2022 Four Winns H2 Outboard

Overview

Four Winns’ H2 runabout delivers value with style, whether you choose the outboard version we tested or the version with sterndrive power and the surfable option of a forward-facing MerCruiser or Volvo Penta drive.

The near-vertical stem, the compound curves and graceful arc of the windshield, and the taper of the beam aft give it uncommon style. Our tester featured the Elevate Package, which includes special exterior colors of Phantom Gray, Steel Gray and Jet Black ($680), and a deluxe interior ($1,815) in near monochrome black CoolTouch vinyl with leatherlike texture, hexagonal stitching and a single, bright rear-seat accent. 

Interior and Accessories

The H2 Outboard offers a 2-foot-10-inch-deep aft platform forward of the motorwell, with generous space. Four Winns’ boarding ladder, which angles away from the boat and sports wide steps, is one of the nicest out there. The sun pad provides lift-up backrests, which also uncover walk-throughs to the cockpit and a center section with drink holders. A bench seat wraps around to port, with a pivoting backrest at the console position that can face fore or aft. An electric ram lifts the sun pad and aft seating to reveal a stowage compartment in the space that would hold the engine in the sterndrive version, which can be equipped with an optional portable head and privacy curtain ($640).

A Simrad GO7XS touchscreen presents helm instrumentation, with a duplicate adjacent Simrad for navigation offered as an option. There’s a wireless phone charger tucked into the inwale. The bow seating is deep, secure and comfortable.

Our test boat’s options included an electric-assist wake tower ($9,455), premium JL Audio system with subwoofer ($3,335), and the LX Package ($2,640) with a Bimini, bow scuff plate and pull-up cleats.

Engine

Mercury’s Verado 250 V-8 proved silky-smooth. It comes standard with digital control and power steering, and is so quiet that we couldn’t hear it at idle. Time to plane was 3.8 seconds, aided by Four Winns’ Stable-Vee hull. The H2 rides smooth, has sharp handling and satisfies in every regard.

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Mercury 250 hp Verado 250 V-8 outboard
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14.6″ x 18″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 42 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Standard touchscreen display offers more info than a set of gauges.
• Head where the engine used to be is a nice option for family boating.
• Exclusive single lever to adjust fore and aft and rotate the helm seat is easy to reach and works like a charm.

Low Points

• Outboard motor clutters the transom.
• We’d like to see a trash bin.
• Carpet lining the bow stowage is a potential mildew incubator.

Toughest Competitor

The 23-foot-2-inch Cobalt 23SC ($107,743 base with Mercury Verado 250, no trailer) accommodates a head compartment in the port console. Other features include the patented Cobalt swim step, an all-glass helm with dual Garmin 743 displays, and a pivoting backrest at the sun pad. The aesthetics of the pickle-fork bow might not appeal to everyone.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Four Winns Boats – Cadillac, Michigan; fourwinns.com