br /><br />Just my $.02