Shopping for a used boat often comes down to one question: how much work are you willing to do? These two boats show how wide that spectrum can be. The first is a 2006 Four Winns Horizon 198 with a Volvo Penta and a trailer, while the second is a 1989 Proline that does not run and needs wiring and fuel system attention. The price difference is significant, but so is the difference in what you'll have to do before either boat is on the water.
Quick verdict
If you want a boat you can use soon and you're comfortable fixing a cracked manifold, the Four Winns package is the more complete choice, with a trailer and a low-hour engine already in the mix. If you want the cheapest entry point and are ready to rewire and sort out the fuel system, the Proline gives you a low-cost base to build on, and you can spread your budget over the parts you actually need.
Comparison at a glance
| Feature | Four Winns Horizon 198 Package | 1989 Proline |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 6,500 | USD 1,500 |
| Price bar | ||
| Boat + trailer | 2006 Horizon 198 / 2016 trailer | 1989 Proline |
| Engine | Volvo Penta GXI, 87 hours | 1980 engine, turns over |
| Running condition | Used, tune-up parts installed | Non-running, needs wiring |
| Key caveat | Cracked port-side manifold | Fuel system and wiring work |
Where each product wins
The Four Winns package wins on included extras: a factory foldable tower, six LEDs, four speakers, and a 20-foot fiberglass hull. The Proline wins on cost and simplicity: the engine turns over, and you can put the money you save into wiring and fuel system improvements. It's a basic boat that lets you decide what you want to add later.
Product notes
Four Winns Horizon 198 Package
Choosing the Four Winns package means getting a boat and trailer in one purchase. The boat is a 2006 Four Winns Horizon 198, a Limited Edition 30th-anniversary model, paired with a 2016 single-axle trailer. Power comes from a Volvo Penta GXI with 87 original hours, and the SX outdrive is included. The package also brings a factory foldable tower, four speakers, and six LEDs. According to the seller, new filters, a fuel pump, impeller, battery, and two tires have been installed, and the interior and bolster seats are in impeccable shape. The reason to choose it is the completeness: you have a trailer, a low-hour engine, and a boat that's ready for the water after the right repairs. The main limitation is the port-side manifold: a refurbished manifold from a recent repair is cracked, so you'll need to replace it and address any related issues before relying on the cooling system.
1989 Proline
The 1989 Proline is a true project boat. It does not run, but the engine turns over, which gives you a starting point. It needs wiring and a fuel system check, and the engine is from 1980, so the whole package is older than the boat itself. You'll be tracing electrical circuits, inspecting fuel lines, and checking engine components before it will run. The upside is that the boat keeps things simple: a basic hull and engine that turns over. This is a good fit if you have hands-on experience and want to build a boat from the ground up, but plan for time and a parts budget that could grow as you discover what else needs attention.
Final choice by use case
Choose the Four Winns Horizon 198 package if you want a trailer, low hours, and a boat that's close to usable, and you're willing to fix the manifold issue. Choose the 1989 Proline if your priority is the lowest possible purchase price and you enjoy doing wiring and fuel system work yourself.
