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Four Winns HD 270 OB (2016-)
1 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 25'' Shaft
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Brief Summary
The Four Winns HD 270 OB has the eye appeal of a bowrider with the added space up front of a deckboat, thanks to carrying her 8'5" (2.55 m) beam well forward. She offers numerous upscale touches, including soft-cover footing on both the swim platform and at the bow entry from the fold out beach ladder. Her deeply-padded, sculpted, and French-stitched upholstery is a match for most anything in class. Outboard powered by an Evinrude E-TEC G2 300 HP outboard means there's added space aft for storage and seating, as well as the advantage of reduced weight, ease of maintenance, and, with the Evinrude G2, no scheduled engine maintenance for five years.
Key Features
- Stable Vee hull, SC hull
- Custom trailer
- Unique windshield design
- CCB with choice of color
- Dual swim platforms
- Swim platform seat
- Walkthrough transom
- Stern storage compartment
- Fixed and carry on coolers
- Enclosed head
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500 | 3.1 | 2.7 | 0.3 | 10.33 | 8.99 | 651 | 566 | 70 |
1000 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 0.65 | 8.08 | 7.02 | 509 | 442 | 70 |
1500 | 7.2 | 6.2 | 1.35 | 5.3 | 4.61 | 334 | 290 | 72 |
2000 | 8.3 | 7.2 | 2.7 | 3.06 | 2.66 | 193 | 167 | 74 |
2500 | 9.9 | 8.6 | 5.15 | 1.91 | 1.66 | 120 | 105 | 75 |
3000 | 11.9 | 10.3 | 6.7 | 1.78 | 1.54 | 112 | 97 | 76 |
3500 | 16.7 | 14.5 | 7.9 | 2.11 | 1.84 | 133 | 116 | 78 |
4000 | 30.1 | 26.1 | 9.65 | 3.11 | 2.71 | 196 | 171 | 87 |
4500 | 35.4 | 30.7 | 11.95 | 2.96 | 2.57 | 186 | 162 | 89 |
5000 | 40 | 34.7 | 15.3 | 2.61 | 2.27 | 165 | 143 | 92 |
5500 | 44.7 | 38.9 | 18.25 | 2.45 | 2.13 | 154 | 134 | 96 |
5900 | 48.9 | 42.5 | 23.5 | 2.08 | 1.81 | 131 | 114 | 98 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 26' 5'' / 8.04 m |
---|---|
Beam |
8' 5'' 2.55 m |
Dry Weight |
5,050 lbs. 2,291 kg |
Tested Weight |
5,975 lbs. 2,710 kg |
Draft |
32'' 0.81 m |
Draft Up |
16'' 41 cm |
Draft Down |
32'' 81 cm |
Deadrise/Transom | 20-deg. |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Fuel Capacity |
70 gal. 265 L |
Water Capacity |
12 gal. 45 L |
Trailer Weight |
1,860 lbs. 844 kg |
Total Weight |
5,975 lbs. 2,710 kg |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | N/A |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 6.8 sec. |
Ratio | 1.85:1 |
Props | Rebel 15 1/2" x 17" 3-bl ss |
Load | 2 persons, 1/2 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear |
Climate | 80 deg., 65 humid.; wind: 0-7 mph; seas: calm |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
1 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 25'' Shaft |
---|---|
Std. Power |
Not Available |
Opt. Power |
1 x 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 E250 X 1 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 E300 X Five Mercury engines from 250-hp 350-hp Two Yamaha engines from 250-hp to 300-hp |
Captain's Report
Learn More
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Overview
The Four Winns HD 270 OB has the eye appeal of a bowrider with the added space up front of a deckboat, thanks to carrying her 8'5" beam well forward. She offers numerous upscale touches, including soft-cover footing on both the swim platform and at the bow entry from the fold out beach ladder.
Her deep-padded, sculpted, and French-stitched upholstery is a match for anything in the genre. Outboard power means there's added space aft for storage and seating, as well as the advantage of reduced weight, ease of maintenance, and no issues with saltwater in coastal use. A sterndrive version is also available for those who prefer it.
Key Features
- • Stable Vee® hull
- • Four Winns custom trailer
- • Optional windshield styles
- • Dual swim platforms
- • Deep-reach swim ladder
- • Swim platform seat
- • Enclosed head
Features Inspection
An unusual feature in the design of the Four Winns HD 270 OB is the width of the bow seating area -- the boat maintains close to the full 8'5" maximum beam width all the way to bow, giving the sort of space up front normally found only in pickle-fork deckboat designs.
Yet, the Stable Vee hull is designed to provide a conventional deep-V ride, avoiding the tendency to hammer at some speeds in head seas seen in some pickle forks. The Stable Vee design uses what the company calls "split chines," a sort of modified cathedral hull arrangement in which the side sponsons are of modest depth and ride clear of the water when the boat is on plane -- it delivers more usable interior space at the bow without negatively affecting the ride.
