GRAPHIC COURTESY OF VOLVO PENTAadjustment in my anticipation timing moving in and out of gear and turning the wheel
back and forth for alignment.
Most notably was the exceptional handling in turns. Unlike another model equipped
with the Volvo drive I had the privilege of riding in Miami, the Four Winns turn was crisp,
quiet and tracked extremely well, with no sense of vibration or cavitation. Granted, the
Forward Drive engine props are located 26.5 inches further forward than on a dual prop
sterndrive, explaining the better handling. Four Winns points to its long interest in water
sports dating back to 1992 — when the company first debuted its Stable Vee hull — as
another advantage. Four Winns was an early adopter of Volvo’s IPS technology for big
boats and tweaked hulls and trim tabs to boost the performance dynamics. The company’s
Stable Vee concept seems to be a perfect marriage for the forward-facing drive.Wake-tastic
Safety is understated, but any time you move a spinning propeller away from a person
entering or exiting the water at the stern, the need for caution is obvious. Not so noticeable,
often until it’s too late, is the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Emissions typically
are behind you while underway; however, wake surfing only requires a forward speed of 10
to 12 miles per hour. For passengers seated on the aft seat and even more so for the person
being towed very close to the swim platform, some boats don’t make good tow boats. The
Volvo Forward Drive exhaust port is located underwater, expelling exhaust through the
drive, into the prop wash, and well behind the person in the water. That means less noise,
smell and potential danger for surfers behind the boat.
As for the quality of the wake, tow boats dedicated to the sport are likely to lay claim to a
cleaner curl. For the intended market of the Volvo drive, this wake is more than acceptable
for both surfing and wakeboarding, and with a push of a button transforms the boat for
skiers who want minimal wake.
Most surfers like to hang back 10 to 18 feet from the swim platform. At the drivers helm is a
touch pad for instant wave-tuning. This feature brings a level of customization based on
the weight and skill of each surfer. With the Zero Off speed controller typically found
on more expensive tow boats, both the rider and driver can look like pros in no time.Super stylin’
Four Winns did a great job incorporating a color-matched sports tower to the boat
that can fold down for storage when parked in your garage or on a boat lift with
a low ceiling. The advantages of a tower hookup offers upward pull that makes it
much easier for a wake surfer or wake boarder to get up, especially for beginners.
Regardless of whether you are wake surfing, towing tubes or just coving, the
layout of the TS222 will help seal the deal. Versatile seating is a requirement of
all boats today, and Four Winns delivers with both the skipper’s and companion
seat having the ability for the back rest to angle forward and turn into rear-facing
seating. The stern features a molded-in walk-through to the swim platform. I
like this design, ending slippery feet on vinyl when entering or exiting.
Speaking of vinyl, Four Winns uses a Silvertex Vinyl that sports a foam integrated
suspension system. This leads to a comfortable ride by absorbing the impact caused by
motion, while side air vents circulate cooler air on even the hottest days. Translated: You
aren’t going to burn your buns.
With a generous-sized sun pad aft of the transom wall and a starboard-molded, stadium-style
seat perfect for relaxing while coving, complete with beverage holders and control of the Sony
onboard stereo, the layout is thoughtful and complete. That includes a dedicated storage area
for the Igloo 36-quart ice chest and forward and stern telescoping extra step boarding ladders.
And just for the record, no... I did not attempt the Fire Hydrant. Nor did I Hang Five
or Ten. I do, however, admit to hanging on for dear life.
Like I said, there’s never a 2X wet suit in Miami, but there will be plenty of the innovative
TS222 Four Winns at your local dealer by summer. ★Four Winns TS222
Specifi cations
LOA: 22'7"
Beam: 8'6"
Draft: 33"
Displacement: 4,450 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 50 gals.
Power: Volvo Penta
Forward Drive
Base Price: $82,308
FOURWINNS.COMForward-facing
props with an
adjustable angled
drive is like a
gym squat. Less
energy is required
in a downward
movement.
A standard fi xed
shaft is like a
lower bar back
squat. More power
is needed, and
that aff ects fuel
economy.LAKELANDBOATING.COM | APRIL 2015 3 3BT_FourWinnsAPR15.indd 33 3/2/15 12:00 PM