Boating - June 2016 USA

Tests

EXTRA POINT

H

ERE’S A CROSSOVER OPEN-BOW BOAT

that redefines the category by dramatically

expanding forward seating space yet retaining

the nimble, responsive and smooth ride of a premium

V-bottom. The Four Winns HD270 does it with outboard

power too, making it a sure hit in coastal settings.

The Mercury Verado 300 proved responsive with

integrated power steering. Even with a large crew,

acceleration was exciting with power to spare. Sitting

at the bow, you could stretch out fully across the beam.

The seating area was nearly square with ample fore to aft

seating as well. Both the design and the upholstery, our

notes reflect, make

for a comfy spot.

Coaming pockets are

richly upholstered and

protect stereo speakers

and stainless-steel

cup holders. There’s a

bow boarding ladder

and you can access

the anchor without

disturbing the ladder.

The skipper and

mate get bucket

seats that swivel and

recline. Flip up a

bolster for elevation

when docking or to

simply stand up for

better close-quarters

visibility. The helm station offers a clean, upholstered and

padded design with a three-spoke steering wheel and a

clear, unobstructed view of the water ahead — even with

passengers seated forward.

The cockpit is complete with a walk-through to the

transom. Most transom seating areas on boats have a

backrest that tilts fore and aft, converting the seating into

a sun pad. Four Winns relies on the forward area for a

sun pad and does so using optional filler cushions, but the

advantage of the fixed aft seat is the easy-lifting hatch that

covers a bodega of storage.

If you weren’t already down with the luxurious

accommodations on the HD270, we failed to mention a

portside head compartment, which offers comfortable space

and a port light and can be equipped with either a flushing

toilet or a porta-potty.

The HD270 rings up at $93,538 (base with test power) and

the wakeboard arch with Bimini and board racks costs $7,977,

and tower speakers cost $1,177. It’s priced right for coastal

boaters who appreciate the convenient maintenance schedule

of outboard power. — Randy Vance

Four Winns

HD270

( #2954 )

Four Winns’

bustled transom

is beautifully inte-

grated into the hull

lines, giving the prop

a clean bite in water

reformed after the

transom; at rest, it

gives bathers extra

real estate for dipping

their toes in the water.

High Points

XInterior cockpit is deep, adding security for the kids.

XCustom trailer is standard, but waterfront owners can delete it and

net $3,450.

XHD270 is equipped with both fixed and carry-on coolers.

XOutboard rigging extends from beneath the transom platform, clearing the

deck for watersports.

Low Points

XStainless-steel cup holders in our prototype were attractive but did not

drain.

XTransom seating is popular in some climes, but others, particularly northern

boaters, might prefer added space in the cockpit.

Toughest Competitor

XYou’d be hard pressed to find a comparable 27-foot outboard crossover at

this printing, but Sea Ray has a beauty: the 270 Sundeck OB ($100,711

with a Verado 300). A wakeboard tower is $5,662, including an integrated

Bimini top. Board racks are $1,115 and a wake-tower mirror adds $538.

XLOA: 26'5" XBeam: 8'5" XDraft: 1'4" (drive up) XDisplacement: 5,050 lb. (dry with

power) XTransom Deadrise: 20 degrees XBridge Clearance: 7'7" XFuel Capacity:

70 gal. XMax Horsepower: 350 XAvailable Power: Single outboards from Evinrude,

Mercury or Yamaha

Price: $102,692 (as tested with trailer)

HOW WE TESTED

ENGINE: Mercury Verado 300 DRIVE/PROP: Outboard/Mirage 19" GEAR RATIO: 1:75:1

FUEL LOAD: 46 gal. CREW WEIGHT: 550 lb.

Four Winns Boats Cadillac, Michigan; 231-775-1351; fourwinns.com

To see a photo gallery of the Four Winns HD270,

MORE ONLINE visit boatingmag.com/2954.

TBOATINGCertified Test Results

SPEED EFFICIENCY OPERATION

rpm knots mph gph^ naut. mpg stat. mpg range range n. mi. s. mi. angle levelsound

1000 4.4 5.1 1.00 4.43 5.10 4.0 4.6 1 79

1500 6.4 7.4 1.00 6.43 7.40 5.8 6.7 1 71

2000 7.7 8.9 1.00 7.73 8.90 7.0 8.0 4 78

2500 8.0 9.2 1.00 7.99 9.20 7.2 8.3 5 85

3000 9.6 11.1 1.00 9.65 11.10 8.7 10.0 7 81

3500 20.9 24.1 1.00 20.90 24.05 18.8 21.6 5 85

4000 29.6 34.1 1.00 29.63 34.10 26.7 30.7 3 80

4500 34.7 40.0 1.00 34.72 39.95 31.2 36.0 2 82

5000 38.6 44.5 1.00 38.63 44.45 34.8 40.0 2 85

5500 43.1 49.6 1.00 43.10 49.60 38.8 44.6 2 88

5850 47.3 54.5 1.00 47.32 54.45 42.6 49.0 2 88

MOST ECONOMICAL CRUISING SPEED

AVAILABLE POWER:

OUTBOARD

PHOTO: COURTESY FOUR WINNS BOATS

60 BOATINGMAG.COM JUNE 2016