At the Bow
The fore deck is covered in soft composite to assure non-slip traction for those using the stainless steel beach ladder, which folds away in the bow peak compartment. This compartment also includes an anchor hanger and plenty of space for rode stowage. There are dual running lights here, one on each corner of the squared off bow to assure that neither is masked in night operation. Both the lights and the cleats are inset to prevent them from stubbing toes when the bow becomes a diving platform.
Seating is squared off across the bow, allowing one or two to sit facing aft in the peak, two more to relax on lounge seats facing forward. There are no armrests, as are provided by some competitors, but the low bow rails will provide a convenient grip if needed on occasion when jumping a wake.
We particularly like the depth of the inwale padding here -- it's thick enough to provide real cushioning, much superior to some we've seen. An optional movable side-mount table turns this area into a lunch spot or a venue for cocktails at anchor. This table can be stored behind the seat backs.
Each forward facing seat measures 60” long, and the bow area has a median width of 65”.
Optional cushions fill in the backrest and center of the seating area to create a fully enclosed playpen with padding all around. Grab rails also run the length of the bow to provide additional security.
Storage Forward. There are storage pockets under the coaming pads on either side, and stereo speakers are tucked into these areas, putting them out of the weather. The tri-tone upholstery is covered in heavy gauge Aquaflex marine vinyl, and the trim areas are diamond-stitched. The textured upholstery, JL Audio speakers, and fine stitching are evidence of the upscale details found throughout the boat.
All storage hatch lids in this area feature heavy-duty double hinges, and the framing is composite for long-term durability. An insulated ice chest with overboard drain is found under the bow seat. The other two compartments have fiberglass liners.
Amidships
The windshields are tall enough to be actually functional in keeping spray out of the cockpit, and the fold-out air dam will be appreciated on chilly mornings. For those who prefer style to practically, an optional low-profile windshield is available. The entire cockpit area is exceptionally deep, providing added security for kids and pets as well as assisting in a dry, safe ride.
The head inside the port console is accessed via a curved door that provides plenty of space for entering and exiting, even though the space inside is fairly compact. The portable toilet inside is standard, as is the sink. A screened porthole for ventilation is also included. There's a small shelf for toiletries, as well -- it would perhaps be more useful if edging were provided to keep whatever is placed there from falling down beside the toilet when the boat is underway.
Headroom inside is 4’0”.
At the Helm
The dash is upholstered in two-color French-stitched faux leather vinyl with the top satin-black to reduce glare in the windshield. Wood grain vinyl adds an attractive touch to the dash panel, and a pair of chrome-bezel, multi-function gauges keep this area clean and modern-looking.
The optional premium steering wheel is a combination of padded faux leather and chromed stainless, and it tilts to suit drivers of varying heights. The switches are machined stainless, racing style flip-ons.
Stereo controls are found on the lower left, while the shift/throttle mounts on the starboard inwale. The stereo has four speakers and Bluetooth connectivity.
The helm and companion seats are identical and are among the best we have seen in class. They have high back rests, folding armrests, they recline, and have retaining cushions both in the seat and back rest to give support when the boat maneuvers in high speed turns. Their bolsters cantilever up on tandem supports and provide the most comfortable bolster seating we have seen in class.
Main Cockpit Storage. In addition to the built-in drink box in the bow, there’s space for two more carry-on coolers beneath the bottom cushions for the port and aft bench seats in the cockpit. Additionally, there’s a wastebasket beneath the corner cushion.
The ski locker hatch is between the driver and companion’s seats. The sole of the locker has a rubber mat on the bottom to cushion gear. The locker also includes a rack for the aft running light. This compartment measures 5’11” long by 1’11” wide and is 1’10” deep. There is a second hatch forward that aids access to this compartment, which can be used for all sorts of things -- not just skis and boards.
Aft
Families with small kids or dogs will appreciate the stainless steel gate that secures the pass-through to the swim platform, but it can be hitched out of the way when only adults are aboard.
The aft-facing seats overlooking the swim platform will probably be the most popular spot on the boat when the boat is at anchor. The seat is padded with multi-density draining foam and is firm. Padded arm rests port and starboard contain welcome cup holders. Below the seat are stereo speakers mounted above the swim platform to provide tunes for those on the towline or in the water for a swim.
A four-step folding swim ladder tucks under a cover here to provide easy access for swimmers. This ladder angles out and wider than we normally see and includes flat composite steps, which should make it much easier to use than most ladders we see in class.
Aft Lazerette. There's cavernous storage under the aft seat structure, which is where the engine goes in sterndrive models. This space reminds us of what we often see on large express cruisers. It will pretty much hold anything the boat needs to carry, giving the outboard model a plus in this category.
Swim Platform. The boat features what is sometimes called a "bustled" transom with the swim platform extending out beside the outboard on both sides. Four Winns says the under portions of the platform, known as "after-pods," help to get the boat on plane quicker.
This design not only adds usable space on the platform, it also improves the appearance of the transom area by better integrating the outboard into the lines of the boat. With the many color options available on the Evinrude cowling system, the engine can actually add eye appeal in this installation.
