Shopping for a used boat in the boats personal watercraft market usually comes down to a fork in the water: do you want a package that can be launched with minimal fuss, or are you willing to take on a project to save money? These two listings sit on opposite sides of that fork. The 2006 Four Winns Horizon 198 package lists for $6,500, while the 1999 Malibu sits at $2,000 - a $4,500 spread. Which one fits your plan depends on how much work you're ready to take on.
Quick verdict: For a more complete, ready-to-fix package, the Four Winns is the stronger pick despite a known repair. For the lowest entry cost and a project you can shape yourself, the Malibu is the budget route.
At a Glance
| 2006 Four Winns Horizon 198 with Trailer | 1999 Malibu | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed Price | USD 6,500 | USD 2,000 |
| Boat Year / Trailer | 2006 boat with 2016 trailer | 1999 boat |
| Hull | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Engine | Volvo Penta GXI, 87 hours | Seller keeping motor; water-cooled headers and parts for sale |
| Notable details | 2016 trailer, foldable tower, LED lights, speakers | Fresh-water use, 11-20 gal fuel capacity, gas |
Where the Four Winns Wins
The Four Winns is the choice when you want a boat with everything already bolted on and a recent maintenance history. The seller has done a tune-up and replaced several wear items. The main trade-off is the cracked manifold, which you'll need to fix, but the rest of the package is ready to work with.
Where the 1999 Malibu Wins
The Malibu wins on price and project potential. Its low cost gives you room to build something without paying for extras you might not want. If you're planning to make the boat your own, this is the lower-stakes way to start.
2006 Four Winns Horizon 198 with 2016 Trailer
This listing is a 2006 Four Winns Horizon 198 paired with a 2016 single-axle trailer, and the seller describes it as a Limited Edition marking the company's 30 years. The Volvo Penta GXI has only 87 hours, and the seller says they did a full tune-up with new filters, fuel pump, water impeller, USCG lines, battery, and two tires. A factory-installed foldable tower, six LEDs, and four huge speakers are already on board. The interior and bolster seats are described as impeccable. The catch is the port manifold, which the seller says a mechanic replaced with a refurbished unit and is now cracked; the other manifold is good. If you're comfortable with that repair, this is the more complete package.
1999 Malibu
This 1999 Malibu is a fiberglass-hulled boat with a fresh-water design and a fuel capacity of 11 to 20 gallons, according to the listing. It's described as a cruiser that works for water sports and relaxed trips, which gives you a sense of the intended use. However, the seller states they are keeping the motor for a pickup they own, and are instead selling water-cooled headers and other motor parts. That makes this a different kind of transaction: you're buying the hull and the parts, not a boat you can immediately launch. The low asking price reflects that reality. If you have a power plan in mind, this could be a cost-effective starting point; if you're expecting turnkey, it's not.
Final Choice by Use Case
If you want to get out on the water soon with the least amount of assembly, the Four Winns is the pick. Bring a mechanic into the equation or a repair plan, and you'll have a solid boat.
If you're hunting for a low-cost platform and have your own power strategy, the 1999 Malibu is the budget option. Just go in with a clear plan for how you'll get it moving.