Power
The Four Winns HD270 OB we tested was powered by Evinrude's E-TEC G2 300-hp engine. The 210-cubic inch (3.4 L) direct-injected engine, like all E-TEC G2 V6's, features integral steering and tilt mechanisms, allowing an exceptionally clean, clutter-free single-tube installation. The engine weighs in at 558 lbs. The prop was a 15 1/2" x 17" Evinrude SS Rebel 3-blade.
Our test boat was 26’5” LOA, had a 8’5” beam, a 20-degree deadrise at the transom and a test weight of 5,975 lbs. (2,710 kg).
Performance Numbers
At WOT, she ran 48.9 mph (78.6 kph) and used 23.5 gph (89 lph).
Best Cruise. Best economy came in at 4000 rpms, where she ran 30.1 mph (48.4 kph), burned 9.65 gph and got 3.11 mpg (1.32 kpl), for a range of about 196 statute miles (316 km) with a 10% fuel reserve. This means most days on the lake, even those that start shortly after sunup and don't end until after sundown, will not require a trip to the fuel dock, thanks to her 70 gallon tank and this reasonable fuel burn.
Acceleration. Time from 0 to 20 mph was 4.8 seconds, while 0-30 time was 6.8 seconds. It should be noted that the boat gets on plane from 3500 to 3700 RPM.
Handling
Our test captain reports that the HD270 handled like a boat much smaller and lighter than she is. “It’s a nice handling boat with no hop or sliding in hard turns,” he said. Importantly, there was no pounding, even in sharp turns. Her split chines may give the boat a better bight on the water in some conditions, and perhaps this is why our captain said she handled like a smaller boat. No cavitation was reported at any time during the sea trials. The 20-degree deadrise provided a smooth ride in the mild chop we encountered.
Construction
Four Winns utilizes copper wiring harnesses with a tin coating to inhibit corrosion in saltwater environments. Internal silicone seals protect against damage, and the contacts are rated for the high amperages required for today’s marine applications.
The Comfort-Ride seats include a roto-cast composite base topped with a layer of reticulated foam over which the stainless steel innersprings ride. The seats are finished off with a thick layer of contoured molded foam and heavy gauge Aquaflex marine vinyl with the edges neatly French-stitched in contrasting thread colors in many areas.
Overall we found fittings, hardware, and installations to be of high quality, just what we would expect to find on a premium boat.
Four Winns Trailers
The company includes as standard factory-matched low profile trailers with their boats, assuring easy towing. The trailers are box-beam steel, all welded, and finished with multiple coats of electrostatically-applied polyurethane for a lasting, rust-resistant finish. Galvanized models are optionally available for use in saltwater areas.
LED submersible tail-lights put an end to blown out bulbs, and the tie-down hooks and straps are on roller systems to keep them always handy for tying down the boat. Sealed, oil-filled bearings eliminate lubing concerns, and the fold-away tongue allows storage in confined space. The trailer can be removed from the purchase package for a credit, if desired.
Base Price
Listed price is $99,715 with the Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp engine.
Available Options
- • Premium Sound System ($2,269)
- • Transom and bow shower ($231)
- • Underwater lighting ($608)
- • Wakeboard tower JL Audio speakers (requires premium sound system) ($1,177)
- • Wakeboard tower, electric with black Bimini top ($7,385)
- • Board racks ($746)
- • Turbo swing ski tow ($1,223)
- • Electric toilet ($1,692)
- • Pump-out toilet ($238)
- • Bow fill-in cushions ($377)
- • Carry-on coolers, 72-quart (68 L) ($192 each)
- • Premium steering wheel ($454)
- • Table with mounts at bow, stern, and cockpit ($585)
- • Cockpit and bow covers ($869)
- • Trim tabs with indicators ($1,154)
Observations
The Four Winns HD270 OB combines the style and handling of a sportboat with the seating space found in many pontoon boats. It's small enough to be trailerable with a full-size vehicle, large enough to take on not only any inland lake but also broad, open coastal bays, and estuaries. She should make an excellent watersports platform, and with a draft of just 16" when the motor is tilted upward, she's ideal for taking the crew for a swim nearly anywhere.
Test Result Highlights
- • Top speed for the Four Winns HD 270 OB (2016-) was 48.9 mph (78.6 kph), burning 23.5 gallons per hour (gph) or 89.0 liters per hour (lph).
- • Best cruise for the Four Winns HD 270 OB (2016-) was 30.1 mph (48.4 kph), where she got 3.11 mpg (1.32 kpl), giving a range of about 196 miles (316 km), allowing a 10 percent reserve.
- • Tested power was 1 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2.
Warranty
Four Winns HD 270 OB (2016-) Warranty Information
Warranties change from time to time. While BoatTEST.com has tried to ensure the most up-to-date warranty offered by each builder, it does not guarantee the accuracies of the information presented below. Please check with the boat builder or your local dealer before you buy any boat.